How To Choose a CNC Drilling and Routing Machine
CNC machines are vital in PCB processing. These are the points DLCNC engineers work through with a buyer before quoting.
Published 2023-09-11 by Chengdu Jindali Technology Co., Ltd
Rigidity and Stability
The machine needs good rigidity and stability. Granite is heavy and stable which makes it a good material for the machine base. Every DLCNC drilling series runs on a granite marble base frame and the planer type router uses a full granite mechanical frame.
Spindle Speed and Stability
Routing machines prefer ball bearing spindles for their good torque. Drilling machines prefer air bearing spindles because the high speed improves drilling precision. The two are not interchangeable.
Drill Precision and Repeatable Precision
This needs years of observation to judge. Top brands consistently do better in this area. On the DLCNC range positioning accuracy is ±0.01mm and repeatability accuracy is ±0.005mm.
Axis Feed Rate
Higher feed speed improves work efficiency. Linear motor drive has quicker speed and can reach up to 100m/min. The DLCNC D3X and D4X reach 80m/min on the XY axes.
Maximum Process Table Size
This depends on the board size you will process. Do not buy a table for a panel format you do not run and do not buy one that is too small for the format you plan to move to.
Control System and Operation System
Choose the system your team already knows. The popular operation system is Windows. Sieb and Meyer is a leading control system brand and the latest version referenced is CNC95. Check that your drilling programme is compatible with the control system.
Tool Management
Drilling normally handles about 200 tools. Routing normally handles 66. DLCNC drilling machines carry 66pcs on the D1X and 220pcs on the D2X D3X and D4X.
Linear Scale
Linear scale gives higher precision but is sensitive to dust so contamination has to be kept away. For a routing machine a magnetic scale is an alternative choice.
Vacuum System
The vacuum system is important to keep the machine running and should be specified with the machine rather than added afterwards.
Protection System
Check the slide door and the infrared ray protection system as part of the machine specification.
Table Movement and Fixing
There are two ways to move the table. By air the abrasion is lower but energy consumption is higher because of the air supply. By ball screw drive the air supply is reduced but the ball screw needs recalibration every year. An air supply fix device to tighten the workpiece is handy.
