Introduction
A portal milling machine, also known as a gantry mill, is a type of milling machine consisting of a movable frame supported on two or more gantry columns. It is similar to a bridge mill, which is one of the most common types of milling machines in the industry. The major difference is that the gantry column provides vertical and horizontal movement and is typically mounted on a track or rail system.
Portal mills are heavier and more rigid than most other milling machines due to their size and weight. As a result, they have a greater range of motion, enabling them to produce complex and heavy parts with more accuracy and precision than other types of milling machines. Additionally, because of the aligned cutting tools, they are capable of performing both horizontal and vertical milling operations, allowing for more efficient use of the surface area.
Portal mills are used in a wide range of industries and have a variety of machining applications. They are used for large-scale heavy-duty machining, such as the production of large parts in the automotive, mining, construction, and aerospace industries. Due to their ability to accommodate large parts, they are also used for machining large molds and dies in the tool and die industry.
History
The history of the gantry mill dates back to the early 18th century. The earliest known examples of gantry mills were used for milling stones for use in construction. The gantry mill was then adapted for use in the industrial revolution of the 19th century.
The first patent for a gantry mill was issued in the U.S. in 1860 by inventor James Millward. Around the same time, gantry mills were also being used in Europe, primarily in France and Germany. The development of the gantry mill reached its peak in 1940, when the use of the machine tool began to expand rapidly.
Advantages of portal milling machines
The portal milling machine is a large scale heavy-duty machine tool used for machining large parts and molds in the metalworking, construction, and aerospace industries. It has numerous advantages over other types of machine tools, including:
• The ability to machine very large parts: Portal mills are capable of producing parts up to 12 meters in length and 3 meters in width.
• Greater accuracy and precision: The gantry column and track provide more accuracy and precision than other types of milling machines.
• Versatility: It can perform both vertical and horizontal milling operations, allowing for more efficient use of the surface area.
• Rigidity: The gantry column is thick and heavy, making it more rigid than other types of milling machines.
• Durability: The gantry column and rail system have a long lifespan and require minimal maintenance.
Conclusion
The portal milling machine is a large-scale heavy-duty type machine tool. It is used in a variety of industrial applications, such as in the production of large parts in the automotive, mining, construction, and aerospace industries. Due to its size and weight, it is more rigid and accurate than other types of milling machines. Additionally, it can perform both vertical and horizontal milling operations, enabling it to machine complex and large parts with greater precision.
