How to choose a graphite high-speed machining machine

Due to the brittle nature of graphite materials, high-speed machining of graphite does not rely on plastic deformation to obtain strip-like or segment-like chips for material removal, as is the case with plastic metal materials. Instead, it achieves material removal by causing brittle fracture of the graphite material through the impact, crushing, and stripping effects of the cutting tool, resulting in chip particles or powder. The fine granular dust chips generated during graphite cutting have a significant impact on the service life of machine tools and cutting tools, as well as the machining accuracy. If graphite dust enters the spindle, it can cause unstable clamping, reduce the service life of the spindle bearings and cutting tools, increase downtime, and decrease the dimensional accuracy of the workpiece. For high-speed machining, due to the high spindle speed, unstable clamping can cause inertial centrifugal forces, which may even lead to tool breakage, resulting in scrap products and posing risks to both operators and machine tools. The entry of graphite dust into the machine tool can exacerbate wear on the sliding surfaces of the machine, and into the feed system can cause wear on the lead screws and linear guides. Graphite is a good conductive material, and the entry of graphite dust into data cable interfaces can affect data transmission, and into the numerical control system can affect its sensitivity and reliability, even causing electrical system short circuits and production accidents.

In addition to the basic functions of general high-speed machining centers, high-speed machining centers dedicated to graphite also need to consider the following three aspects: (1) dust-proof sealing of the spindle and feed system; (2) complete sealing of the machine's working area with splash guards and top plates; (3) built-in integrated strong vacuum suction devices to extract the dust generated during machining from the working area and collect it in plastic recycling bags for unified disposal. Currently, commonly used high-speed machining centers for graphite both domestically and internationally mainly include the Makino SNC series, Mitsubishi Roku-Roku series, OKK DGM series, Hsui Fong MG.850, Mikron BMCI2, Rieders RPM800, and Datron Dynamics M9.GR. Ordinary machining centers can also be modified for high-speed machining of graphite. Since the sealing performance of the machining center itself is usually good, closing the protective door can effectively prevent graphite dust from escaping. Therefore, the modification of the machining center is mainly focused on dust collection. For the transmission system located under the worktable, it is difficult to achieve complete sealing and dust prevention. A dust collection pipe can be installed nearby, while paying attention to dust prevention of the spindle. When changing tools, the tool handle should be blown clean to prevent dust from adhering to the handle and being carried into the spindle. After each machining session, the graphite dust should be cleaned up in a timely manner. The dust collection modification mainly involves installing a dust collection device. For the modification of the machining center, a dust collection pipe should be added. The dust collection pipe has a simple structure, easy to obtain materials, and can be converted from ordinary plastic pipes. It is convenient to use, low in cost, and has a small suction area. The dust collection pipe can be installed in a location close to the machining area. When installing, it is important to ensure that the airflow direction of the dust collection pipe is consistent with the direction of graphite dust emission during machining, which can effectively collect dust.