Horizontal Machining Centers and Milling Machines

How to choose a horizontal machining center

Horizontal machines suit parts that need machining on several sides: with an indexing or rotary table, several faces can be machined in one setup, and chips fall away from the work. Choose the table size and load for your largest part and fixture, as with the FEELER NHX-800. For high-volume production of aluminum parts such as automotive and battery housings, double-spindle machines such as the MAG SPECHT DUO raise the output per machine. For very large or long parts such as frames, bases and columns, a traveling-column machine such as the SACHMAN TS10 or a floor-type machine such as the SACHMAN THOR keeps the heavy part still while the column moves.

What to send for a quotation

Send the part drawing or 3D model, the material, the largest part size and weight, the annual volume, the tolerance, and the CNC control you prefer. Tell us whether you need pallet changers, fixtures or automation.

FAQ

Why choose a horizontal machine over a vertical one?

Horizontal spindles clear chips better and reach several faces of a part in one clamping, which shortens cycle times on box-shaped parts. Vertical machines cost less and are easier to set up for flat parts.

What is a traveling-column machine?

The column carrying the spindle moves along the bed while the workpiece stays fixed on the table or floor plate. It is used for long and heavy parts that would be hard to move.

What does a double spindle give me?

Two spindles machine two parts at the same time, which raises output per machine and per square metre of floor space for high-volume parts.

Other machine tool series

All machine tools · Vertical machining centers · Gantry machining centers · CNC lathes and turning centers

Planning a purchase? Read our buyer’s checklist for sourcing CNC machine tools, or send us your part drawing for a quotation.