The difference between vertical and horizontal machining center and how to choose

Horizontal machining center refers to the machining center with horizontal spindle. It usually has a rotary table with automatic indexing. It generally has 3-5 motion coordinates, and the common one is three linear motion coordinates plus one rotary motion coordinate. After the workpiece is installed once, the machining of the remaining four surfaces except the mounting surface and the top surface is completed. It is most suitable for adding box type parts. Compared with the vertical machining center, the horizontal machining center is easy to remove chips, which is beneficial to processing, but the structure is complex and the price is high.

Vertical machining center refers to the machining center whose main axis is vertical. Its structure is mostly fixed column, and the table is rectangular without indexing and rotating function. It is suitable for machining disc, sleeve and plate parts. Generally, it has three linear motion coordinate axes, and a rotary table rotating along the horizontal axis can be installed on the workbench to process spiral parts.

Vertical machining center is easy to install, operate, observe, debug and apply. However, due to the limitation of column height and tool changing device, too high parts can not be processed. When machining the cavity or concave contour, the chip is not easy to discharge. In severe cases, the tool will be damaged, the machined surface will be damaged and the smoothing will be affected.

They are different in dealing with object orientation. Due to the height limitation of column and tool changing device, the vertical machining center can not handle too high parts. The volume of the workpiece processed is relatively small. If we want to realize the side processing of workpiece, we must install angle head or CNC turntable. Horizontal clamping can complete the machining of the remaining four surfaces except the mounting surface and the top surface. It is most suitable for processing box parts. The pentahedron can be machined by adding angle head.