A Brief Understanding of the Structural Features of Gantry Type Machining Center

Gantry type Machining Center refers to a machining center where the spindle axis is set perpendicular to the worktable. Its gantry frame consists of components like two columns, a crossbeam, and a sliding saddle. Based on the gantry frame, it can be classified into fixed beam type, moving beam type, and moving column typegantry machining center. In a fixed beam type gantry machining center, the crossbeam is fixed while the worktable moves; in a moving beam type gantry machining center, the crossbeam moves up and down while the worktable moves back and forth; in a moving column type gantry machining center, the worktable is fixed while the gantry frame moves. Gantry type machining centers are mainly suitable for processing large parts.


Structural Features of Gantry Type Machining Center


Worktable


The worktable of the gantry type machining center is basically rectangular. The large castings of the worktable, bed, columns, crossbeam, and ram are made of Meehanite cast iron. The inner cavity of the castings adopts a honeycomb composite arrangement structure, with advanced design, all having undergone aging and secondary tempering treatments to eliminate residual internal stresses, stabilize material properties, and ensure the stability of workpiece machining accuracy and machine tool life.


Gantry


The gantry is composed of a crossbeam and two columns. It is classified into three types: fixed crossbeam, crossbeam locked in segments by positioning blocks, and crossbeam freely elevating.


Ram


Structurally, the ram can be divided into open and closed types. In the open structure, the ram is clamped to the spindle box by a pressure plate, with a large cross-sectional area of the ram; in the closed structure, the ram is clamped inside the spindle box with a small cross-sectional area.


Tool Magazine


The basic types of tool magazines are turret type, drum type, and chain type.


Attachment Head Library


Processing large and complex parts usually requires many attachment heads, which are specially designed according to workpiece processing requirements and generally classified into right-angle heads, extension heads, special angle heads, and universal heads, etc.


Precision


The precision of the machine tool refers to the original precision of the machine under the condition of no external load. Precision is usually represented by its opposite - the deviation from the ideal state (referred to as error). The smaller the error, the higher the precision.


Technical Features of Gantry Type Machining Center


  • Adopts CNC dual rotary heads with five-axis five-linkage function, capable of performing machining processes such as milling, boring, drilling, tapping, and sawing on five faces;


  • Uses imported high-precision dual rotary heads, equipped with high-power, high-speed electric spindles. The taper hole inside the spindle head is an HSK63F interface, providing high metal cutting amounts per unit time;


  • Gantry type machining center adopts high-quality CNC systems with good user interfaces, capable of performing complex five-axis linkage machining and achieving RTCP control function, with all CNCs equipped with CANOPEN bus communication;


  • The worktable of the gantry type machining center is made of high-strength cast iron, with key structural parts like the bed, crossbeam, saddle, and ram made of steel plate welded parts. Finite element analysis is used for analytical calculations to ensure the quality to rigidity ratio and excellent static, dynamic, and thermal performance. The cast iron worktable is equipped with standard T-slots for the convenient positioning and installation of various fixtures and workpieces.