There are two types of machining centers: vertical and horizontal. The main difference between the two lies in the Z-axis structure. The Z-axis of a horizontal machining center moves horizontally downwards, while the Z-axis of a vertical machining center moves vertically downwards. In addition, there are also certain differences in their workbench, operation, processing status, and price. When choosing a machining center, whether to choose a vertical or horizontal position mainly depends on the machining object. Let's learn how to correctly choose vertical and horizontal machining center machines together.

What is the difference between a horizontal machining center and a vertical machining center

1. Structural differences

The main difference between a horizontal machining center and a vertical machining center is the Z-axis structure. The Z-axis of a horizontal machining center moves horizontally downwards to complete the machining, while the Z-axis of a vertical machining center moves vertically downwards to complete the machining.

2. Workbench differences

The workbench of a horizontal machining center is only designed to move in the X or Y direction, and the form of the workbench is generally a rotary workbench with a lattice screw hole table, which is relatively easy to install an exchange type dual workbench. The vertical machining center workbench is usually a T-shaped groove workbench with a cross slide structure, with two sets of motion mechanisms responsible for mutually perpendicular movement. The X-direction feeding workbench covers the guide rail responsible for Y-direction feeding.

3. Operational differences

The vertical machining center is convenient for clamping, easy to operate, easy to observe the processing situation, and easy to debug the program. The workpieces processed by horizontal machining centers are generally relatively large, highly integrated, difficult to clamp, difficult to monitor the machining process, and relatively difficult to operate and debug.

4. Differences in processing conditions

When machining cavities or concave surfaces in a vertical machining center, chips are not easily discharged, and in severe cases, they can damage the tool, damage the machined surface, and affect the smooth progress of the machining. Special attention should be paid to the installation of the tool and the clamping of the workpiece. The horizontal machining center is easy to remove chips during processing, and the processing condition is relatively ideal.