How to process aluminum profiles using a VMC1890 vertical machining center

Recently, Shanghai ANTS received a custom vertical machining center request from a Russian client. The client specializes in precision machining of aluminum profiles and components. For high-precision milling of long aluminum profiles, ANTS selected the VMC1890 vertical machining center for specific optimization based on the client’s stringent technical requirements regarding travel, spindle performance, CNC system, and chip removal. This resulted in a customized technical solution, providing the client with a stable and efficient precision machining solution for aluminum profiles.

This Russian client has a long history of ordering precision aluminum profile components and had clear and stringent customization requirements for the equipment’s travel, spindle performance, intelligent detection, chip removal, and CNC system functionality.

I. Customer’s Core Machine Requirements

1. Z-axis travel: 800mm;
2. Distance from spindle end face to worktable: 150mm–950mm;
3. Worktable dimensions: 2000mm × 900mm;
4. Spindle taper: BT40; Equipped with a direct-drive spindle motor, eliminating belt and gear transmission structures, with a maximum speed of 12000rpm; Equipped with a spindle center-outlet water cooling system and an independent spindle oil cooler to ensure stable spindle temperature during long-term high-speed milling of aluminum profiles;
5. Tool magazine capacity optional: 24–50
6. Standard configuration includes an electrical cabinet heat exchanger, an automatic lubrication system, a chip flushing cooling water gun, and a high-pressure air gun;
7. A fully enclosed top sheet metal protective door, with an opening size suitable for direct overhead crane lifting of workpieces onto the machine;
8. A built-in spiral chip conveyor in the processing area centrally transports metal chips to the main chip conveyor for efficient aluminum chip removal;
9. Equipped with a remote handheld operating unit with an electronic handwheel for convenient workpiece adjustment.

(Note: The last sentence appears to be a repetitive, unrelated statement and is left untranslated.)

II. Preferred CNC System Solution

The preferred system is the Siemens 828D-SW26 CNC system, paired with a 15-inch display. The system performance requirements are as follows:

1. 300 program pre-read segments, minimum program segment processing time approximately 2ms;
2. 5MB basic user program storage capacity, expandable to 100MB; supports 6-axis linkage control;
3. Built-in ShopMill blank allowance detection function, real-time machining simulation and 3D graphics simulation function; supports direct execution of NC programs from external storage media; equipped with a high-precision surface machining control module and advanced workpiece zero-point setting cycle;
4. Equipped with a Renishaw TS27R tool probe for automatic in-machine tool setting and tool wear detection; and a Renishaw RMP60 wireless workpiece probe for workpiece alignment and online machining monitoring;
5. A constant temperature air conditioning unit is installed in the control cabinet to ensure stable operation of the CNC system under high-temperature conditions.

III. Verification of VMC1890 Equipment Basic Parameters

As can be seen from the parameter comparison, the VMC1890’s native stroke, worktable specifications, and spindle configuration fully cover the customer’s basic needs. On this basis, customized modules such as chip removal upgrades, a complete set of probes, constant temperature electronic control, and fully enclosed sheet metal are added to form a complete customized model.

Core Advantages of the Solution: Optimized for Precision Machining of Long Aluminum Profiles

1. Direct-Drive High-Speed ​​Spindle Solution: Gearless and beltless direct-drive structure, 12000r/min high speed suitable for light cutting of aluminum profiles; dual cooling of spindle oil cooling + center water outlet suppresses heat generation during high-speed machining, preventing aluminum parts from sticking to the tool and surface scratches.
2. Complete Online Inspection System: Renishaw tool probe + wireless workpiece probe combination reduces manual alignment and tool setting time, improving the dimensional consistency of batch aluminum profile parts.
3. High-Efficiency Aluminum Chip Handling Structure: Built-in spiral chip conveyor in conjunction with the main chip conveyor effectively handles fine aluminum chips generated during aluminum profile machining, preventing chip accumulation in the machining area from scratching the workpiece; cooling water gun and high-pressure air gun assist in cleaning aluminum chips from the cavity.
4. Stable and Long-Term Operation Electrical Control Design: Dual temperature control of electrical cabinet heat exchanger + control cabinet constant temperature air conditioner, adaptable to temperature fluctuations in different regions of Russia; automatic lubrication system ensures long-term continuous machining.
5. Lifting-Friendly Sheet Metal Protection: Fully enclosed dustproof sheet metal enclosure with a wide hatch allows for direct lifting of large aluminum profiles by overhead crane, eliminating the need for side-tipping during loading and unloading, significantly improving material handling efficiency.

Currently, this customized solution has completed technical integration and confirmation. The overall machine configuration has been refined based on the customer’s selected tool magazine capacity and optional features, and the purchase contract has been signed.

Welcome to contact Shanghai ANTS: contact@antsmachine.com. Our product line covers vertical machining centers, medium-speed wire EDM, fast-speed wire EDM, and slow-speed wire EDM equipment. Our technical team can provide customized machine tool solutions based on various workpiece processing needs.

Keywords: Vertical Machining Center, VMC1890, Aluminum Profile Machining, Siemens 828D, Renishaw Probe