9 cosas a considerar antes de comprar una fresadora de codo vertical

Las fresadoras de rodilla son máquinas herramienta de precisión diseñadas para crear componentes de alta gama. La compra de una máquina de este tipo requiere una cuidadosa consideración de una serie de preguntas, incluido qué tipo de fresadora de rodillas comprar y qué piezas y soporte de servicio buscar.

¿Cómo funciona una fresadora de rodillas?

Una fresadora de rodilla es un tipo de fresadora vertical que se utiliza para realizar una amplia variedad de procesos de fresado, como corte, pulido, ranurado y taladrado. A menudo denominada fresa de rodilla vertical, la pieza de trabajo se sujeta a una mesa montada en la rodilla que se mueve horizontalmente a lo largo de los ejes X e Y. Una pluma permite que la herramienta de corte logre un cierto rango de movimiento en el eje Z. Las herramientas de fresado de altas RPM giran para realizar cortes precisos en la pieza de trabajo.

Las fresadoras de rodilla verticales brindan una amplia gama de movimientos para el corte, lo que ofrece la capacidad de trabajar en una amplia gama de talleres mecánicos, desde talleres mecánicos de propiedad individual hasta grandes operaciones de fabricación. Las fresas de rodilla CNC son menos comunes, pero brindan un poderoso sistema de control y atraen a una variedad de niveles de experiencia.

¿Qué debo tener en cuenta al comprar una fresadora de rodillas?

Coste

Un molino de rodilla vertical en sí mismo es generalmente una gran inversión. Ya sea que esté comprando una máquina nueva o usada, hay otros costos que debe considerar. Por ejemplo:

Transporte: mover el equipo incurriría en gastos de transporte. Es una buena idea considerar cuidadosamente las necesidades y el crecimiento de su negocio antes de comprar una fresadora vertical de rodillas. Las decisiones de compra inteligentes, como la consolidación de envíos y los servicios de almacenamiento, pueden ayudar a reducir los costosos costos de viaje.

Piezas de repuesto: Dado que las fresadoras verticales de rodillas se utilizan a menudo durante largas horas a altas velocidades, el desgaste es parte del proceso.

Complementos: Si la máquina que compró es básica, es posible que desee instalar algunos accesorios en función de los productos que vaya a fabricar. Considere los accesorios y las cuotas a plazos.

Tamaño

Si el espacio es una preocupación para usted y planea trabajar con materiales que tienen una dureza más baja, la compra de una fresadora de rodillos vertical con un tamaño compacto se adaptará a espacios de trabajo más pequeños y talleres mecánicos. También será más fácil de transportar y, en última instancia, ahorrará costos adicionales.

Compact machines today offer a much smaller footprint with a great deal of accuracy and quality finish depending on the material you’re working with. It is important to think about your requirements from the machine in terms of what you plan to produce. Large size machines tend to offer more stability especially when machining hard materials such as steel. Better stability means the machine will not flex too much when applying the force required for the part. Using a smaller machine for complex materials can result in vibrations that reduce the accuracy and achievable tolerances.

Production volume

A commercial quality mill is often enough for low to medium production volume. Industrial-grade vertical knee mills are a better choice for mass production that involves hours of continuous complex machining.

Speed

A higher spindle speed adds cost and may not always deliver the best accuracy. Research and determine what the required speed range is for the parts you will machine and look for those speeds when shortlisting your options.

Tolerances

If you’re new to machining, you need to know about machine tolerances. Machine tolerance indicates the level of precision required to produce a part. A smaller or “tight” tolerance means you need more precision. On the other hand, a larger or “loose” tolerance signifies a lower precision requirement. Machines with tight tolerances are also more expensive because of the wear that occurs when a tool produces multiple versions of the same part. Understanding precision and tolerances will also give you more insight to the longevity of different machines.

Tooling and workpieces

When purchasing your vertical knee mill, make sure that the configuration and cost reflect all the tools and workpieces that you require such as vice, drill chucks, and more.

Materials

What materials are you machining on your vertical knee mill? Each material has its own unique characteristics, and therefore a different level of achievable tolerance. Hardness, abrasiveness, and heat stability are some of the characteristics that come with materials. Your choice of a knee mill should consider a machine that suits the materials you plan to work with.

Programming and control

For new machinists, the best choice is a vertical knee mill that offers easy-to-use controls. Conversational programming is a great start as it allows easy operation when generating programs on the machine’s control. Built-in data prompts guide operators who can select the right dynamics for the machine process.

A great example is the Smartcut EVS CNC Vertical Mill from Summit which features a Fagor 8055i MC control system with a powerful ISO G-code control and Icon programming. Complex machining tasks are easy to program with highly interactive graphics, making it a great fit for operators of any experience level!

Service and Support

When deciding on the right vertical knee mill machine, it’s important to consider the support you need to ensure sufficient maintenance. Just like any other machine, a vertical knee mill requires cleaning and regular maintenance for quality control. Here are some things to consider:

• Do you have access to quick service?
• Are there any technical service centers near your location?
• How much will you have to pay for repairs and spare parts?

Purchasing a knee mill from Summit Machine Tool ensures that your knee mill arrives fully assembled, fully calibrated, and with clear instructions for use. Additionally, our service department is here to help, so contact us if you run into any questions. Our speedy parts and service department ensures that spares are sent out as quickly as possible.

Conclusion

Before buying a knee mill, be sure to prepare and research. Your budget should reflect the quality, cost, features, specifications, tooling requirements, and longevity required of the vertical knee mill. If you’re not tech savvy or don’t have the expertise for installation, be sure to check for the price of having a professional installation done for you.

Summit Machine Tool offers complete solutions for high quality equipment, support, and parts and service to assist you with your vertical knee mill requirements.