4 Vertical Milling Machine Shopping Tips

After the lathe, the other most utilized machine in industrial manufacturing is the milling machine. While both used for cutting raw materials, the milling machine is a multi-point and bladed cutting tool. While choosing a milling machine, its functionality is the primary consideration, with a vertical milling machine enjoying an edge due to its versatility over the horizontal counterpart. Vertical milling machine features a table that is mounted perpendicular to the spindle’s zero-tilt, allowing users to process parts that have cuts in all axes. While shopping for a vertical milling machine, among the must-consider factors include;

Horsepower

While buying a tool, its effectiveness in handling your needs is among the top considerations. In milling machines, such capability is defined by spindle motor’s horsepower. Torque and speed are vital considerations, noting that different materials require different measures. For instance, while milling aluminum, you would need low torque and high speed in comparison to steel that would be better off with low speed and high torque. Motor horsepower plays a vital role, especially while considering milling costs, and following your needs, you should go for a mill with at least 1HP.

The size

Following your space and milling needs, the vertical milling machine size should be among the top concerns on your checklist. For instance, if you are dealing with materials harder than aluminum, you are better off with a heavier and larger milling machine. This allows you to enjoy precision as it will hardly flex under pressure compared to a desktop milling machine. If, however, your milling needs are not that demanding, and you are dealing with limited space, the little desktop vertical milling machine will be an ideal choice.

Additional features

While you can find a vertical milling machine readily fitted with features including digital readout (DRO) and power feed, others would require you to buy it separately. While you can operate the milling machine without a power feed or DRO, they enhance efficiency. If such features are among your requirements, you should put it into consideration since buying them separately as upgrade packages could dig deeper into your pockets, and if they don’t matter to your operations, including them would be an unnecessary expense.

The manufacturer

Among the most significant considerations while shopping for a vertical milling machine is the manufacturer, as they play a vital role in determining the effectiveness of the device. Like in most purchases, consumers are puzzled by choice of either going for a named brand or a new company. While considering the vertical milling machine, the question of quality can quickly be answered by the company’s experience, expertise, and resources. A well-established company with a good reputation is less likely to cut corners, as apart from enough resources, they hold the required skills to deliver superior products. It means that you can conveniently get a vertical milling machine from an established brand name compared to new entries striving to make a profit as they can utilize inferior materials to lower manufacturing costs.

Industrial manufacturing processes require various machines. While shopping for a vertical milling machine, with the above considerations, you are a few clicks away from making a valuable purchase.