Machining Large and Complex Workpieces? Consider These Machine Specs.

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL, March 21, 2022 - 

When it comes to machining large workpieces you need an equally large machine tool. While that might seem obvious, there are also a couple of other less than obvious factors to consider when choosing your next large work zone capacity machine tool to make sure it is capable of delivering stable machining and high-quality, accurate workpieces. 

Two of the most common challenges associated with large part machining are machine swing diameter and axes travel to machine workpiece details. Many machine tools available today don’t meet the requirements of machining large or complex workpieces. Shibaura Machine has engineered both vertical turning and horizontal boring machines that take these challenges into account and incorporated several important design factors beyond simply “designing a large machine”.

Swing Diameter

The swing diameter is the maximum part size that can fit within the work zone without interference or collision with machine components. This measurement can help you narrow down the best CNC machine tool for your application. The TSS-C vertical turning series and BTH series horizontal boring machines from Shibaura Machine have some of the largest swing dimensions in the machine tool industry.

Axes Travel

The axes travel of the machine defines the ability of the machine to position the tool in the work zone to be able to machine the workpiece details. When creating complex parts, non-conventional shapes, or designs with deep and narrow cavities having sufficient axes travel will greatly improve the overall efficiency of the machine tool.

Shibaura Machine offers customers the benefits of conventional 3 or 4 axes machines, but also 5 axes, 3+2 machining on both the TOSNUC and FANUC CNC controls. The 5 axes, 3+2 axes machining operations are now as simple as 3 axes machining. 

The Machine Makes a Difference

The complexity and type of geometry of your workpiece often dictate what size of machine you will need to consider. Picking the right size machine tool can make the difference between producing a large part or not. Contact the Machine Tool Team to discuss your requirements and find the best solution for your large and complex workpieces.

MT-Sales@shibaura-machine.com