CNC Machining Centre

Selection criteria

Positioning accuracy, 4th axis, tool changer.

Supply chain

Japanese brands serve the Pearl River Delta from Guangzhou, and Guangzhou builders make vertical and multi-spindle machining centres. For housings and end caps, positioning accuracy and fixture design decide concentricity.

Buyer FAQ

What machine accuracy do I need for housings and end caps?

Spigots and bearing bores are usually held to IT6–IT7 with 0.02–0.03 mm runout between them. A machine with about ±0.005 mm positioning accuracy and ±0.003 mm repeatability (ISO 230-2) is sufficient, provided the spigot and bearing bore are finished in the same clamping. Fixture design matters as much as the machine itself.

Do I need a 4th axis or a horizontal machining centre?

A 4th rotary axis lets you machine the foot, flange holes and terminal-box face of a housing in one clamping, which removes re-clamping error. For high-volume housings, a horizontal machining centre with a pallet changer cuts idle time. A 20–30 tool magazine is usually enough for housing and end-cap work.

Chinese or Japanese/Taiwanese machining centre: what is the trade-off?

Chinese machines now match imported ones on as-delivered accuracy at a clearly lower cost; the gap is mainly in thermal stability, spindle life and long-term accuracy retention. Whichever you buy, ask for laser-interferometer and ballbar reports and check the spindle and CNC brand. Domestic machines usually ship in 1–3 months, imported ones in 3–6 months.

Where it is used