Adding an HMC opens up new opportunities for shops. In many cases, the machine will pay for itself in less than three days thanks to faster cycle times and fewer setups.
HMCs also rely on gravity for chip evacuation, eliminating complex systems that require a shop to stop, flip the part and re-start a program. This saves time and money in the long run.
Stability
Unlike vertical machining centers, which machine parts with the spindle in a vertical position, horizontal machines have their spindles in a horizontal direction. This allows for better chip evacuation, as gravity pulls chips downward instead of digging into the tool holder or accumulating on the workpiece.
This is especially helpful for machining short, heavy and large-diameter workpieces. The extra stability is also ideal for production runs and automating the machining process, which helps reduce cycle times and labor costs.
Hwacheon offers a range of horizontal CNC milling machines, from 2- to 5-axis models designed for the most demanding jobs in your shop. These feature 630 mm pallet sizes, high performance gear spindles and box guideways on all axes for exceptional rigidity and accuracy. They also have effective system cooling for thermal stability, and can be equipped with an automatic pallet changer to facilitate unattended operation. They’re perfect for tackling the most challenging jobs and materials, and can be customized to fit your application requirements.
Accuracy
Horizontal machining centers offer superior accuracy, efficiency and rigidity. This allows them to meet the challenging requirements of curved parts such as propellers, cams and impellers used in transportation and aviation.
DN Solutions provides a wide range of horizontal milling machines, all designed to provide quality high precision and exceptional productivity in a compact footprint. They also offer a range of advanced pallet systems to support the horizontal machining centers process and provide exceptional chip management.
The main drawback of a horizontal machine is that it may cost more than a well-optioned vertical. However, if the machine is utilized for long periods of time and runs continuously for several days then it may quickly offset the additional investment. Additionally, because horizontal machines have been around longer than vertical machines there is a greater wealth of experience and expertise with this configuration. This can be an asset for those who are implementing the machine in-house. However, a shop owner must determine whether the increased versatility is worth the initial investment.
Efficiency
While it may cost more upfront to purchase a HMC, these CNC mills can provide an outstanding ROI. They reduce cycle times, eliminate multiple part setups, increase tool life, and improve finish. These benefits, along with sturdiness and natural chip evacuation, make them suitable for long production runs that require high-quality parts.
Additionally, some shops find that owning an HMC allows them to quote lower prices and win more business than they would have otherwise. This is due to the higher levels of accuracy they can offer with fewer setups and unattended machining. Many machines also come standard with expandable ATCs, which further increases efficiency. This feature allows you to load and remove pallets more quickly, which in turn cuts cycle time. Additionally, most manufacturers equip their horizontals with tombstones, making them a perfect fit for automation. This can further reduce cycle time and operator intervention, allowing you to run your shop lights-out during off hours.
