The most popular manufacturers of CNC machines

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Everyone wants to choose the best quality CNC machine that will work well, be easy to maintain and, of course, not break. Today, there are a lot of manufacturers that offer not very high-quality services and products. There are especially many “Chinese” who take the price and insist that “all spare parts are from Europe and only the assembly is Chinese.” As a rule, the owners of such machines are not satisfied with the purchase and sooner or later come to trusted brands, if only because, in the end, it is easier and cheaper to buy spare parts, equipment and additional modules. And even under force majeure circumstances, it is much easier to contact old companies that value their reputation. Of course, there are little-known, but very worthy manufacturers who create machines that are superior to popular machines both in quality and cost; we will talk about them in a separate article. Today we will look at the best-selling and popular manufacturers of CNC machines, but this does not mean that they are the best. Rather, this is a list of companies whose products you definitely won’t regret buying.

Best Selling CNC Machine Brand

The CNC machine brands presented here are just a selection of brands with world-renowned sales. American and Japanese brands are selling very well, ranking first in the world, but why are they not the best CNC machine brands in the world? Because the machines are very precise, mass production can ensure maximum supply, mass production cannot guarantee high quality, this does not mean that they are not good, on the contrary, they are also very good!

The top selling brands of CNC machines are the following, not sorted by sales volume:

DMG Mori
Spinner
STAMA
MoriSeiki
Okuma
Yamazaki Mazak
Makino
Toyoda
MAG
Hardinge
FIDIA
Danobat
Haas

Have you heard of these brands? In fact, there are many well-selling CNC machine brands . There are also many well-selling CNC machine brands in China. China should be the country with the highest demand for CNC machines in the world. For example, TAICNC produces about 1000 CNC machines per month, more than 90%.

Modern innovations in individual production

In the home workshop, modern craftsmen, commissioned for large enterprises, process parts according to the attached drawings. Such part-time work is also beneficial for enterprises: there is no need to use additional technological equipment in the workshop to perform routine operations.

The home craftsman carries out work under a contract with the customer; he solves problems of delivery of blanks and parts independently. As a result, the overhead costs of the main production are reduced. The workplace is created by the contractor himself.

To organize the production of income, it is enough to create an individual enterprise (IE) in order to have official status (financial calculations are simplified). Currently, there are enough such organizations; they carry out significant volumes of orders.

Popular manufacturers of CNC machines. German-Japanese DMG Mori

DMG was originally a German manufacturer of CNC machine tools and has now been acquired by the Japanese company MORI SEIKI. It is an international brand with a global presence. With a presence on six continents, a 24-hour service hotline and warehouses stocked with spare parts, they are one of the world's premier machining companies. But don't think that their good name is entirely dependent on customer service. Their CMX series in particular is known for its accuracy and ease of use. For the machinist on a budget, guaranteed 24-hour delivery of all spare parts makes a used Mori Seiki a particularly good investment. They provide the following services:

CNC machines
Automation system
Comprehensive digitization
Production of additional equipment

What technical characteristics must be taken into account when choosing a router?

Power

The capabilities of a router are largely determined by the power of the electric motor with which it is equipped. The greater the power consumption of the unit, the greater the maximum permissible diameter and length of the cutter that can be installed on it, the longer it can operate continuously without overload.

It would seem that if you do not take into account the financial side of the issue, then the best router should be considered the most powerful. However, in reality it is not so simple. An increase in power entails a significant increase in the weight and dimensions of the engine, and therefore the entire tool.

According to this parameter, milling cutters are divided into:

Lightweight (power up to 750 W, weight 2-3 kg).

Medium (power 750–1500 W, weight 3-5 kg).

Heavy (power 1500–2300 W, weight 5-6 kg or more).

For regular milling work, experts recommend a tool with a power of at least 1500 W. A powerful milling cutter, of course, can easily cope with any professional tasks. However, when performing a number of delicate jobs, for example, when processing edges, it will not be so easy to cope with a heavy and bulky machine, especially for a beginner.

Your task at the stage of choosing a tool is to analyze the intensity and nature of the work that is supposed to be performed with the help of a milling cutter, and to find that very golden mean - a tool whose power will not be excessively large, but sufficient to solve the assigned tasks, long-term work without break, processing of hardwood.

Spindle speed

The significance of such technical characteristics of a milling cutter as spindle rotation speed is understandable even to the most technically untrained users. The higher the rotation speed of the cutter, the higher the quality of the machined surface. If high accuracy is required, it makes sense to work at lower speeds. A low rotation speed is also needed when processing plastic, otherwise the working area will overheat and, as a consequence, the material will melt.

The spindle speed of most milling machines ranges from 20 to 30 thousand rpm, but there are both slower (10–20 thousand rpm) and faster (up to 35 thousand rpm) operating units. It should be taken into account that the larger the diameter of the cutter used, the lower the angular speed of rotation should be, since the linear speed of movement of a point on the periphery of the circle will still be quite high, and if you “accelerate” the cutter even more, the wood begins to burn.

Since the optimal spindle speed depends on the size of the cutter currently being used, the depth of cut, and the density of the workpiece material, it is very useful to be able to adjust the speed, which determines the functionality of the router. The adjustment can be smooth or stepwise (up to 8 positions). The optimal milling mode for given conditions is chosen by the operator himself, based on his practical experience, however, manufacturers often indicate recommended values in the tool data sheets or on the cutters.

Cutting stroke

The working stroke of the cutter, i.e. the maximum possible milling depth is one of the most important parameters demonstrating the functionality of the tool. For light milling machines for household use, this figure, as a rule, lies in the range of 20–50 mm; for powerful professional models it can reach 70–80 mm. The longer the cutter stroke, the deeper it can dive into the material being processed, the thicker the parts can be processed.

A groove of full depth is usually not cut at one time - this can ruin the workpiece and damage the tool. Moreover, the harder the material being processed, the smaller the depth of a single pass. But in general, it is impossible to make a groove with a depth greater than the working stroke of the cutter. Many models of milling cutters are equipped with a regulator for fine-tuning the immersion depth; the accuracy of setting this parameter is usually 0.1 mm.

Additional functions

Constant electronics . As the density of the material being processed or the speed of moving the tool along the workpiece increases, the speed begins to fall. A constant electronics system that controls the power of the electric motor in order to stabilize the spindle speed will help maintain them at a given level. The need for this function usually arises when there is heavy load on the tool, so it is found, as a rule, only in professional milling cutters.

Contact electronics allows maintaining consistently high quality of material processing.

Smooth start . Powerful professional milling cutters are often equipped with a “soft start” system. Thanks to this function, the engine picks up speed gradually, which eliminates a sharp jerk of the equipment when turned on. Such a tool will serve you longer, since its components do not experience periodic short-term overloads, it is safer to work with it, and the chance of damaging the workpiece at the very beginning of work is minimized.

Overload protection system . If the temperature of the motor winding exceeds a critical level, the overload protection system will come into play. For different models, this function can be implemented in different ways - from a simple light indication to automatic power off.

You can find a milling cutter with an overload protection system only among professional models, since they are the ones that are used for prolonged intensive work, which means they are more likely to begin to overheat as a result of increased loads.

Protection against unintentional start-up . On the body of most modern milling cutters, regardless of their price category, there is an additional button, without pressing which simultaneously with the main start button, voltage will not be supplied to the motor windings.

Its main purpose is to prevent unintentional starting of the router. This button, as a rule, also performs one more function - it allows you to block the trigger in the on position. When using a router stationary (milling table), you cannot do without such an option.

Popular manufacturers of CNC machines. German Spinner Precision Machine

Spinner precision machines operate successfully around the world with many renowned customers in more than 60 countries on 6 continents. They have been developing and producing state-of-the-art machines since 1950. More than 20,000 delivered machines demonstrate their high efficiency, precision and reliability.

German Spinner Precision Machine

Although Spinner is a medium-sized company, they produce and sell over 1,000 CNC machines per year. And every year their number increases. The company combines the know-how of a global player with the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of a family business structure. They provide the following services:

CNC milling machine
CNC turning center
CNC grinding machine
Automation

Safety precautions

Although all modern machines are necessarily equipped with protection, divided into a number of elements, compliance with basic labor protection instructions is still mandatory. The protective parts themselves must certainly be placed in the correct positions. Their serviceability is checked in any case before starting work and after any long break. Do not work in poor visibility or during any sudden deterioration in health.

A milling machine is serious equipment, and you shouldn’t allow just anyone into it. You must be of legal age and be willing to obtain a 2nd level in electrical safety (this is the minimum). A first aid kit and a fire extinguisher must be available at the workplace. You need to master each machine model very carefully from scratch. If we are talking not about home conditions, but about an enterprise, then additional instruction is certainly required.

Wood shavings must be removed regularly. Its excessive accumulation threatens a fire. The milling machine must be grounded, as well as all the wires feeding it. You can work with workpieces only after checking their fastening. Cutting parts with chips and deformations, with cracks and burrs must be replaced.

Popular manufacturers of CNC machines. German STAMA

STAMA is a brand of the German CHIRON group, active for almost a century, and produces multi-spindle machining centers in the spirit of innovation, highest quality and flexibility. The company specializes in complex, unique milling and turning processes, making it one of the leading providers of process solutions for specific customers and industries around the world. They provide the following services:

CNC Machining Center
CNC turning center
Dual Spindle CNC Machining Center
Ready solutions

Popular manufacturers of CNC machines. Japanese Mori Seiki

Mori Seiki was founded in 1948 and has grown to become a leading manufacturer of CNC equipment such as lathes and machining centers. They have over 160,000 installations worldwide and are a key player in the CNC market. They are constantly working to improve the software and provide updates to keep their machines up to date. They provide the following services:

CNC lathes (2-axis and multi-axis)
Vertical CNC Machining Center
Horizontal CNC Machining Center
CNC flat lathes

Japanese Okuma

Popular manufacturers of CNC machines. Japanese Okuma

With over a century of experience and the largest distribution network in America, it's safe to say that Okuma is one of the largest players in the engineering industry. Notably, the company is the only supplier in the industry that has CNC machines, drives, motors, encoders, spindles and CNC systems that are manufactured in-house. Okuma has always been an innovator, remaining at the forefront of development of all technologies, including CNC routers.

They provide the following services:

CNC lathe
CNC Machining Center
CNC grinding machine
CNC Laser Machine
Double Column CNC Router

Japanese Yamazaki Mazak

Popular manufacturers of CNC machines. Japanese Yamazaki Mazak

Yamazaki Mazak was founded in 1919 and has contributed to the development of the machine tool industry as a leading global company. Yamazaki Mazak not only produces advanced machine tools such as multi-task centers, CNC turning centers, machining centers and laser machines, but also automation systems with a DONE IN ONE concept to support global production, providing exceptional productivity and versatility. They will continue to develop advanced machines to advance both manufacturing and society.

Mazak has several factories around the world, including Japan, China, USA, UK and Singapore, which provide the following services:

Multitasking machines
CNC turning centers
Vertical machining centers
Double Column Machining Centers
Horizontal machining centers
CNC laser processing machines
FMS (Flexible Manufacturing System)
CNC systems
CAD/CAM system
Manufacturing Support Software

Japanese Makino

Popular manufacturers of CNC machines. Japanese Makino

More than 80 years ago, founder Tsunezo Makino invented the horizontal machining center. Today Makino is sold in 41 countries around the world and is widely known as the most advanced machining center. As an industry leader in hardware design and digital innovation, Makino delivers revolutionary solutions to deliver superior performance. They manufacture the most accurate and high quality metalworking and EDM machines in the world - horizontal machining centers, vertical machining centers, 5-axis machining centers, graphite machining centers, and wire and sinker EDMs.

Japanese Toyoda

Clever engineering has been the cornerstone of Toyoda machines since the company was founded in 1941 as Toyoda Machine Works. Originally produced for the production lines of a major Japanese automobile company, Toyoda grinding machines were designed to operate in high-productivity environments.

Over the years, Toyoda has maintained this level of craftsmanship to ensure that its production is of the highest quality standards. In 1968, Toyoda expanded its product line to horizontal machining centers and later included automation systems, vertical machining centers and lathes, TOP centers, bridge machines and boring machines in Toyoda Americas Corporation's JTEKT product line.

Popular manufacturers of CNC machines. Japanese Toyoda

Toyoda understands tight tolerances, superior speed and maximum productivity. Every detail is carefully considered - from the durable cast iron base to the operator-friendly ergonomic design - to help maximize productivity in the metalworking industries.

Task

Generally speaking, sandwiches and salads are made “in a hurry”; a romantic dinner can be whipped up in a hurry, but not a machine. However, I included this phrase in the title of the article. Why? I'll try to explain.

“In a hurry” this means technologically for home production. Those. the machine must be designed so that it can be manufactured using a minimum set of the most common metalworking tools. Literally, if you have in your arsenal a jigsaw with a metal file, a drilling machine, tap dies and a file, then this should be enough. At worst, a simple hacksaw and a drill will do.

Some people will say: “Well, you’ve gone too far, comrade!” This doesn’t happen,” and he will be right. That really doesn't happen. Because if milling work can be eliminated completely, then we cannot do without basic turning work, which means there should be very little of this work, everything else should be done by hand, in the kitchen.

When setting yourself such a task, you need to understand well that your plans can only be achieved if you widely use purchased components and standard aluminum profiles. Guides - the cornerstones of a portal engraving and milling machine - will also have to be purchased, and they are expensive. So, “quickly” does not mean cheap!

One final thought. “In a hurry” is associated with the concepts of simple and fast. If you can agree with the definition of “simple,” then it’s unlikely to work quickly. The production of even simple parts can take an indefinite period, but as they say, “patience and labor will grind everything down.”

Let's summarize:

For milling balsa, plywood, wood, plastics and thin (up to 2 mm) aluminum alloys.
On linear ball guides and timing belts.
The working field is at least 1000x300x90.
Positioning resolution is no worse than 0.1 mm.
Positioning speed no less than 2 m/min.

Germany MAG

MAG is a leading manufacturing technology group for milling and turning for production systems and turnkey machines with customized application technologies. The firm has become a global player since its founding in 2005. MAG serves the automotive and trucking industries and their suppliers. unrivaled technology and experience.

Popular manufacturers of CNC machines. German MAG

MAG offers machines, production systems and services including turning, milling, honing, system integration, automation, software, maintenance, upgrades, e-learning and core components for machine tools. As a full-scale supplier, MAG's manufacturing solutions include processing technology, process capabilities, systems engineering and turnkey systems.

Spindle (cutter) rotation speed.

It is selected automatically based on the material being processed. Soft and plastic materials are processed at low speed, brittle ones, respectively, at high speed. For example, speed in the range of 10÷60,000 rpm. /min allows you to process almost the entire range of standard materials.

The set of tools in modern milling cutters usually contains from 5 to 20 items. There are plenty to choose from. As another auxiliary function, an automatic cutter replacement function has appeared. This is convenient and allows you not to stop the machine.

American Hardinge

Hardinge is a multinational machine tool manufacturer headquartered in Elmira, New York, USA. He started work in 1890. Hardinge is best known for its lathes, both non-NC and CNC.

Popular manufacturers of CNC machines. American Hardinge

The machine tool industry has been globalized since the 19th century, but in recent decades it has witnessed greater globalization and reorganization. Hardinge acquired machine tool manufacturers and its brands now include Hardinge, Bridgeport, Kellenberger, Hauser, Tripet, Jones & Shipman Hardinge Ltd and Tschudin. It has subsidiaries in England, Germany, Switzerland, China and Taiwan, China. The company employs 1,500 employees. They provide the following services:

CNC grinding machine
CNC turning center
CNC milling machine
Ready-made solutions and integration solutions

Italian FIDIA

Fidia was founded in 1974 to design and build sophisticated numerical control systems: an advanced technological solution for processing complex shapes for the mold and die industry.

Popular manufacturers of CNC machines. Italian FIDIA

By gradually expanding its know-how in this business segment and constantly updating its products, Fidia has anticipated the demands of the market. In the 1980s, a new series of numerical control based on the use of microprocessors was developed; high-speed milling systems were introduced in 1990 with the launch of the first DIGIT 165; In the mid-1990s, Fidia's own CAM programs were developed and manufactured: HI-MILL®. They provide the following services:

HSM machines
Numerical control
Milling heads
Accessories for CNC
CNC software

Spanish Danobat

Danobat was founded in 1954 with a history of more than 60 years. The offer includes advanced machines that provide high precision, reliability and productivity, designed to handle the most complex machining processes. Advanced solutions for the production of high added value components, which are developed in close cooperation with leading companies in their sector, resulting in fully automated solutions and turnkey lines; and advanced services based on the latest information and communication technologies.

Popular manufacturers of CNC machines. Spanish Danobat

Reference manufacturer of high added value solutions in the areas of grinding, turning, cutting, stamping, bending and automated production systems for composite structural components.

Processed materials

Wood processing devices have average power (1-1.5 kW) and a reinforced design. Since there is a risk of the cutter jamming during operation, the machines are equipped with a device for supplying coolant to the contact point. This is water or machine oil. The units are used for the manufacture of furniture legs, slotted decor, picture and photo frames, facades, and figured consoles.

Metal cutting machines look and operate somewhat differently. Their features:

more complicated design compared to wood routers;
high price;
lack of a cutter cooling function in a number of models (since the risk of fire due to friction of the cutter on the workpiece is minimal);
Possibility of equipping with an industrial vacuum cleaner socket (for removing chips).

Automatic waste collection is almost never carried out, since contact with skin, eyes or respiratory organs will cause harm to health. Typically the task is performed manually by the operator.

In machines for processing plastic and plexiglass, cutters with a diamond or corundum working surface are used. The coating can be sprayed or all-sintered. Diamond chips are baked on the surface of the router at high temperature, resulting in a strong and durable connection.

The liquid must be supplied to the area of contact with plastic/glass. Otherwise, waste getting under the cutter can lead to damage to the entire workpiece (due to the plasticity of the material).

Units of the 3000, 3200, 4000, 4400, 5000 series are suitable for processing PVC, acrylic glass, polycarbonate, and fiberglass.

Multicut-4000 machine

American HAAS

Popular manufacturers of CNC machines. American HAAS

Haas has only been around since the 80s, but they've made quite a splash in that time. In addition to having all of its manufacturing in the USA, Haas boasts extensive machining expertise at all levels. For beginners, Haas offers relatively affordable prices as well as comprehensive training programs on every aspect of operating their plants. For more experienced production owners, they offer quality that can easily compete with their Korean and Japanese counterparts (especially in their exemplary VMCs), as well as a variety of machine accessories. Haas machining centers are probably the most versatile CNC milling machines available.

Organize by base size

Standards regulate the basic parameters of equipment characteristic of this type. For a group of turning and cylindrical grinding machines, this is the maximum size of the part for processing.

For milling machines, the main consideration is the size of the work table for installing workpieces and equipment. For cross-planing machines, the basic value is the stroke of the slider.

A set of machines for one type of processing, with similar kinematics and structure, but differing in main dimensions, is called a size range. For example, according to the standards, gear hobbing machines have 12 standard sizes with a maximum workpiece diameter for processing from 80 mm to 12.5 thousand mm.