Machining centers, also known as machining center mills, automatically repeat operations like drilling, reaming, tapping, milling and boring on a work piece. Most machining centers are computer numerically controlled (CNC). CNC machining centers vary widely by their capabilities, size and power. With so many types of machining centers available, you can find the one that best suits your needs.

Suppliers across the nation offer great support and services for customers buying machining centers. It helps to know a few basics about machining centers before buying one.

1. Know the difference between vertical and horizontal machining centers.

2. Understand what the five-axis vertical machining center can do.

3. Figure out whether you should look at mini machining centers or larger ones.

4. Determine what you can afford and consider purchasing used machining centers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase horizontal machining centers or vertical machining centers

A horizontal machining center's tool rotates around the horizontal axis. A vertical machine center's tool rotates around the vertical axis. Vertical machine centers feature easy work piece mounting. A CNC horizontal machining center can remove a large amount of material, but has less accuracy than a vertical machine.

I recommend: Hurco's HTX horizontal machining center can achieve high contour rates with excellent surface finishes. KENT Industrial Co. Ltd., a worldwide company with offices in California, offers several state-of-the-art vertical machining center models.

Explore the benefits of five-axis machining centers

Five-axis machining can reduce tooling cost and labor. Both vertical and horizontal milling machines can come with two additional axes in addition to the three X, Y and Z axes. Five-axis machining can reduce time and costs associated with using more than one machine.

I recommend: Makino offers both vertical and horizontal five-axis machines. DMG America makes several five-axis milling machines.

Determine what size machining center you need

Compact machines can handle the manufacturing of smaller parts just as well as larger machines. They're perfect for smaller work spaces and less expensive than larger machines.

I recommend: The Mini Mill from Haas Automation Inc. takes up only 42 square feet of shop floor space, but its work envelope is 16-inch by 12-inch by 10-inch. TAIG Tools' Computer-Ready Micro Mill stands just over 26-inches tall with a width of 22 inches and a depth of 21 inches. It weighs just 85 pounds.

Evaluate used machining centers

Used machining centers can be a bargain, especially if the machines are late-model repossessions or trade-ins.

I recommend: Tramar Industries specializes in the sale of used CNC machinery and offers many used machining centers. Manta Machinery has used horizontal and vertical machining centers for sale.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check out industrial trade shows where manufacturers' reps give out information on their companies' products to find out about the newest generation of machining centers.
• •  Ask colleagues, members of your trade union and people in your professional association if they can recommend any particular machining centers.
• •  When you're buying used equipment, make sure the machining center is under warranty-just like a new one.