The machining centers develop from a numerically controlled milling lathe. Their primary difference from numerical controlled milling lathes is that the machining centers can automatically exchange machining tools. By installing different tools on the tool storage, one clamping can change the machining tools on the spindle by an automatic tool changing device, thus finishing multiple machining tasks.

The CNC machining centers are high-efficiency automatic machines composed of mechanical equipment and a CNC system for processing complex parts. CNC machining centers are one of the world’s most widely used and most productive numerical controlled machines. They can process many types of plastic and metal materials, such as ABS, PC, PMMA, PA, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, etc, for almost every industry. Their comprehensive processing capability is powerful. After clamping once, CNC machining centers can finish many production tasks with high accuracy in a CNC machining factory. When machining the workpieces with medium processing difficulty in small batches, their efficiency is 5 to 10 times traditional equipment. They can finish machining tasks that much conventional equipment cannot complete. CNC machining centers suit processing single-piece, small or medium-lot multi-species production with complicated shapes and high precision requirements. They combine all the functions of milling, boring, drilling, tapping, and cutting threads on one machine, equipping them with various processing means in a CNC machining factory.

CNC machining X Rapid Technologies

The CNC machining centers are usually classified by the relative position of the spindle and table. They can be divided into horizontal, vertical, and universal machining centers. 

1) Horizontal CNC machining center refers to those with the spindle axis and table set parallel to the machining center, mainly for processing box-type parts. 

2) Vertical CNC machining center is a machine where the spindle axis and table are set perpendicular to the machining center, mainly for processing sheets, plates, molds, and small shell-type complex parts. 

3) Universal CNC machining center, known as the multi-axis linkage-type machining center, refers to a machine that can process complex-space surfaces by controlling the linkage change via altering the angle between the spindle axis and the rotary axis of the worktable. It is suitable for machining impeller rotors, molds, edge tools, and other workpieces with complex spatial surfaces.

According to their special functions, there are single-table, double-table, and multi-table CNC machining centers. Also, there are single-axis, dual-axis, three-axis, and interchangeable spindle box CNC machining centers. 

Based on the classification of the guide rail, there are line-rail CNC machining centers, hard-rail CNC machining centers, etc.

A small-sized CNC machining factory usually just has small CNC machining centers which save costs and space. Small CNC machining centers are like others that can realize clamping, milling, drilling, boring, reaming, tapping, and other processes, typically focusing on milling. Small CNC machining centers can also do the 4-axis and 5-axis machining of small-sized components. A compact CNC machining factory often serves industries like household supplies, jewelry, medical device, electronics, home appliances, and new energy. Small CNC machining centers are enough.

If you want to learn more about CNC machining centers, you can turn to our blog on the world's top ten CNC machining centers.

CNC machining center in X Rapid Technologies

As a CNC machining factory, X Rapid Technologies has CNC machining centers from 3-axis to 5-axis machines. In most cases of rapid prototyping, 3-axis CNC machining centers are enough. Because the 5-axis CNC machining centers are too expensive and are not necessary and cost-effective. We offer custom CNC machining solutions per project within 24 hours with a lead time of 3 to 7 days. However, we will introduce new ones to meet the ever-changing demands of our beloved customers.