Graphite, a unique material known for its high thermal conductivity, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and excellent chemical stability, is widely used in various industries such as semiconductor, aerospace, and metallurgy. However, its characteristic brittleness and high hardness pose significant challenges to machining. Traditional machining equipment often struggles to achieve the balance between high - efficiency removal of large amounts of material and the precise finishing required for fine features. For instance, in a typical graphite electrode manufacturing process, traditional mills might have a material removal rate of only about 30 cubic centimeters per minute, while the precision tolerance could be as high as ±0.1mm, far from meeting the high - standard industry requirements.
The FH1890L vertical machining center stands out with its large stroke and high - cutting - rate parameters. The large stroke allows for the processing of larger graphite workpieces without the need for multiple setups, reducing positioning errors and improving overall efficiency. The high - cutting - rate parameters, on the other hand, enable rapid material removal during the rough - milling process. In practical operations, the FH1890L can achieve a material removal rate of up to 80 cubic centimeters per minute during rough - milling, which is significantly higher than traditional equipment. Moreover, during the finishing process, it can maintain a precision tolerance of ±0.02mm, ensuring the high quality of the final product. The synergy between the large stroke and high - cutting - rate parameters means that the FH1890L can perform both rough - milling and finishing operations in a single setup, greatly streamlining the production process.
The FH1890L is equipped with various spindle configurations such as right - angle heads and universal heads. These configurations greatly enhance the machine's compatibility with complex machining processes. For example, the right - angle head allows for the machining of side surfaces and internal features that are difficult to access with a standard spindle. The universal head, with its ability to rotate in multiple axes, can perform multi - angle machining, which is essential for creating complex graphite components with irregular shapes. This flexibility in spindle configuration reduces the need for additional fixtures and tool changes, saving time and improving the accuracy of the machining process.
The Mitsubishi CNC system used in the FH1890L provides excellent multi - axis linkage control. This system can accurately coordinate the movement of multiple axes simultaneously, ensuring smooth and stable machining operations. The automation connection ability of the system also enables seamless integration with other production equipment, such as automatic tool changers and workpiece handling systems. As a result, the machining process can be highly automated, reducing human intervention and potential errors. According to user feedback, the use of the Mitsubishi CNC system has increased the overall production efficiency of the FH1890L by about 30%.
Let's take a typical graphite mold as an example. In a traditional machining process, it might take about 8 hours to complete the rough - milling and finishing operations, with a scrap rate of about 5%. However, when using the FH1890L, the same graphite mold can be processed in only 4 hours, and the scrap rate is reduced to less than 1%. The following table shows a detailed comparison of the two processes:
| Process | Traditional Equipment | FH1890L |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | 8 hours | 4 hours |
| Scrap Rate | 5% | <1% |
For front - line engineers, it is crucial to understand the correct operation methods of the FH1890L. First, proper tool selection is essential. Different graphite materials and machining processes require different types of tools. Second, regular maintenance of the equipment is necessary to ensure its long - term stable operation. Common mistakes include improper parameter setting, which can lead to poor machining quality or even equipment damage, and neglecting the cleaning of the machining area, which may affect the accuracy of the machine. By following the correct operation procedures and avoiding these common mistakes, engineers can fully utilize the performance of the FH1890L.
If you are looking for advanced solutions in graphite machining, don't miss out on learning more about Kaibo CNC's advanced vertical machining centers. Discover how our products can revolutionize your graphite - processing operations.