垂直ニーミルを購入する前に考慮すべき 9 つのこと

ニーミルは、ハイエンドのコンポーネントを作成するために設計された精密工作機械です。このような機械を購入するには、どのようなニー ミルを購入するか、どのような部品やサービス サポートを探すかなど、多くの質問を慎重に検討する必要があります。

ニーミルはどのように機能しますか?

ニーミルは立形フライス盤の一種で、切断、面取り、溝切り、穴あけなどのさまざまなフライス加工を行うために使用されます。垂直ニーミルと呼ばれることが多いワークピースは、X 軸と Y 軸に沿って水平に移動するニーに取り付けられたテーブルに固定されます。クイルを使用すると、切削工具が特定の範囲の Z 軸の動きを実現できます。高 RPM フライス工具が回転して、工作物を正確にカットします。

立形ニーミルは、切削に幅広い可動域を提供し、個人所有のマシン ショップから大規模な製造オペレーションまで、幅広いマシン ショップで作業する能力を提供します。 CNC ニーミルはあまり一般的ではありませんが、強力な制御システムを提供し、さまざまな経験レベルにアピールします。

ニーミルを購入する際に考慮すべきことは何ですか?

費用

垂直ニーミル自体は、一般的に大きな投資です。新しい機械を購入する場合でも中古の機械を購入する場合でも、考慮する必要がある他の費用があります。例:

輸送: 機器の移動には輸送費がかかります。垂直ニーミルを購入する前に、ビジネスのニーズと成長を慎重に検討することをお勧めします.配送の統合や倉庫サービスなどの賢明な購入決定は、高額な出張費の削減に役立ちます。

交換部品: 垂直ニーミルは高速で長時間使用されることが多いため、磨耗はプロセスの一部です。

アドオン: 購入したマシンが必要最低限​​しかない場合、製造しようとしている製品に基づいて取り付けたいアタッチメントがいくつかあるかもしれません。付属品と分割払い料金を考慮してください。

サイズ

スペースが問題で、硬度の低い材料を使用する予定がある場合は、設置面積が小さい縦型ニーミルを購入すると、小さな作業スペースや機械工場に適しています。また、輸送も容易になり、最終的に追加コストを節約できます。

Compact machines today offer a much smaller footprint with a great deal of accuracy and quality finish depending on the material you’re working with. It is important to think about your requirements from the machine in terms of what you plan to produce. Large size machines tend to offer more stability especially when machining hard materials such as steel. Better stability means the machine will not flex too much when applying the force required for the part. Using a smaller machine for complex materials can result in vibrations that reduce the accuracy and achievable tolerances.

Production volume

A commercial quality mill is often enough for low to medium production volume. Industrial-grade vertical knee mills are a better choice for mass production that involves hours of continuous complex machining.

Speed

A higher spindle speed adds cost and may not always deliver the best accuracy. Research and determine what the required speed range is for the parts you will machine and look for those speeds when shortlisting your options.

Tolerances

If you’re new to machining, you need to know about machine tolerances. Machine tolerance indicates the level of precision required to produce a part. A smaller or “tight” tolerance means you need more precision. On the other hand, a larger or “loose” tolerance signifies a lower precision requirement. Machines with tight tolerances are also more expensive because of the wear that occurs when a tool produces multiple versions of the same part. Understanding precision and tolerances will also give you more insight to the longevity of different machines.

Tooling and workpieces

When purchasing your vertical knee mill, make sure that the configuration and cost reflect all the tools and workpieces that you require such as vice, drill chucks, and more.

Materials

What materials are you machining on your vertical knee mill? Each material has its own unique characteristics, and therefore a different level of achievable tolerance. Hardness, abrasiveness, and heat stability are some of the characteristics that come with materials. Your choice of a knee mill should consider a machine that suits the materials you plan to work with.

Programming and control

For new machinists, the best choice is a vertical knee mill that offers easy-to-use controls. Conversational programming is a great start as it allows easy operation when generating programs on the machine’s control. Built-in data prompts guide operators who can select the right dynamics for the machine process.

A great example is the Smartcut EVS CNC Vertical Mill from Summit which features a Fagor 8055i MC control system with a powerful ISO G-code control and Icon programming. Complex machining tasks are easy to program with highly interactive graphics, making it a great fit for operators of any experience level!

Service and Support

When deciding on the right vertical knee mill machine, it’s important to consider the support you need to ensure sufficient maintenance. Just like any other machine, a vertical knee mill requires cleaning and regular maintenance for quality control. Here are some things to consider:

• Do you have access to quick service?
• Are there any technical service centers near your location?
• How much will you have to pay for repairs and spare parts?

Purchasing a knee mill from Summit Machine Tool ensures that your knee mill arrives fully assembled, fully calibrated, and with clear instructions for use. Additionally, our service department is here to help, so contact us if you run into any questions. Our speedy parts and service department ensures that spares are sent out as quickly as possible.

Conclusion

Before buying a knee mill, be sure to prepare and research. Your budget should reflect the quality, cost, features, specifications, tooling requirements, and longevity required of the vertical knee mill. If you’re not tech savvy or don’t have the expertise for installation, be sure to check for the price of having a professional installation done for you.

Summit Machine Tool offers complete solutions for high quality equipment, support, and parts and service to assist you with your vertical knee mill requirements.