Shandong Deed Precision Machine Tool Co., Ltd.
Shandong Deed Precision Machine Tool Co., Ltd.

Analysis of Characteristics and Operating Procedures of a CNC Gantry Machining Center

Due to the development of machining centers on the basis of milling machines, they are called gantry milling machining centers, commonly known as gantry machining centers. Gantry machining center is one of the most widely used and highest output CNC machine tools in the world.


The main characteristics of gantry machining centers


  • Adding an automatic tool changer device to the CNC boring machine or CNC machine tool, the workpiece can complete multiple machining processes on the workpiece surface after one clamping, and the process is highly centralized.


  • Generally equipped with an automatic indexing rotary worktable or spindle box, it can automatically convert angles, so that the workpiece can automatically complete multiple processes of multiple planes or multiple angle positions after one clamping.


  • The gantry machining center can automatically change the spindle speed, feed rate, the relative motion trajectory of the tool to the workpiece, and other auxiliary functions.


  • If the 5 axis gantry machining center and CNC gantry milling machine is equipped with an exchange worktable, while the workpiece is being processed on the worktable at the working position, the other workpiece can be unloaded and loaded on the worktable at the loading and unloading position without affecting the normal machining of the workpiece.


The operating procedures of CNC gantry machining centers


1. Implement a fixed person-machine system for the use of the equipment, and require operators to operate the equipment with an operation certificate. When multiple people operate large equipment, there must be a dedicated person in charge.


2. The operator should be familiar with the main technical performance, structure, maintenance, and intact standards of the equipment used.


3. Preparations before work:


a. Check the transmission system, operating system, lubrication system, pneumatic system, various switch starting positions, safety brake protective devices, electrical voltage stabilization system, and electrical indications of the equipment. The above systems should be complete, correct, sensitive, reliable, and intact, and the fasteners and connectors should not be loose.


b. Lubricate according to the equipment lubrication chart.


c. Low-speed manual trial run of the spindle and various servo axes.


d. According to the part processing program list, check whether the tool compensation value and key offset position in the CNC system memory table are wrong, and call out the tool compensation value and zero offset value to check whether they are correct.


e. When using paper tape input, check frequently whether the paper tape is damaged and whether the photoelectric reader is normal.


f. The specifications of T-shaped bolts for fastening parts should be consistent with the T-shaped slot specifications of the equipment worktable. The force used for tightening should be moderate. Force calibration of parts is prohibited in various parts of the equipment.


g. Check whether the precautions specified in the "Machine Tool User Manual" have been followed.


4. After turning on the power, the items to be checked before work include: press the NC device power switch button "ON", the initial position coordinate of the machine tool will appear on the CRT display. Check the total pressure gauge installed on the upper part of the machine tool. If the reading of the table head is "4MPa", the system pressure is normal, and formal operation can be performed.


5. The correct operation steps of the gantry machining center during work are as follows:


a. Reasonable use and correct operation according to the equipment instructions. Overloading, over-performance, and over-standard use are prohibited.


b. When programming and testing the first piece, the operator should closely cooperate with the programmer, and should only start the formal processing after confirming that the program is correct.


c. When installing the blade, the taper and the spindle taper hole and positioning surface should be wiped clean.


d. The workpiece and tool must be installed firmly. When loading and unloading the workpiece, avoid colliding with the machine tool. For heavier parts and fixtures, use a crane or complete them with the assistance of others.


e. During the processing, the operator should not leave the post or ask others to be responsible for it, and should not engage in irrelevant work. Press the "pause" button when temporarily leaving the post. The "emergency stop switch" should be used correctly, and it is strictly prohibited to cut off power arbitrarily during work.


f. The guide rail surface of the equipment and the worktable surface should not place tools, stack parts, and irrelevant objects. It is forbidden to step on each protective cover, and shoes with metal nails are not allowed to step on the worktable surface.


g. Pay attention to abnormal phenomena during the operation of the equipment, stop the operation in time when a fault occurs, take measures, and record and display the fault content. In case of an accident, immediately stop the operation and cut off the power, protect the scene, report it in time, and do not conceal it, and cooperate with the responsible department to do a good job of analysis and investigation.