The basic process and attention of vertical machining center programming

Vertical machining center is a new type of machining equipment controlled by a CNC numerical control system for its machining process. Its processing form is completely different from the traditional mode. The machining center is no longer manually operated during workpiece processing as before. It is controlled by the CNC numerical control system and guides various mechanical parts of the machine tool to automatically perform precise movements through real-time processing instructions sent by the control device. Thus achieving a series of high-precision and efficient machining processes for the workpiece, ultimately achieving three-dimensional spatial machining of complex surfaces and irregular contour surfaces.

The vertical machining center is equipped with a tool library and an automatic tool change device. Under the control of the CNC numerical control system, by executing the machining program of the workpiece, the automatic tool change device is controlled while controlling the simultaneous linkage of three or multiple axes of the machine tool. This device automatically grabs the tools stored in the tool library for automatic replacement based on the processing instructions issued by the control system, thereby achieving automatic transfer of processes. The biggest advantage of this processing form is that the workpiece only needs to go through one clamping process to complete its milling, drilling, boring, reaming, and tapping composite centralized processing.

Programming of CNC machining system for vertical machining centers

1： The Basic Process of Programming Vertical Machining Centers

Simply put, the process of programming a vertical machining center includes preparing well, selecting programming methods, and finally, programming. Let's take a closer look.

1. First, prepare for programming

Before programming the workpiece processing in a vertical machining center, it is necessary to first have a deep understanding of the programming software and related equipment, master their operating skills, analyze the drawings and process requirements of the workpiece, in order to further clarify the machining content, related processes, and accuracy requirements of the workpiece, and then determine a reasonable machining plan and choose suitable machining tools and fixtures. This step is the foundation of the entire workpiece processing, If handled improperly, it may have unexpected impacts on the machining accuracy and efficiency of the later stage workpiece.

2. Choose the appropriate programming method

The programming of vertical machining centers can be divided into two methods: direct programming and computer-aided programming. Direct programming, also known as manual programming, refers to directly inputting programs through the CNC control panel of the machine tool. This programming method is more suitable for workpieces with simple machining processes and shorter programs.

However, a complete workpiece processing may involve thousands of processing programs, but this manual programming is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also has a high error rate. We generally use computer-aided programming, which is commonly known as automatic programming. This programming method is suitable for the full process processing of complex workpieces. Due to the fact that the machining program is automatically generated by the computer, this method not only saves time and effort, but also has a very low error rate.

Programming for vertical machining centers

3. Preparation of processing programs

After the above two processes are completed, the programming of the machining program becomes quite simple. However, the programming of vertical machining centers should follow the principle of processing as much content as possible with a single tool, and minimizing or not using empty tools.

Introduction to Processing Program Composition

2： Precautions for programming vertical machining centers

In order to ensure the machining efficiency of vertical machining centers and the final machining accuracy of workpieces, the following aspects should be paid attention to when programming the machining program.

1. Try to separate the programming process of rough and fine machining as much as possible. To improve the machining accuracy and production efficiency of the workpiece. The size of programming should be determined based on the median of the required size of the part, and the principle of overlapping points should be followed as much as possible.

2. The use of pause instructions should be reasonable. Its main function is to pause the machining of the tool within a command time, which is more advantageous in ensuring machining accuracy, cutting grooves, and changing the movement of drilling holes. However, excessive use should not be allowed, as excessive use may affect the processing efficiency of vertical machining centers.