The main difference between engraving and milling machines

Milling machines, engraving machines and machining centers (computer gongs) are very similar in appearance and structure. The following is a comparative analysis of the three:
Concept
Machining center: It is called computer gong in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Guangdong. It is a highly automated multifunctional CNC machine tool with a tool magazine and automatic tool changer. The first machining center appeared in the United States in 1958. It can realize the centralized processing of multiple processes such as milling, drilling, boring, reaming and tapping after the workpiece is clamped once, and the function emphasizes "milling".
Engraving machine: It has a high spindle speed suitable for the processing of small tools, and has a relatively small torque. It focuses on the "engraving" function, such as wood (specialized wood carving machines are called wood carving machines), two-color boards, acrylic boards and other low-hardness boards, which are not suitable for large workpieces with strong cutting. Most of the products on the market that are under the banner of engraving machines are mainly for processing handicrafts, with low cost. Due to low precision, they are not suitable for mold development; but there are exceptions such as wafer engraving machines.
Milling machine: As the name suggests. It can be engraved or milled. On the basis of the engraving machine, the spindle and servo motor power are increased, the bed bearing capacity is increased, and the spindle speed is maintained. More importantly, the precision is very high. The engraving and milling machine is also developing towards high speed, generally called high-speed machine, with stronger cutting ability and very high processing precision. It can also directly process materials with a hardness of more than HRC60 and form them in one go.
Appearance volume
The machining center is relatively large. The large 1690 machine is 4m*3m in size, and the small 850 machine is also 2.5m*2.5m; the engraving and milling machine is second, and the relatively large 750 machine is generally 2.2m*2m; the engraving machine is the smallest.
Mechanical structure
The machining center generally adopts a cantilever type, and the engraving and milling machine and the engraving machine generally use a gantry structure. The gantry type is divided into a pillar type and a fixed beam type. The engraving and milling machine is mostly a fixed beam type.
Index data
Maximum spindle speed (r/min): 8000 for machining center; 24000 for engraving and milling machines, and 30000 for high-speed machines; engraving machines are generally the same as engraving and milling machines. Engraving machines used for high-gloss processing can reach 80000, but they use air-floating spindles instead of ordinary electric spindles.
Spindle power: The machining center has the largest power, ranging from a few kilowatts to tens of kilowatts; engraving and milling machines are second, generally within ten kilowatts; engraving machines are the smallest.
Cutting volume: The machining center has the largest power, especially suitable for heavy cutting and roughing; engraving and milling machines are second, suitable for fine processing; engraving machines are the smallest.
Speed: Since engraving and milling machines and engraving machines are relatively light, their moving speed and feed speed are faster than those of machining centers, especially high-speed machines equipped with linear motors, with a maximum moving speed of 120m/min
Accuracy: The accuracy of the three is similar.
In terms of processing size: the worktable area can reflect this relatively well. The smallest worktable area (unit: mm, the same below) of domestic machining centers (computer gongs) is 830*500 (850 machine);
The largest worktable area of ​​engraving and milling machines is 700*620 (750 machine), and the smallest is 450*450 (400 machine);
Engraving machines generally do not exceed 450*450, and the most common is 45*270 (250 machine).
In terms of application objects: machining centers are used to complete the processing equipment of workpieces with large milling volumes, large molds, and materials with higher hardness, and are also suitable for the roughing of ordinary molds; engraving and milling machines are used to complete small milling volumes, fine processing of small molds, and are suitable for copper, graphite, etc. processing; low-end engraving machines tend to process wood, two-color boards, acrylic boards, and other boards with low hardness, while high-end ones are suitable for polishing and grinding of chips, metal shells, etc.