You’re making a product that requires machining, and you need to pick a solution that keeps you on timeline and under budget. With a world of CNC machining options out there, which one do you choose?
With over 60 years of machining experience, Toolcraft is here to help. We’re sharing our insights on two of our leading machining capabilities: CNC vertical turning centers and CNC horizontal turning centers. We’ll let you know how each machine works, the differences between the two, key advantages of each, real-world industry examples, and how we utilize VTCs and HTCs at Toolcraft.
What Is A Vertical Turning Center?
To start, we’ll take a step back and define the CNC turning center, the process that forms the foundation of VTCs and HTCS. During CNC turning, a workpiece is fixed to a worktable and rotates (this is where the “turning” element comes in) while a cutting tool moves linearly to shape the product to specifications. CNC turning is generally used to create cylindrical shapes.
A vertical turning center is a turning center where the workpiece is held down vertically to the work table with a vice or fixture. The spindle that rotates the cutting tool is also oriented vertically. As the spindle rotates, the cutting tool shapes the workpiece from above. Gravity is on your side with this orientation, making it easier to do more cutting.
At Toolcraft, we can conduct vertical turning for parts up to 93” in diameter, 63” tall and up to 33,000 lbs.
What Is A Horizontal Turning Center?
A horizontal turning center is a turning center where the spindle is oriented horizontally. The workpiece is attached to the chuck on a horizontal axis, and the cutting tool shapes the workpiece from a horizontal angle as the part rotates. For a visual cue, picture a rotisserie.
Toolcraft horizontal turning centers cover sizes all the way to 39” maximum diameter with a maximum length of 78”.
What Are the Differences Between Vertical and Horizontal Turning Centers?
We’ve compiled a chart of key comparisons between vertical turning centers and horizontal turning centers to help you choose which one best suits your needs:
One additional note: if you’re wondering about workpiece materials, we didn’t include that in this chart as material is not a major differentiating factor. Workpiece size and shape is much more important.
Benefits of Vertical Turning Centers
Now that you’ve got an overview of how VTCs and HTCs work, we’ll dive deeper into the specific benefits of each turning center technique, starting with vertical turning centers.
For VTCs, flexibility comes first. Due to gravity pulling down as the machine works, we are able to set up options for thinner-walled precision parts. At the same time, we can handle heavy, large or awkward workpieces that require high metal removal.
Vertical turning centers also provide secure superior stability, particularly for larger parts where stability may become an issue. This sound foundation allows us to hone in much more on precision machining.
Lastly, ToolCraft offers additional milling and drilling capabilities. Combining operations in one machine offers higher efficiency, throughput, and increased accuracy.
Benefits of Horizontal Turning Centers
Horizontal turning centers deliver high versatility; they can conduct a wide range of turning operations including facing, turning, boring, and threading.
HTCs at ToolCraft can also perform live tooling. This increases productivity, reduces setup time, and the number of setups required. We also offer C and Y axis capabilities for drilling, face milling, and thread milling operations.
Our horizontal turning centers are equipped with hydraulic 3-jaw chucks, which get to work fast on workpieces up to 39 inches in diameter. It’s the ultimate in HTC efficiency.
Industrial Applications for VTCs and HTCs
Because every industry encompasses a vast array of parts, components, and products, there is a considerable amount of overlap – many industries incorporate VTCs and HTCs for different purposes.
In general, vertical turning centers are frequently utilized in industries that incorporate large or heavy machinery, like the automotive, aerospace, and general industrial industries.
Horizontal turning centers are often used in industries that require complex, high-volume, precision products. Some of the industries that utilize HTCs the most include the medical, automotive, and power generation industries.
ToolCraft: Your Horizontal and Vertical Turning Machining Center Headquarters
At Toolcraft Machining, we pride ourselves on being an industry leader in both vertical and horizontal CNC turning. We take an innovative approach and are capable of handling a wide range of parts, from heavy and robust to thinner, less stable parts in a wide variety of materials.
We machine everything from common alloys such as A36, A572, A633 to super alloys such as Monel K500, Titanium, and Inconel. Whether you need a horizontal or vertical turning machining center, we have the people and experience to figure out your challenges and get it done.
Request a Quote or call us at (262) 250-7640
to learn more about our CNC turning capabilities and start your project.