2.

1 Brief Introduction
What is CNC Turning Centre?

CNC turning centre is a term related to the lathes, they look similar on the outside and
both functioning as the machine for processing turned parts. CNC turning centre is
also a computer-controlled machine but has higher capabilities. Turning centres are
usually equipped with 3,4 or 5 axes and other tools that allow the device to complete
more operations like turning, drilling, tapping, milling and turning, etc., for various
applications like automotive, aerospace, medical, oil, construction, etc. It can use live
tooling with powered rotary tool turret, dual spindles, and Y-axis.

What are Vertical Machining Centres?

Vertical Machining Centres, also known as Vertical Milling Machines, create holes in
flat parts. The VMC technology is favoured when three-axis work is done on a single
face, such as in-mold and die works.
Multiple adjustments are available on VMCs. For example, on the worktable, there
are numerous angles of approach and rotating and other positioning devices.

2.2 Aim of the Micro-Project

To compare between two CNC turning centres and two vertical machining centres
To make a comparative report of the difference between them
Make students understand about CNC turning and Vertical machining and its
application, functions, advantages and disadvantages

2.3 Course Outcome

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 1. Maintain the non-conventional machining process to produce complex and hard to
Sr. Name of Resource/material & links Specifications Quantity Remarks
No
1 https://www.machinemetrics.com/blog/cnc-turning- Basic of CNC -
center- basics#What-is-a-CNC-Turning-Center turning Centres
2 https://woocnc.com/blog/vertical-machining-center/ Basic of VMC -
machining centres
3 https://phillipscorp.com/india/what-is-a-vmc-machine- VMC types -
its- types-uses-and-processes/

4 https://www.cnclathing.com/guide/a-complete- CNC turning -

guide-to- cnc-turning-center-definition- centres
configuration-advantages- more-cnclathing
machine components.
2. Produce components using milling machine.
3. Choose relevant machining process to produce gears.
4. Maintain CNC machine to produce components effectively.
5. Prepare CNC part programs for simple components.
6. Maintain the functioning of automated equipment.

2.4 Actual Procedure Followed

First, we collected Basic information about CNC turning centres and also about Vertical
Machining Centres (VMC)
And then collected information about its Types
Next, we compare the Types of VMC and CNC turning centres
And then we Prepare the report on the following information in Format.

2.5 Actual Resources used

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6.0 Outputs of the Micro-Project
What is CNC Turning Centre?
CNC turning centre is a term related to the lathes, they look similar on the outside and both
functioning as the machine for processing turned parts. CNC turning centre is also a computer-
controlled machine but has higher capabilities. Turning centres are usually equipped with 3,4 or 5
axes and other tools that allow the device to complete more operations like turning, drilling, tapping,
milling and turning, etc., for various applications like automotive, aerospace, medical, oil,
construction, etc. It can use live tooling with powered rotary tool turret, dual spindles, and Y-axis.

Types and Configuration

CNC turning centres can be divided into two types: horizontal and vertical. They basically consist of
the same components but differ in the orientation.
– Horizontal CNC turning centre: more common type, allows gravity to pulls the chips away from the
part, more flexible with a longer bed, can use bar feeders and tailstocks.
– Vertical CNC turning centre: apply the gravity to seat your part into work holding, ideal for
machining larger diameter, heavy, short parts, small turning components like transmission gear
blanks.
Basis components of CNC turning centre: tool turret, main spindle, cover, headstock, main drive
motor, chuck, bed, frame, hydraulics, safety window, carriage, electrical cabinet, monitor, tailstock,
etc.

What is a VMC Machine?

Vertical Machining Centres, also known as Vertical Milling Machines, create holes in flat parts. The
VMC technology is favoured when three-axis work is done on a single face, such as in-mold and die
works.
Multiple adjustments are available on VMCs. For example, on the worktable, there are numerous
angles of approach and rotating and other positioning devices. The incorporated computerized
controls enable automation, repeatability, tool selection/change, and contour control. These new CNC
machines raised the productivity of the “milling” machine to unprecedented heights, giving rise to the
term VMC (Vertical Machining Centre).

How many axis is in VMC machines?

Mainly VMC Machines have only three axis that move on x, y and z axis. On Standard VMCs the
cutter stays in vertical directions. To increase the benefits of VMC additional axis can be added.

Types of VMC Machine

VMC machines are classified based on mainly four categories:

● Classification based on the Guide Rail: Hard Rail & Linear Rail
The VMC machine can be separated into the hard rail and linear rail based on the shape of each axis’
guide rail. The stiffness of the strong rail makes it appropriate for heavy cutting. The linear rail is a
ball-bearing guide rail that moves rapidly and with greater sensitivity.
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● Classification based on the Spindle Speed: Low Speed & High Speed

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The low-speed type VMC machines’ spindle speed is 6000-15000rpm, whereas the high-speed type’s
spindle speed is above 18000rpm. Surface polish and processing precision will improve high-speed
and high-precision VMC machines.

● Classification based on the Bed Structure: C Type & Gantry Type

The VMC can be classified into two types based on its bed structure: C type and gantry type.

● Classification based on the Column Structure: Fixed column & fixed worktable
Fixed-column VMC stands for vertical machining centre with table movement. This type of vertical
machining centre accounts for over 75% of the market in terms of production and sales.

A fixed worktable VMC is also known as a moving-column type VMC. This type of vertical
machining centre accounts for around 15% of the vertical machining centre market in production and
sales.

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 Comparative Difference between Horizontal CNC turning
centre and –Vertical CNC turning centre
Horizontal CNC Turning centres Vertical CNC turning centre
Horizontal machining centres have x – y table Vertical machining centres have its spindle axis
with cutter mounted on a horizontal Arbor vertically oriented. Its milling cutters are held in
across the table. Most horizontal machining the spindle and it rotates on its axis. Generally,
centres highlight a =15/-15-degree rotary table the spindle could be extended to allow plunge
allowing one to mill at shallow angles. cuts and drilling, although the table could also
Horizontal machining centres are often used to be lowered or raised. The vertical machining
mill grooves and slots. It may also be used to centres have two subcategories. These categories
shape flat surfaces. are the bed mill and the turret mill.

Popular horizontal milling machines include the Popular vertical milling machines include the
FF, HCN, and MEGA product ranges from Integer, VCN, and VTC product ranges from
Mazak; the EC and Universal series from Haas Mazak; the VF, VR, and Universal series from
(3ERP uses the Universal); and the NH, NHX, Haas (3ERP uses models from the VF and
and i-Series ranges from DMG MORI. Universal range); the FANUC ROBODRILL;
and the CMX V, DMV, and NVX ranges from
DMG MORI.
These costs can be as high as 3 to 4 times that of Vertical milling centres are more common than
vertical mills. HMCs may also be harder to horizontal ones and are less expensive — both in
monitor, with parts being obstructed and the terms of machine cost and maintenance costs.
view of the project limited by the design.
A horizontal milling machine take up more Vertical milling machines have a far lower
floorspace than vertical mills, which makes them footprint than their vertical counterparts. This,
difficult to set up in smaller machine shops. along with the price-point, makes them desirable
for smaller shops. They also have more users
and thus have a larger pool of skilled
machinists.
A horizontal milling machine can be Vertical milling machines also have the benefit
more difficult to operate than a vertical of being generally less complex than horizontal
milling machines, being both cheaper and easier
mill.
to use and maintain for this reason.

The stability of the Arbor allows for heavy cuts, For very large and heavy parts, vertical milling
enabling rapid material removal in large sections machines can struggle, especially turret mills
even from hard materials. which need to constantly move the workpiece

Fast material removal makes horizontal mills Vertical mills are accurate but can be slower
ideal for high-volume production (of relatively than a horizontal milling machine when high-
simple parts). volume production is required

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 Fig 1.1 CNC Vertical Turning Centre

Fig 1.2 CNC Horizontal Turning Centre

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Comparative Difference between Hard Rail & Linear Rail

The hard rail refers to the hard rail, and the linear rail is the linear rail. The hard rail
refers to a casting in which the guide rail and the bed are integrated, and then the guide rail is
processed on the basis of the casting. That is, the shape of the guide rail is cast on the bed,
and then processed by quenching and grinding. There are also the bed and the guide rail not
necessarily integrated. For example, the steel-inlaid guide rail is nailed to the bed after
processing. Linear guides usually refer to rolling guides, which are the kind used in linear
modules that are often used in the machine tool industry now. We usually call this type of
components "linear guides". The linear guide itself is divided into two parts: the slide rail and
the slider. There are internally circulating balls or rollers in the slider, and the length of the
slide rail can be customized.
The main difference between the two is that the hard guide rails can withstand larger
cutting forces and are mainly used for machine tools above 1.3 meters. This type of machine
tool is mainly used for mold processing, but the disadvantage is that the guide rail cannot
move too fast. The linear guide rail bears relatively small cutting force, but the guide rail
moves very fast. At present, the Z-axis movement speed of tapping rigs is generally around
60M. Such guide rails are mainly used in some relatively small machine tools. In terms of
service life, linear guides are much higher than rigid guides.
The hard rail has a large sliding contact surface, good rigidity, strong shock resistance,
strong load-bearing capacity, and is suitable for heavy-duty cutting. Because of the large
contact area of the guide rail, the machine tool runs more smoothly, which is suitable for
machine tools with high requirements for machine vibration, such as grinders. The hard rail is
dry friction. Due to the large contact surface, the friction resistance is also large, and the
moving speed cannot be too fast. At the same time, crawling is easy to occur, and the gap on
the moving surface will cause machining errors. The maintenance of the machine tool track is
the top priority. Once the track is not sufficiently lubricated, it will cause the track to burn or
wear out, which is fatal to the accuracy of the machine tool. So overall, the application of
hard rail is suitable for heavy cutting, large moulds, high hardness workpieces, and
workpieces with general accuracy requirements.
Line rail assembly is simple, and high-quality assembly can be completed with a little
training. The cutting force of the linear rail is smaller than that of the hard rail. Now the linear
rails of many major factories have greatly improved their load-bearing capacity through some
structural designs. Of course, compared with the load-bearing capacity of the hard rail, It is
relatively small. Linear rail is suitable for high-speed machines, can be cut at high speed,
suitable for processing products, small precision moulds, fast running speed, high processing
accuracy, low maintenance cost, and longer life than hard rails are all its advantages. And the
linear rail is not perfect, it is inferior to the hard rail in terms of stability and rigidity, and it
has higher requirements for the transportation and processing environment.

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7.0 Skill Developed/ learning out of this Micro-Project

Learned About horizontal CNC turning centres and Vertical CNC turning
centres got to learn in depth about its basic meaning, types, advantages,
disadvantages, capability, power, process done on them and much more
Also got to learn about VMC machines and it process, basic working principle,
properties, advantages and disadvantages, power, types in depth and we
understand it quite well

Fig 1.3 Hard Rail

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fig 1.4 Linear Rail

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