Why a Vertical Machining Center Is a Smart Investment for Your Manufacturing Shop

Vertical Machining Centers (VMCs) are the lifeblood of many manufacturing shops. VMCs, coupled with other CNC Machinery, can make a machine shop more profits than almost any other machine. So why? What is it that they do to give you that advantage?

Below are just a few of the things that a Vertical Machining Center can do for you in your shop to make you more profitable for less money.

1) Faster Turnarounds & Set Up Times

Along with the simplicity of programming, ease of machine set up can be a huge advantage to a job shop. It allows for one-off prototypes as well as production. Fixturing is easily machined into a plate of Aluminum, or the workpiece can be clamped in a vise, but either way it's a quick setup for protoyping and/or full-scale production.

2) Simplicity

CNC Machinery, at its core, is a mill with a tool changer. Add a bit of automation to it, and you have an automated system. Programming can be easily taught without a huge learning curve. So, beginning machinists are able to pick up how to use VMCs relatively quickly.

3) Low Initial Overhead

VMCs are a very cost-effective machine to add to your arsenal. A good used late model 40" X 20" system starts under $50K and has the ability to add features such as 4th axis rotaries, 4th & 5th Combo Rotaries and so many more productive attachments.

4) It’s a Commodity Machine

Because CNC Machining is the most popular form of manufacturing, and Vertical Machining Centers are the most popular tool, the need for these types of machines is great across North America and the world. Additionally, if a machine you bought 2 years ago is no longer needed, they can be easily traded or sold for faster and more productive options (Like Horizontal Machining Centers, Cellular Machining System etc. More on that later).

In the end, these Vertical Machining Centers are the workhorses of most Job shops—allowing for low initial investment and growth towards more systems or more dedicated machining systems. You just have to figure out which one fits you, your operation, and your balance sheet to ensure business success.

At Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales, Inc. we have a wide selection of VMC's to choose from including Popular makes like Haas, Mazak, DMG, Mori-Seiki, Makino, Fadal, Okuma, Hurco and many, many more. Coupled with our team of industry experienced Machinists, Toolmakers, and CNC Programmers, we can assist you in selecting the Right Vertical Machining Center for your needs AND Budget.