Process Zones

Large-Part Machining

OVERVIEW: Large-Part Machining is here defined as the challenge of machining any part that is too heavy or bulky for a single human being to move the part to another location quickly, or too large to fit within the work zone of the most commonly available CNC machine tools. Parts such as these could apply to almost any industry, though aircraft, construction, power generation, and oil drilling are ready examples of industries that commonly have a need for very large machined parts. In large-part machining, much of the challenge has to do with performing as much of the work as possible in a single setup. Five-axis or 3+2 machining is often required to let a machining center reach many of the features of the part in a single setup. On-machine probing is another important resource, because the machine is often required to precisely locate the part prior to machining and may even inspect the part after machining is done.

Featured Zone Content

March 2010

Going To Great Lengths

By: Modern Machine Shop
Heidenhain LB 382C sealed linear scales enabled Ingersoll Machine Tools to meet the customer’s requirements for the largest five-axis gantry machine in North America....MORE

January 2009

Side Turn-Milling Of A Massive Crankshaft

By: Modern Machine Shop
This video footage showing the machining of a massive crankshaft suggests some of the possibilities of turn-milling. Not all shops realize possibilities such as this even on their own smaller-scale turn-mill equipment....MORE

October 2011

Delivering Value in Program Production

By: Peter Zelinski
A contract manufacturer specializing in ongoing production programs describes the investments involved in winning this work. ...MORE

October 2011

Shop Finds Perfect Fit in New VMC

By: Modern Machine Shop
A Feeler VMC from Methods Machine Tools helped this shop produce larger parts more efficiently and accurately. ...MORE

August 2011

Gearing Up to Make Big Gears

By: Mark Albert
Over the years, this Indiana job shop/contract manufacturer developed a specialty in gear making. Now it is taking this specialty to a grander scale. Two large machines for high-precision internal gear grinding are the main anchors of the company’s new precision grinding room. ...MORE

July 2011

Doosan Makes a Power Play

By: Matt Danford
The South Korean builder is directing its focus toward rigid machine platforms capable of heavy cuts in tough materials. ...MORE

February 2011

Video: Machining Long Parts Through a Small Machining Center

By: Peter Zelinski
Video from Chiron America demonstrates the company’s Multi-Profile System, which combines a machining center with in-feed and out-feed accessories so that the compact machine can mill and drill long parts. ...MORE

Search for machine tools by specs. Over 7500 models.

techspex machine tool selector
Metal Casting Foundry and Metal Fabrication Job Shop
MMS ONLINE
Channel Partners
  • International Manufacturing Technology Show / Sept. 10-15, 2012