Advantages of Vertical CNC Slot Milling Machines Compared to Horizontal Slot Milling Machines

Depending on the designer's perspective, CNC sheet metal V-slot milling machines are designed into two mainstream forms: vertical and horizontal. Horizontal slot milling machines originate from South Korea and, as imported equipment, are sought after by many. However, after use, many drawbacks are discovered, stemming from flawed design concepts, summarized as follows:

1. Precision Advantage: The slotting depth directly affects the bending effect. If the depth error reaches 0.05mm, the bending position R will be significantly inconsistent. When a vertical slot milling machine operates, the cutter to the table surface moves in a fixed straight line, and the distance precision control between the cutter tip and the table surface is within the range of 0.02mm. When a horizontal slot milling machine operates, the cutter faces a platform of 1.5 meters wide and over 4 meters long; controlling the precision within 0.1mm is difficult.

2. Energy Consumption: When a vertical slot milling machine cuts, the cutter head reciprocates; it weighs around 60kg. When a horizontal slot milling machine cuts, the gantry and cutter head reciprocate together; it weighs around 1000kg. The energy consumption is more than 10 times that of a vertical slot milling machine; thus, a vertical slot milling machine is an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly device.

3. Processing Scale Advantage: Vertical slot milling machines have more than a dozen independent pressure plates and clamps for automatic workpiece clamping, facilitating processing of any size sheet metal; grooving can be performed horizontally and vertically, with the minimum workpiece size being 80*80mm. Horizontal slot milling machines are only suitable for grooving large sheets. After longitudinal grooving, due to sheet deformation, horizontal clamping is impossible, thus preventing horizontal grooving.

4. Processing Technology Advantage: The working table of a vertical slot milling machine is made of high-quality die steel, which is subjected to overall heat treatment and then precision-ground, achieving a mirror-like surface finish. The working table of a horizontal slot milling machine is made of ordinary welded iron plate; even stainless steel sheets have higher hardness. This leads to issues like shavings, damaged blades, and a pitted work surface, causing spots on the finished products.

5. Installation Advantage: Vertical slot milling machines are made of welded steel plates, ensuring high strength and stable, quiet operation. They only require a flat and sturdy concrete floor for stable operation and are convenient to move and install. Due to the high-speed operation of the gantry and the large impact force, plus the need for platform adjustment, horizontal slot milling machines require a concrete foundation according to the installation drawings, requiring significant construction work.