Horizontal Boring Machines (HBM) are a special type of milling machines that are widely used in both industrial grade manufacturing and small scale production of high precision products. Their various types and specifications scope make them suitable for numerous applications.
What all horizontal boring mills have in common, though, is their operating principle, which dictates that the milling head is fixed at a position that is parallel to the ground, while the working piece moves along the X axis on a rail arrangement, or a table on rails. Horizontal Boring Machines are basically used to bore holes onto pieces in a horizontal direction.
The wide product range of the Horizontal Boring Machines ensures that every project, no matter its complexity, can be realized using an HBM, but this is also what makes the process of buying the right one confusing and often quite overwhelming. Here are some tips to consider when looking for the most suitable HBM.
Material Parameters
The first thing that the aspiring buyer should consider are the materials that will be processed on the HBM. Lighter and thinner materials such as wood require different milling head specifications than the heavier and thicker ones like steel or iron. Workpiece holding chocks design and mechanical tolerances also differentiate significantly depending on the HBM specifications.
Machine Types
Secondly, the type of the HBM can determine its suitability for a particular project. There are three types of HBMs (floor, planner, table) that are meant for different application requirements. The floor type is suitable for industry grade milling of large workpieces and so it stands on the floor of the workshop. Conversely, the table type sits on a table and is generally smaller and more accurate. The drawback of the later type is that is can generate backlashing forces that could tip the machine and the table it stands on. For this reason, it is suggested that table types feature a stabilizer.
Specifications of Workpieces
HBMs are machines that require rotational and cutting precision to deliver usable products. This is why machinists need to first determine the production specifications before purchasing an HBM. Specifications of great importance are factors like the product dimensions and resolution. Make sure that the HBM offers enough working space and traversing freedom to accommodate the production of the workpieces in use, and also check the weight limits of the working table.
Other Factors To Consider
That said, depending on the production specifications that need to be fulfilled, the buyer should look for extras that will streamline the milling process and will make an all-around machining possible. Some of these valuable extra features may include a rotary table that is used for almost unlimited milling along six axis.
While small HBMs are generally more accurate than larger ones, you may find large models with relatively higher precision for the right price. If your needs require such a combination of characteristics, make sure to check the resolution rating of the HBMs you are considering.
Last but not least, the control system of an Horizontal Boring Machine is of utmost importance and invaluable in many cases. Modern HBMs can be paired with a capable electronic controller that can make the milling process easier and more streamlined.
Contact Absolute Machine Tools, Inc. today to learn more about our CNC machining tools.
What all horizontal boring mills have in common, though, is their operating principle, which dictates that the milling head is fixed at a position that is parallel to the ground, while the working piece moves along the X axis on a rail arrangement, or a table on rails. Horizontal Boring Machines are basically used to bore holes onto pieces in a horizontal direction.
The wide product range of the Horizontal Boring Machines ensures that every project, no matter its complexity, can be realized using an HBM, but this is also what makes the process of buying the right one confusing and often quite overwhelming. Here are some tips to consider when looking for the most suitable HBM.
Material Parameters
The first thing that the aspiring buyer should consider are the materials that will be processed on the HBM. Lighter and thinner materials such as wood require different milling head specifications than the heavier and thicker ones like steel or iron. Workpiece holding chocks design and mechanical tolerances also differentiate significantly depending on the HBM specifications.
Machine Types
Secondly, the type of the HBM can determine its suitability for a particular project. There are three types of HBMs (floor, planner, table) that are meant for different application requirements. The floor type is suitable for industry grade milling of large workpieces and so it stands on the floor of the workshop. Conversely, the table type sits on a table and is generally smaller and more accurate. The drawback of the later type is that is can generate backlashing forces that could tip the machine and the table it stands on. For this reason, it is suggested that table types feature a stabilizer.
Specifications of Workpieces
HBMs are machines that require rotational and cutting precision to deliver usable products. This is why machinists need to first determine the production specifications before purchasing an HBM. Specifications of great importance are factors like the product dimensions and resolution. Make sure that the HBM offers enough working space and traversing freedom to accommodate the production of the workpieces in use, and also check the weight limits of the working table.
Other Factors To Consider
That said, depending on the production specifications that need to be fulfilled, the buyer should look for extras that will streamline the milling process and will make an all-around machining possible. Some of these valuable extra features may include a rotary table that is used for almost unlimited milling along six axis.
While small HBMs are generally more accurate than larger ones, you may find large models with relatively higher precision for the right price. If your needs require such a combination of characteristics, make sure to check the resolution rating of the HBMs you are considering.
Last but not least, the control system of an Horizontal Boring Machine is of utmost importance and invaluable in many cases. Modern HBMs can be paired with a capable electronic controller that can make the milling process easier and more streamlined.
Contact Absolute Machine Tools, Inc. today to learn more about our CNC machining tools.