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Vertical Milling Machines

Boost your productive capacity with vertical milling machines. High-quality equipment with accuracy, power and warranty for industrial applications.

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What are vertical milling machines and what are their features?

Vertical milling machines are milling machines whose tool-holding spindle is positioned so that it rotates perpendicular to the workpiece on its horizontal axis. Thanks to this feature, it can move vertically. This movement is achieved by lowering the head onto the workpiece or by the table raising the workpiece to the head.

Types of vertical milling machine

Two types of vertical milling machine can be distinguished according to how their heads operate:

Fixed-bed vertical milling machine

The fixed-bed vertical milling machine is one in which the head cannot move, but the cutter can. Therefore, on this type of milling machine the movement mechanisms are limited to acting on the table.

Industrial vertical turret milling machines

This is a type of vertical milling machine whose head can move through an angle of one hundred and eighty degrees relative to the horizontal axis of the workpiece.

General characteristics of industrial vertical milling machines

The most notable feature of vertical milling machines is the position of the spindle axis and the head. In addition, the column and base of these machines are made entirely of cast iron.

The heads can be fixed, but also swivelling. The workpieces machined on this type of milling machine are not limited to being worked vertically, but can also move horizontally.

They are also characterised by their great weight and variable sizes, which are proportional to their cost. The industries that benefit most from their characteristics are the heavy machinery and automotive industries.

It is worth mentioning that industrial vertical milling machines allow cavities to be produced in moulds, cams and dies, among other complex objects. They can also be used to make square or circular slots in certain workpieces, to bore, drill holes and mill all kinds of surfaces. In addition, owing to their design, these milling machines are characterised by a moderate milling speed.

Technical specifications

Certain technical specifications form part of the description of each specific model of vertical milling machine, referring to certain variables of this type of machinery:

Table surface

Table surface refers to the sum of the width and length of the table.

Maximum load

The maximum load is a measurement in kilograms that refers to how much weight the table can support while working with the milling machine.

Table travel

Table travel is a measurement in millimetres that refers to how far the table can move crosswise or lengthwise. In most cases, the Y axis represents cross movement and the X axis longitudinal movement.

The exception is vertical turret milling machines, as on these the travel is indicated by the Z axis. Some manufacturers do not give this value only in millimetres but also state how many minutes the milling machine takes to make each movement.

Speed range

The speed range (rpm) refers to the values within which the milling machine's speed levels vary, with a minimum and a maximum being set.

Number of speeds

The number of speeds specifies how many speed changes the machine has. The number of speeds is related to the number of processes the vertical milling machine can perform, since some materials require very specific working speeds.

Power

Power values refer to the cutting capacity of the machine. Harder or larger materials require higher power levels.

Dimensions

The dimensions indicate in millimetres how wide and tall the vertical milling machine is.

Net weight

Net weight, generally given in kilograms, refers to the total weight of the milling machine, but without taking into account the weight of the packaging or additional tools.

Spindle nose to table distance

This value in millimetres indicates the maximum height of workpieces the machine can accommodate.

Spindle feed

Spindle feed is a measurement in millimetres that indicates the smallest size of workpiece that can be machined on the machine.

Tool holder shape

This specific characteristic indicates whether the tool holder is cylindrical, arbor-mounted or tapered, which is related to the way it allows workpieces to be machined.

Accessories compatible with vertical milling machines

Industrial vertical milling machines are designed to work with certain accessories that make it possible to carry out some specific jobs. The main one is the bench vice, a tool that makes it possible to achieve a more professional milling quality.

Compatibility with this tool will depend on the shape of the table, as it must have a design parallel to that of the vice table.