Facing And Centering Machine Processing

Process Description of Facing and Centering Machine  (video)

The facing and centering machine is an essential machine tool for processing many components, especially axially symmetric parts. It provides a comprehensive solution for milling, turning, drilling center holes, drilling, tapping, boring, reaming, slotting, and other operations on shaft ends up to 3 meters in length. This equipment is suitable for vertical, horizontal, and inclined models equipped with gantry or articulated robots.

A facing and centering machine is a specialized CNC boring and milling machine primarily used for the initial processing of various slender shafts, stepped shafts, and irregular blanks such as automotive half-shafts, crankshafts, camshafts, transmission shafts, and spring torsion bars.

Typically, an operator would process one end of the part, then unload it and process the other end. However, a facing and centering machine can process both ends simultaneously, halving the turning time and saving on processing and handling times.

How Does a Facing and Centering Machine Work?

Workpiece Clamping

Clamping: The first step is to securely fix the workpiece onto the working table of the facing and centering machine using fixtures, chucks, or other appropriate devices. Ensuring the workpiece is firmly clamped is crucial for achieving precise machining results.

Preparation for Machining

Programming and Setup: Write CNC programs according to specific machining requirements and input them into the control system of the facing and centering machine. These programs guide how the cutting tools move and at what speed they cut.

Tool Selection: Select appropriate tools for each specific operation (e.g., milling cutters for surface machining, drills for hole-making) and install them on the spindle or in the automatic tool changer.

Execution of Machining

Milling: When material needs to be removed to form planes or contours, the spindle drives the milling cutter to rotate while the working table moves the workpiece along a predetermined path, allowing the tool to contact the workpiece surface and remove excess material.

Drilling: To create holes, the spindle loads the drill bit and feeds it vertically downwards, removing material through rotational motion to form the desired hole diameter.

Other Operations: Advanced facing and centering machines may integrate additional functions like tapping, reaming, and boring, all of which can be completed on a single machine, reducing the need for multiple pieces of equipment.

Advantages of Facing and Centering Machines in Processing Grinding Shafts and Eccentric Shafts

High-Precision Machining

Precise Control: Modern facing and centering machines are equipped with advanced CNC systems that provide highly accurate control over tool paths, speeds, and feed rates, ensuring precision in machining grinding shafts and eccentric shafts.

Multi-Axis Coordination: For complex eccentric shaft machining, multi-axis coordination allows multiple angles and surfaces to be machined in a single setup, minimizing cumulative errors from multiple setups.

Flexibility and Versatility

Integrated Processes: Facing and centering machines typically integrate multiple machining methods, including milling, drilling, and boring, enabling all steps from roughing to finishing to be completed on one machine, especially beneficial for complex shapes like eccentric shafts.

Quick Tool Changes: An automatic tool changer (ATC) facilitates easy switching between different types of tools within the same program, increasing machining flexibility.

Efficient Production

Reduced Setups: By completing more operations in a single setup, facing and centering machines reduce the time required for repositioning workpieces, enhancing overall production efficiency.

High Automation: Many modern facing and centering machines support full automation, including automatic loading/unloading and parameter adjustments, further improving continuous and rapid production.

Surface Quality

Optimized Cutting Conditions: By selecting appropriate tool materials and geometries, as well as managing coolant effectively, facing and centering machines achieve high-quality surface finishes, critical for grinding shafts requiring smooth surfaces.

Vibration Damping Technology: Some high-end machines employ vibration damping designs and technologies, such as dynamically balanced spindles and dampers, to minimize vibrations during machining, thus improving surface quality and dimensional accuracy.

Adaptability

Customized Solutions: For specific application needs, such as different specifications of eccentric shafts or special requirements for grinding shafts, facing and centering machines offer tailored machining solutions via programming and tool configurations.

Ease of Maintenance and Upgrades: Modular designs make it easier to maintain the facing and centering machine daily and upgrade new features or replace components based on technological advancements.

Cost-Effectiveness

High Material Utilization: Precise machining capabilities of facing and centering machines reduce waste generation, saving raw material costs.

In summary, facing and centering machines provide numerous unique advantages in machining grinding shafts and eccentric shafts, making them an ideal choice for precision mechanical manufacturing. As technology continues to advance, these machines will continue to bring greater value to the manufacturing industry.