All machines from the category Gantry milling machine

How a portal milling machine works

The portal milling machine is a large-scale CNC milling machine that is used for the precise machining of large, heavy or complex workpieces. It is characterised by its special design: A fixed or mobile gantry spans the worktable on which the workpiece rests. The milling unit is mounted on the gantry and can move in several axes, usually in the X, Y and Z directions and optionally in other rotary axes.

Structure of a portal milling machine

A portal milling machine consists of a solid machine bed, two lateral uprights and a portal beam, which forms the transverse axis. The milling head, which contains the motorised spindle with tool interface, moves on the portal. The machine has a large workpiece holder interface table, axis drives for X, Y and Z movements and a CNC control system. It is complemented by automatic tool changers, a cooling lubricant unit, measuring probes, protective panelling and often a tool magazine. High-precision measuring systems ensure accuracy.

Machining process in the portal milling machine

The machining process is carried out using rotating milling tools that are mounted in a motorised spindle. While the workpiece remains firmly fixed on the table, the milling unit moves along the gantry and vertically to the workpiece. This design allows large components to be machined in a single clamping operation without reclamping, which increases dimensional accuracy and reduces machining times.

Typical machining processes on a portal milling machine include face milling, contour milling, pocket milling and 3D milling of free-form surfaces. Tools such as roll end mills, ball end mills or disc cutters are used. The machines are usually CNC-controlled and offer high dynamics and positioning accuracy, depending on the model. Many models have automatic tool changers, measuring systems for workpiece measurement and complex coolant systems.

Thanks to their size and stability, CNC portal milling machines can machine large components made of steel, aluminium or cast iron - often in several clamping positions in the case of 5-axis portal milling machines. They are particularly valued for their high precision, resilience and the ability to machine complex geometries.

Derived from the English term gantry milling machine, the machine tools are also associated with the following terms: Gantry portal milling machine, gantry design. The terms are also frequently searched for: Gantry milling machine CNC, gantry machine, CNC milling machine industry.

Advantages of a gantry milling machine in the industry

Compared to other CNC milling machines, a portal milling machine offers the following advantages:

• High rigidity and stability: Due to its design with a fixed table and a moving portal or crossbeam (gantry), the portal milling machine offers extremely high mechanical rigidity. This results in less vibration, greater precision and better surface quality.
• Large machining area: It is suitable for large workpieces, e.g. in tool and mould making, as well as for surface machining of large panels, e.g. aluminium, plastic or composite panels.
• Multi-axis machining: Many portal milling machines are designed as 5-axis systems, which enables complex geometries and machining in a single set-up. Fewer reclamping operations enable greater accuracy, which also saves time and reduces sources of error.
• High cutting performance: High feed rates and large infeeds can be realised thanks to the robust design. This is particularly useful when machining hard materials such as steel, cast iron or titanium.
• Automation potential: CNC portal milling machines can be easily integrated into automated production lines, e.g. using tool changers, palletising systems, etc.

What types of milling machines are there?

In our "Milling" category, you will find other types of milling machines for machining metal.

Application in industrial metalworking

Portal milling machines are used in numerous industrial sectors, especially where large or complex workpieces need to be machined. The most important areas of application include machine and plant construction, tool and mould making, aerospace, shipbuilding and energy technology. Typical workpieces are

• Machine beds
• Turbine parts
• Aircraft ribs
• casting moulds
• Plastic injection moulds
• engine housings
• Ship shaft bearings
• Wind power components
• Pressing tools
• Steel constructions with drilling and milling contours

These workpieces require high stability, precision and a large machining area - characteristics that portal milling machines fulfil.

Tools for a portal milling machine

The following tools are used in portal milling machines:

• End milling cutters
• End mills
• Ball nose end mills
• torus milling cutter
• face milling cutters
• Disc cutters
• Angle milling cutter
• High feed cutters
• Drilling tools
• Thread milling cutters

The selection of the right tool depends on the material to be machined, the type of machining and the desired surface quality.

Accessories and equipment for a portal milling machine

A number of accessories are required to operate a portal milling machine: These include clamping systems such as zero-point clamping systems or vices, tool magazines, measuring probes for workpiece measurement, coolant systems and tool presetters. Important operating resources include cooling lubricants, compressed air, energy supply, measuring equipment and tool inspection systems. In addition, consumables such as milling tools, chip conveyors and filter units for cooling lubricants are regularly required.

Leading manufacturers of portal milling machines

In our manufacturers directory you will find companies that manufacture portal milling machines for metalworking.

The following terms are frequently searched for: AXA portal milling machine, bavius technologie GmbH portal milling machine, Bimatec Soraluce portal milling machine, Burkhardt + Weber portal milling machine, portal milling machine DMG, DMG portal milling machine, DN Solutions Europe GmbH portal milling machine, Edel portal milling machine, Emco portal milling machine, F. Zimmermann GmbH Portalfräsmaschine, Fehlmann AG Portalfräsmaschine, Haas Automation Portalfräsmaschine, Hermle Portalfräsmaschine, Hermle Fräsmaschine, Hurco Portalfräsmaschine, Iberimex-Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH Portalfräsmaschine, JOBS S.p.A. portal milling machine, Juaristi Portalfräsmaschine, KAAST Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH Portalfräsmaschine, Maschinenfabrik Herkules Portalfräsmaschine, MTE Portalfräsmaschine, CORREA Portalfräsmaschine, OKUMA Europe GmbH Portalfräsmaschine, PAMA GMBH Portalfrämachine, PARPAS Deutschland GmbH Portalfräsmaschine, SCHIESS Portalfräsmaschine, SHW Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH Portalfräsmaschine, SIRtec GmbH Portalfräsmaschine, Soraluce Portalfräsmaschine, StarragTornos Group AG Portalfräsmaschine, TRIMILL GmbH Portalfräsmaschine, Unisign B.V. portal milling machine, Waldrich Coburg portal milling machine, Waldrich Siegen portal milling machine, Waldrich portal milling machine, Waldrich portal milling machine

Choosing the right portal milling machine

If you want to buy a portal milling machine, there are several important features and specifications to consider.

• The maximum processing size, i.e. the traverse X-, Y- and Z-direction, is important.
• The table load capacity and spindle power (torque, Speed range) are also crucial.
• Buyers should also pay attention to the number of axes and their controllability - especially in the case of 5-axis machines for complex geometries.
• Other criteria include the rigidity of the design, thermal stability, positioning accuracy and the type of CNC system.
• Additional equipment such as automatic tool changers, cooling systems, measuring systems and interfaces for automation increase productivity.
• Service, maintenance access and manufacturer experience should also be taken into account when making a decision.

Find the portal milling machine that suits your production requirements now at maschinenauswahl.de.