A Vertical Machining Center (VMC) is a type of CNC machine tool primarily used for milling operations. VMCs have three standard axes: X, Y, and Z, which control the movement of the workpiece and cutting tool in a 3-dimensional space. Adding a 4th axis introduces the capability of rotating the workpiece around a horizontal axis (usually A-axis), enabling machining on multiple sides or faces of the part without having to reposition it manually.
Features and Benefits of CNC Turning Services :
- Added Axis for Rotation:: The key feature of a VMC with 4th-axis capability is the rotary table that allows the workpiece to rotate around a horizontal axis (typically the A-axis). This allows the machine to perform more complex milling operations without manual repositioning.
- Improved Productivity:: The ability to machine multiple sides of a part without needing to unclamp and reposition the workpiece reduces setup time and increases productivity. This is especially beneficial for batch or high-volume production.
- Multi-Face Machining::The 4th axis allows machining on multiple faces of a part in one setup. For example, instead of manually rotating the part to machine different faces, the workpiece can be rotated automatically by the 4th axis, allowing for continuous machining.