HMC500 to HMC1000: Selecting the Right Machine Size

GSK provides horizontal machining-center models for different workpiece sizes and loads.

The machine should be selected using actual fixture size and workpiece weight rather than finished-part dimensions alone.

HMC500 Horizontal Machining Center

The HMC500 Horizontal Machining Center is suitable for manufacturers machining small-to-medium prismatic components.

Its rotary-table configuration allows several workpiece faces to be machined without repeated reclamping.

Typical applications can include:

• Structural housings

• Mechanical brackets

• Precision boxes

• Hydraulic components

• Aerospace fixtures

For smaller aerospace parts, the HMC500 can provide a balance between machine footprint and multi-face machining capacity.

When to Choose HMC630 or HMC800

As the workpiece, fixture and cutting load increase, a larger horizontal machining center may be required.

HMC630 or HMC800 configurations can be evaluated for:

• Larger housings

• Heavy fixtures

• Longer machining cycles

• Larger boring diameters

• Higher workpiece weight

• Increased tool requirements

The correct model should be selected from total fixture weight and machining envelope.

HMC1000 for Large Aerospace Components

For large box-type components, the HMC1000 provides a larger table and higher load capacity.

Typical selection factors include:

• Large fixture dimensions

• Heavy aerospace structures

• Multiple large machined faces

• Deep boring operations

• High tool count

• Extended machining cycles

Large machine capacity does not automatically make a machine more suitable. The workpiece should be evaluated together with spindle, travel, fixture and accuracy requirements.

B-Axis Machining for Aerospace Parts

B-axis indexing is an important reason manufacturers use horizontal machining centers.

Instead of unloading and re-fixturing the component, the rotary table can position different sides toward the spindle.

This is particularly useful for:

• Multi-side hole patterns

• Bores on perpendicular faces

• Mating surfaces

• Cross holes

• Side pockets

• Multiple datum faces

Reducing repeated setup can simplify the production process for complex aerospace housings.

HMC or 5-Axis CNC for Aerospace Components?

Not every aerospace component should be machined on the same machine platform.

For complex titanium parts and difficult-to-machine alloys, see our 5-Axis CNC Machining Centers.

Aerospace Materials and Machine Selection

Common aerospace materials include:

• Aluminum alloys

• Titanium alloys

• Stainless steels

• Nickel-based alloys

• Other high-performance materials

However, the material name alone is not enough to select the machine.

For example, aluminum aerospace components may benefit from higher spindle speed and efficient chip removal, while titanium and nickel alloys may place greater emphasis on rigidity, torque, tooling and coolant.

Machine configuration should therefore be selected according to both part geometry and material.

Tool Capacity for Aerospace Production

Aerospace components may require many operations within one setup.

These can include:

• Face milling

• Pocket milling

• Drilling

• Reaming

• Boring

• Threading

• Tapping

• Chamfering

A suitable automatic tool changer allows multiple tools to be prepared for one machining program.

Tool magazine capacity should be evaluated according to part complexity and whether several products will be manufactured on the same machine.

Workholding and Fixture Considerations

Fixture design can strongly affect HMC productivity.

Before machine selection, confirm:

• Workpiece dimensions

• Fixture dimensions

• Total fixture and workpiece weight

• Required machining faces

• Clamping points

• Tool access

• B-axis clearance

A part that appears to fit within the table size may require substantially more space after the fixture is added.

How to Select an Aerospace Horizontal Machining Center

Provide the following information before choosing the machine:

• Part drawing

• Material

• Overall dimensions

• Workpiece weight

• Fixture dimensions

• Number of machining faces

• Hole and bore requirements

• Tolerance

• Surface finish

• Annual volume

• Required cycle time

These factors help determine whether HMC500, HMC630, HMC800, HMC1000 or another machine configuration is more suitable.

Send Your Aerospace Component Drawing

For aerospace machining, selecting an HMC only from table size or spindle speed can lead to an unsuitable configuration.

Send GSK your component drawing and production requirements.

Our team can help evaluate:

• Machine size

• Workpiece load

• B-axis requirement

• Spindle configuration

• Tool capacity

• Fixture space

• Machining process

Explore the full Horizontal Machining Center range or send your drawing for model selection.

Send Your Aerospace Component Drawing for HMC Selection

FAQ

Why are horizontal machining centers suitable for aerospace components?

They are particularly useful for prismatic components requiring machining on several sides because the B-axis rotary table can reduce repeated workpiece repositioning.

What aerospace parts can be machined on an HMC?

Typical parts include housings, brackets, manifolds, actuator bodies, structural components and other multi-face prismatic parts.

Should I choose an HMC or 5-axis machining center?

Use the component geometry as the starting point. Box-type multi-face components often suit HMCs, while freeform surfaces and continuously changing tool angles generally favor five-axis machining.

Which HMC model should I choose?

Selection depends on workpiece dimensions, fixture size, total load, machining travel and required spindle capacity.

Can an HMC machine titanium aerospace components?

Potentially yes, but spindle, torque, rigidity, coolant, tooling and cutting requirements must be evaluated according to the actual component.