A vertical milling machine is built for precision cutting. Its head is designed to slide up and down instead of horizontally, thereby providing a more stable and secure worktable. ToĀ preserve the cutting accuracy of a vertical mill, there are several factors governing cutter speed that operators should look out for.
The type of metal cutter that is attachedĀ to the machine largely influences its speed.
Toothed cutters, or positive rakes, are generally run at higher speeds than radial cutters because they cut more freely and are sharper. Also, they receive little resistance from the surface they are working on, allowing the positive rakes to withstand the higher speed.
Angle cutters, on the other hand, must be run at lower speeds.
Due to the additional friction associated with lateral motion, it is easier to cut vertically than at an angle. For this reason, the speed of the vertical machine should be adjusted based on the cut being made. A cut made at a shallow angle can be made relatively quickly, while cuts made at steeper angles must be made more slowly. Bear in mind that making steep cuts too quickly can accelerate wear on your cutters and reduce their accuracy. This, in turn, can have a detrimental effect on the quality of your finished product. Ā Fortunately, your CNC software can effectively prevent many cutting speed errors by automating the milling process.
For more information and valuable tips aboutĀ vertical milling machinesĀ and other types of CNC machines, contact us online or give us a call at (626) 962-9300 today.