Machining is an integral part of the manufacturing process; irrespective of the type and complexity of the task that is required to be accomplished on the production floor of a manufacturing unit, the odds are high in favor of a machine available for said task.
One of the most prominent types of machines used in present-day manufacturing is a VMC machine. The full form of a VMC machine is a Vertical Machining Center.
What is a Vertical Machining Center?
A Vertical Machining Center is, as its name suggests, a machine that is structured vertically. Also referred to as Vertical Milling Machines, these machines are primarily used for cutting the metal into a specific shape through the process of drilling holes.
A VMC Machine consists of the following major components:
- A cutter or drilling that can be rotated
- A work table that can be easily moved from one place to another
- A spindle for rotating the cutter
How Does a VMC Machine Operate?
Now that we have discussed the meaning of a VMC machine, let us understand how it works. Primarily used for fashioning metal into the desired shape, VMC Machines use a rotating cutter or driller that is attached to a spindle. These machines are set up on a mobile worktable that is moved to push the cutter or driller into the workpiece and achieve the intended shape.
The worktables for VMC Machines are highly dynamic and have room for a variety of settings and angles. For instance, the angle of approach of the cutter can be adjusted, as required. It is not only in milling that VMC Machines find application; these machines are also used for the following tasks:
- Carving
- Tapping
- Chamfering
- Engraving
- Drilling
- Countersinking, etc
What is a CNC Vertical Machining Center?
With the advent of CNC machining, almost every type of machining has been transformed for the better, and VMC Machines are no exception. The amalgamation of the versatile structure and wide application of VMC Machines and computerized controls has resulted in the advent of CNC VMC Machines.
Since these machines are far superior to and more efficient than their predecessors, they have become a force to be reckoned with in CNC machine shops across industries. With CNC VMCs, automation, precision, and repeatability can be seamlessly integrated into the manufacturing process.
How are VMCs Used in Manufacturing Shops in the USA?
Presently, VMCs are widely utilized in several industries, including ship manufacturing, the automotive industry, the military weapons industry, and the manufacturing industry at large. The most prominent usage of these machines is in industries that require a high degree of control and precision in their production processes and output.
Some of the main areas of application for VMC Machines in the United States of America are as follows:
- Industries that require the manufacture of parts that have an unusual shape, for instance, a bracket
- Industries that need to manufacture parts with curves, for instance, impellers, cams, and propellers
- The manufacture of parts for the military which are driven by high standards in design and manufacturing
Think Milling, Think Phillips!
If you wish to bring the magic of Vertical Machining Center to your business, visit our official website and check out our range of CNC Milling Machines, including the portfolio of Hermle Milling Machines and Toyoda VMC Machines.
Think Milling, Think Phillips!