Used Milling Machine Buyer's Guide

07 Oct.,2024

 

Used Milling Machine Buyer's Guide

Buying a used CNC or milling machine is a big investment, and there are a lot of important factors to consider before making a purchase. Use this basic guide to buying used milling machines and parts to help you get started.

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Budget

The first thing you want to do when shopping for a used milling machine is to determine your budget.  This can make any subsequent decisions much easier, as it narrows down the large number of options. Remember to include the cost of shipping when making your decision, as milling machines are very heavy and shipping fees can be hefty.

Types

The two basic types of milling machines are vertical and horizontal. The type you will want to purchase depends primarily on the type of cutting you intend on performing with the machine.

Vertical Mills

Vertical mills are a newer form of milling machine that work by employing a die sinking method.  Vertical mills, as the name suggests, use a vertical plane for cutting and come in three basic categories.

1. Turret Mills

One of the most versatile types of mills, the turret mill is useful for small, detailed designs.  It uses a moving table with a stationary spindle that can be used in the same way as you would use a drill press.

2. Bed Mills

The bed mill is similar to the turret mill, with the main difference being that the table can only move perpendicularly with the machine.  This limits the capabilities, compared to a turret mill, but can be a more economical option for someone who does not need to perform any parallel cutting.

3. Mill-Drills

For a lighter, cheaper, and smaller option, you&#;ll want to explore the option of a used mill-drill. Great for hobby shops and amateur machinists, the mill-drill is relatively inexpensive and is essentially a &#;desktop milling machine.&#;

Horizontal Mills

Horizontal mills have been around for much longer than their vertical counterparts and are primarily used for long, large projects.  Horizontal mills are great for creating the spirals, bezels, and grooves often seen on nuts, washers, screws, and bolts.  Most frequently employed to create piping and gears, horizontal mills have a number of useful applications.

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How To: Buying a Milling Machine - KAAST ...

Are you considering buying a new milling machine? Whether you&#;re a production facility or a job shop, buying the right milling machine is crucial for achieving accurate and efficient results. With a wide range of options available, it&#;s important to know what to look for to make an informed decision. In this guide, we&#;ll walk you through the key factors to consider when buying a new milling machine.

Where to Start When Buying a Milling Machine

The first step is to determine the specific type new milling machine that suits your needs. Consider factors such as the size and complexity of the projects you&#;ll be working on, the materials you&#;ll be machining, and the available space in your workshop. Milling machines can be divided into three main categories: Vertical, Horizontal, and Universal, each with their own advantages and weaknesses.

What are they and what do they do?

Horizontal Mills

Vertical Mills

Universal Mills

Milling Machine Construction + Rigidity

The next features to consider when buying a new milling machine are the construction and rigidity. A sturdy and rigid machine is essential for achieving accurate cuts and minimizing vibrations. Look for a milling machine with a robust construction, preferably made of high-quality materials such as cast iron or steel. The KAAST knee mills, bed mills, and universal mills are built to last, with a high-quality heavy-duty MEEHANITE cast iron base and all guideways coated with Turcite B for maximum durability. The XYZ slideways, table, and T-slot are hardened and ground for long-lasting wear resistance. The high-grade casting is annealed and stress-released for high rigidity, making it perfect for even the toughest milling jobs. Pay attention to the overall build quality, the stability of the worktable, and the smoothness of the spindle movements.

Power + Speed

Power and speed capabilities should be considered next when buying a new milling machine as they significantly impact its versatility and performance. Assess the horsepower of the motor to ensure it can handle the materials and cutting requirements of your projects. Additionally, a wide speed range allows for better control and adaptability when working with various materials, such as aluminum, carbon steel, or stainless. Royal Precision Tools Corp. is a leading manufacturer of spindles for VMCs and is the most common to find on the VF-Mill series. The higher power and speed offered by the Royal spindles can result in faster cutting speeds and more efficient machining.

Accuracy + Precision

For precise milling operations, accuracy is paramount. If you are buying a new milling machine, look for features such as digital readouts (DROs), which provide precise measurements and feedback. Consider the spindle runout, indicating the concentricity of the spindle, as well as the positioning accuracy and repeatability of the machine&#;s axes. These factors greatly influence the quality of your finished products. One of the primary advantages of using a Royal brand spindle on the VF-Mill series VMCs is its high precision. Royal spindles are manufactured using advanced technologies and processes that ensure the highest level of accuracy and repeatability. They have a runout of less than 0. inches, which ensures consistent and precise machining results. The high precision of Royal spindles makes them ideal for applications that require high accuracy and surface finish, such as aerospace, medical, and automotive industries.

Don&#;t Forget Tooling

Evaluate the milling machine&#;s compatibility with different tooling options. Check the spindle taper size to ensure it matches the tooling you plan to use. Additionally, assess the availability and cost of compatible accessories, such as collets, end mills, and vises, as these can impact your long-term milling capabilities and costs. When buying a milling machine it is also important to consider tool capacity. This is a key factor because the more tools you can accommodate, the more flexibility you&#;ll have during operations. Automatic tool changers dictate how fast and efficient tool changes can occur. In the case of the VF-Mill Mini, it boasts a 12 station umbrella-style tool changer. What does that mean for you? Well, it means that this VMC offers enough slots to house roughing, milling, and finishing tools. With this range of tooling available, you can run an entire program without the need to install additional tools.

For more information, please visit Milling Inserts.