Vertical Machining Centers: Two Important Options to Look For When Buying
Walk into almost any machine shop and you’re sure to see a line of vertical machining centers (VMCs). You’ll probably find that all of them have similar travels, similar controls, and similar features, regardless of the machine logo or paint color. Does that mean, then, that all vertical machining centers are about the same? That it doesn’t really matter what brand of VMC you buy, provided the price is right and it fits the parts you need to machine? Hardly. Go ahead, talk to the setup people, programmers, and especially the operators. Ask them what options they ask for the most on any new VMC. You might be surprised. A Vertical Machining Centers Wishlist Coolant Through This one’s a no-brainer for anyone drilling holes or machining pockets (which is practically everyone). That’s because through-spindle coolant flushes chips out of the way, eliminating re-cutting and extending tool life. While you’re at it, be sure your next VMC is plumbed for a high...