What is a dual-spindle machining center and its functions

A dual-spindle horizontal machining center is an excellent manufacturing CNC lathe. The machinery can perform various machining operations. Below is a detailed introduction to the types and functions of CNC machining centers.

A CNC lathe machining center is an excellent manufacturing CNC lathe that can perform various machining operations and features high precision, high quality, and high surface smoothness. A CNC lathe machining center can perform drilling, turning, and milling operations.

In industrial production, the manufacturing of prismatic parts such as gearboxes, baffles, frames, covers, etc., requires different types of operations such as turning, milling, drilling, tapping, and many other related machining operations. In the past, this production process had to be divided into several work stages and performed on different CNC lathes to produce the final product, which resulted in significant delivery times and costs. To overcome this issue, CNC machining centers were developed. Performing turning, milling, and drilling operations on a single CNC lathe allows one machine to meet a wider range of machining requirements.

The main purpose of a CNC machining center is to reduce manufacturing time and leverage the advanced mechanisms of the CNC machining center. The mechanisms used include:

ATC (Automatic Tool Changer)

APC (Automatic Pallet Changer)

CNC servo control system

Feedback mechanism

Circulating ball screws and nuts

CNC machining centers are classified based on their configuration as:

Vertical machining center

Column-type machining center

Universal machining center

1. Vertical Machining Center

The machining center has a horizontal spindle, and the cutting tool is mounted on the spindle of the CNC lathe, typically a single-spindle CNC lathe equipped with an automatic tool changer. The ATC includes a replaceable tool holder that can store multiple cutting tools and accommodate approximately 16 to 100 tools. To reduce loading and unloading times, an automatic pallet changer (APC) can be installed. The APC consists of six, eight, or more pallets where workpieces can be placed, and the machine can be programmed to process one pallet while preparing the next. After completing work on one pallet, it can be swapped for a new one. Different workpieces may require different programs. Due to the high material removal rate in this process, the cutting tools are generally large, requiring significant space on each tool holder and relatively heavy in weight.

1. Column-Type Machining Center

In this type of machine, multiple tasks can be performed in one setup. Most column-type machining centers have three axes, and some have the function of a spindle head that can rotate on one or two axes. Column-type machining centers are most suitable for mold and die machining industries when machining engraved surfaces. The main types of column-type machining centers are: moving column, gantry structure, and multi-spindle.

1. Universal Machining Center

A universal machining center is similar to a vertical machining center, but the spindle axis can continuously tilt from a horizontal position to a vertical position under computer system control. A universal machining center consists of five or more axes, which allow the top of the workpiece to be mounted on a horizontal machining center, enabling different sides of a workpiece to be machined as one unit.