Both gantry milling machines and gantry machining centers are large-scale CNC machine tools, suitable for machining large workpieces such as large sheet metal parts, box-shaped parts, and molds. The differences between the two are as follows:
I. Differences in Applicable Objects
- Gantry Milling Machine: Suitable for machining flat and inclined surfaces of large workpieces in batch and mass production.
- Gantry Machining Center: Suitable for machining large workpieces and workpieces with complex shapes.
II. Differences in Functional Structure
- Gantry Milling Machine: The crossbeam and columns are equipped not with planer tool holders but with milling cutter holders with spindle boxes. The reciprocating motion of the longitudinal worktable of the gantry milling machine is not the main motion, but the feed motion, while the rotational motion of the milling cutter is the main motion.
- Gantry Machining Center: The worktable of the gantry machining center is basically rectangular. The large castings such as the worktable, bed, columns, crossbeam, and ram are made of cast iron or welded parts. The internal cavities of the castings adopt a honeycomb composite arrangement structure, with advanced design. They are all subjected to aging and secondary tempering treatment to eliminate residual internal stress, stabilize the material, and ensure the stability of workpiece processing accuracy and machine tool life.
III. Whether a tool magazine is included, which is the most significant difference.
Gantry machining centers are equipped with a tool magazine and can automatically change tools, while gantry milling machines (ordinary gantry milling machines, CNC gantry milling machines) require manual tool changes. Therefore, gantry machining centers can achieve diversified processing, have higher processing accuracy than gantry milling machines, save manpower to a greater extent, and improve work efficiency.
