Introduction

Central numerical control machines otherwise known as CNC machines, have become an integral part of manufacturing processes. Not only are these machines programmable, but they also consist of multiple tools that allow them to mill and process various materials such as wood or metal. This allows CNC machines to produce a wide variety of final and refined products that have been machined with the utmost accuracy and precision. In this article, we will be covering the various types of CNC machines that are currently available on the market today. In specific, we will be identifying the various types as well as outline a few key characteristics to help you differentiate and better understand CNC machines as a whole. With that being said let’s take a look at the different types.

The Different Types of CNC Machines

Machine #1 - CNC Turning & Milling Centers

The first type of CNC machine is referred to as CNC turning centers or CNC mills. Most CNC mills and turning centers have a wide array of functions, such as face milling, shoulder milling, tapping, drilling and turning. They are also optimal for processes resembling drilling or cutting. Utilizing a cylindrical tool for cutting, a CNC mill can rotate in multiple directions. This makes a CNC mill more versatile when compared to traditional drills. In addition to that, a CNC mill provides the user the capability to create a multitude of slots, holes and shapes. This is largely attributed to the fact that on a CNC mill a workpiece can be moved across the milling tool in the desired direction. This gives the mill more design capabilities when compared to other tools such as a drill which can only achieve a single axis motion.

Additionally, these turning centers and mills can either come in a horizontal (HMC) or comparatively, vertical orientation (VMC). The benefit of these machines stems from their versatility and capabilities in machining different materials and workpieces. Finally, given the nature of the materials that turning centers and mills work with, CNC mills most commonly operate at slower speeds in order to optimize production efficiency with minimal damage.

Machine #2 - CNC Lathe

The next commonly used CNC machine/tool is the CNC lathe. A lathe is designed to cut workpieces while they rotate which implies that they are designed to be extremely accurate and precise. Given that they have fewer axis than CNC turning centers, makes lathes relatively smaller when compared to the other machines mentioned on this list. Additionally, the benefit of a CNC lathe is that they can be easily programmed and loaded with CAD files. This allows engineers to easily create complex tools and parts with ease in a more automated process.

Machine #3 - CNC Router

Similarly to the functions of a standard CNC machine or mill, a CNC router is optimal for machining workpieces made of softer materials. Unlike CNC mills and turning centers, routers most often function at high speeds which is optimal in order to properly machine the softer materials it works with. Routing in general is a fairly common production method which is heavily relied on in manufacturing processes such as metal/woodwork, signage, moldings, thermoforming, and much more. Routing is also greatly effective for accurate cuts that require a high level of precision.

Machine #4 - CNC Plasma Cutter

A CNC plasma cutter is a great tool that is ideal for cutting heavy duty materials. Its functionality and unique usage of using a plasma torch allows the plasma cutter to cut through electrically conductive materials by means of an accelerated jet of hot plasma. In terms of the gas that is used, more often than not argon gas is used when plasma marking while a mixture of Argon and Hydrogen is often used when cutting thicker materials. In some circumstances other mixtures such as Hydrogen and Nitrogen, or Methane and Nitrogen are utilized when cutting thinner material. All in all, If you are working with specific materials such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass or copper, a plasma cutter may be an ideal option for you.

Machine #5 - CNC Laser Cutter

Lastly, the final machine we have on our list is the CNC laser cutter. Similarly to a plasma cutter, a cnc laser cutter operates in the same exact way but instead of using plasma, utilizes laser to achieve precise cuts. More specifically, a cnc laser cutter works by directing the output of a high-power laser most commonly through optics in order to achieve the desired final product. In particular, CNC laser cutters excel at cutting workpieces that are made up of plastic, hardwood, and metal.

Choose The Right Supplier!

At Gizmo Machine Tools, we currently have a variety of options if you are looking to buy a used CNC machine for your business.

As a Canadian corporation we service internationally in buying, selling and trading of machinery. With over 18 years of experience in the manufacturing industry our company focuses on providing customers with an alternative to expensive new machinery, when tooling up for a job or replacing existing capital equipment. If you have any questions or require assistance feel free to contact us today and we would love to help!

When it comes to manufacturing and general metal/woodworking there is no doubt that a CNC machine is a very good investment. Not only can a CNC machine help you scale your production to the next level, but it can also help you save on labor costs, improve safety measures, maintain quality control and produce a variety of products.

Despite all these benefits, there is one catch that always puts people off. Quite simply the price. There is no doubt that CNC machines are expensive. In fact the majority of these CNC machines can range between 50k up to 500k+ per machine. With that being said, the majority of people are put in a dilemma. Forgo quality to save on costs, or go into debt and break the bank trying to scale your businesses production? If you ask us, our solution is simple… used cnc machines.

Keeping this in mind, our article is going to focus on outlining the top 8 benefits of using CNC machines. Let’s go through them one by one.

Top 6 Benefits of Buying a Used CNC Machine

Benefit #1 - Cost Efficient

The first undeniable benefit of buying a used CNC machine is that it's very ideal in terms of affordability and price. Whether you buy from a machining supplier or buy from an auction both these options will always be cheaper than buying a brand new CNC machine. Despite this, it is critical to ensure that if you decide to buy a used machine that you do so from a reputable supplier. Purchasing from a poorly recognized supplier can lead to unfortunate incidents such as machine breakdown and long-term additional costs.

Benefit #2- Easy Replacement

Another benefit of used CNC machines is that they can be purchased from third party sellers as opposed to new CNC machines which more often than not, require multiple weeks on end to be delivered to you. This is largely attributed to the fact that in order to buy a new CNC machine you need to wait for the manufacturer to approve the order. This can take multiple months which may not be ideal for you if you are looking for a quicker solution or faster replacement. Fortunately, used CNC machines rectify both these concerns.

Benefit #3- Mitigate risk of Depreciation

Due to the fact that used CNC machines are more affordable, also allows them to be lower risk when it comes to depreciation costs. Considering that used CNC machines have already endured the initial depreciation implies that as a buyer you are getting the most value out of the used CNC machine when you choose to use it. Additionally, because of the lower costs and incurred level of depreciation, as a buyer you have the potential to resell the used machine which typically benefits from high demand and reap short-term profit if you do decide that you need to liquidate your used cnc machine.

Benefit #4- High Quality

Another benefit of buying a used CNC machine is the high level of quality these machines provide. As long as if you buy a used CNC machine from a reputable supplier, you can be rest assured that these used machines are routinely inspected and monitored in order to ensure that they are fully functional. This allows you to not only reap the benefits of a high quality machine that has been tested, but also enjoy the cost savings associated with getting a high value machine at a fraction of the price.

Benefit #5 - Numerous Financing Options

In addition to the functional benefits of purchasing a used CNC machine, there are also many financial benefits. Among these benefits include the multitude of financing options available for used CNC machines. Considering that new machines are often not allowed to be valued by private companies on the manufacturers behalf, used CNC machines which are often sold by dealers partnered with financing companies usually are able to provide more purchasing and financing options to you. This again, makes used CNC machines a very promising and cost-effective investment.

Benefit #6- High reliability

Lastly, used CNC machines are highly reliable when purchased from a reputable supplier. Considering that used CNC machines have been passed from previous owners, you are able to request lots of documentation regarding seller history and maintenance records to better understand the origin of your CNC machine. This allows you to be better informed when seeking to purchase your CNC machine.

Choose The Right Supplier!

At Gizmo Machine Tools, we currently have a variety of options if you are looking to buy a used CNC machine for your business As a Canadian corporation we service internationally in buying, selling and trading of machinery. With over 18 years of experience in the manufacturing industry our company focuses on providing customers with an alternative to expensive new machinery, when tooling up for a job or replacing existing capital equipment. If you have any questions or require assistance feel free to contact us today and we would love to help!

As a CNC machinist, selecting the right milling tool is a critical part of the manufacturing process. In this guide we will be covering some of the best tools you can select and use for CNC cutting.

CNC Cutting Tools Composition

Before understanding which tool is ideal for you, it is important to understand the basics of how these tools are made. Specifically, from which materials are these tools made. With that being said let's take a look at the most commonly used materials:

• Ceramics: Ceramics are extremely ideal for circumstances of high heat cutting environments. They are also corrosion resistant and are ideally fit for hard superalloys and steel.
• Carbon Steel: Carbon steel is relatively inexpensive and in this case, ideal for low-speed operations used in turning, milling cutters, and twist drilling.
• High-Speed Steel: High-Speed Steel is higher caliber than carbon steel in the sense that its composition facilitates long-term durability. It is ideal for circumstances where tough and resistant material is required.
• Solid Carbide: Solid Carbide is ideal milling machines finishing applications.

Most Commonly Used Tools for CNC machining

Now that you understand the most commonly used materials for cnc cutting tools here are the top 8 best tools for CNC cutting.

• End Mills
• Reamers
• Fly Cutters
• Twist Drills
• Thread Milling Cutters
• Tool Holders
• Face Mills
• Center-Spotting Drills

Tool #1 - End Mill

End mills are extremely proficient cutting tools when it comes to removing large amounts of excess material from workpieces. Being composed of sharp cutting flutes on the ends and sides, end mills are very beneficial for a wide array of cutting applications. Among these applications include the following:

• Side milling (machining the edge or surface of workpiece)
• Face milling (machining top face of workpiece)
• Slot milling (machining two edge surfaces)
• Plunge milling (machining along Z-axis)
• Ramping (machining radial axis)

Tool #2 - Reamers

Reamers are great tools for adding surface finishes and for expanding holes in workpieces to a specific tolerance. It is also used to ensure that a hole has an accurately measured diameter and is most typically used for enlarging and finishing to accurate dimensions holes that have been drilled, bored, or cored.

Tool #3 - Fly Cutters

Fly cutters are single-point cutting tools that most commonly resemble a metal lathe tool mounted in a special holder. They are ideal for scenarios where operators are machining large and flat surface areas. In particular, fly cutters move along the surface of a material in a clockwise rotation, to help produce a polished finish and shine to the workpiece.

Tool #4 - Twist Drills

Twist drills are rotary cutting tools that are composed of two cutting edges and two flutes. These are grooves which are formed in the body which provide cutting lips, to permit the removal of chips and to allow coolant or cutting fluid to reach the cutting action. Twist drills also are usually reinforced in gold-colored coatings which are used to increase the drills toughness, durability and overall tool life making it a very long-lasting and viable option for dealing with hard workpieces.

Tool #5 - Thread Milling Cutters

Thread mills are great for cutting internal and external threads. They are ideal for cutting softer materials such as copper and aluminum or other nonferrous alloys that have high tap breakage. Thread mills also provide smaller cutting forces, allowing for the threading of thin-walled parts.

Tool #6 - Tool Holders

A tool holder is a machining tool that is used to secure the end mill in place. The main purpose as suggested by its name, is to hold the tool in place as precisely and firmly as possible. This is critical during CNC machining in order to prevent unfortunate events such as breaking your workpiece or CNC cutting tool. Given that different types of holders have varying levels of runout and balance here are a few tool holders to choose from:

• Solid End Mill Holders
• ER Collet Holder
• Collet Chuck
• Drill Chuck
• Hydraulic and Shrink Fit Holders

Tool #7 - Face Mills

Face mills are ideally used for milling a face on the surface of a workpiece (usually a plate or bar). They are predominantly used to cut with the ends of the cutter rather than their sides. A face mill usually consists of one solid body with multiple cutter insertions that can be changed according to the project. The more cutters, the faster and more efficient the face mill will cut the desired workpiece.

Tool #8 - Center-Spotting Drills

Center-spotting drills are ideally used for creating holes that are suitable for a lathe center. They are tools designed to help create accurate conic holes before drilling, which helps prevent inaccuracy during the machining process.

Looking for the Right Tool? We Have You Covered!

At Gizmo Machine Tools, we currently have a variety of options if you are looking to buy milling cutting tools for your CNC machine.

As a Canadian corporation we service internationally in buying, selling and trading of machinery. With over 18 years of experience in the manufacturing industry our company focuses on providing customers with an alternative to expensive new machinery, when tooling up for a job or replacing existing capital equipment. If you have any questions or require assistance feel free to contact us today and we would love to help!

Introduction

With the multitude of CNC machines on the market, there is no doubt that a horizontal mill is a primary staple that you will find in majority of machining stores. In this article we want to specifically talk about the following:

• What is a Horizontal Mill?
• What are the advantages of using a Horizontal Mill?
• Where can you go to Purchase a Horizontal Mill?

What is a Horizontal Mill?

A horizontal mill is simply a machining tool which has a spindle that is parallel to the worktable that is used to cut and refine workpieces. Due to the machine's orientation and capabilities, a horizontal mill is ideal for machining metal products in industrial applications and even more ideal for creating metal sheets. Horizontal mills also are better suited for industrial applications due to their inherently thicker cutting tools. These thicker tools allow horizontal mills to perform both heavier and deeper cuts and therefore, flourish when cutting grooves or slots within workpieces.

In terms of the main components, a horizontal mill consists of the following:

• Table (Secures the workpiece in place in order to ensure stability and prevention of damage during machining process)
• Column (Aligns and supports the machine)
• Base (Aligns and supports the machine)
• Saddle (Provides movement along the Y-axis)
• Knee (Helps with positioning the workpiece)
• Spindle (Holds the tool in the horizontal orientation. It is mounted with the cutting tool in order to facilitate accurate cuts)

What are the Advantages of Using a Horizontal Mill?

Moving on, we now take a look at some of the most notable advantages of using a horizontal milling machine in your unique CNC and manufacturing processes.

Advantage #1 - Reduced Cost Due to Ease of Use

When it comes to the machining process, it is undoubtable to deny the heavy labor costs associated with manual chip removal. As you machine a workpiece, more often than not, chips can get in the way which can severely impact the overall reliability and quality of your cuts. Fortunately, due to the orientation of horizontal mills chips fall away which allow the risk of chip accumulation to be avoided. This leads to a longer tool life, reduced labor costs, and more consistent and quality final product.

Advantage #2 - Freed Up Workspace

In addition to the reduced labor cost, horizontal mills are also better options if you are looking to maximize your workspace. Due to the horizontal nature of the machine as well as its capability to replace three vertical machines because of its more efficient production capabilities, you can expect a smaller machine footprint with the utilization of a horizontal mill. This in the long-run is ideal for saving significantly on work space and can help reduce the need for more capital intensive investments such as workplace relocation or expansion.

Advantage #3 - Horizontal Mills are Ideal for Larger Projects

Although vertical mills are also capable of completing larger projects, there is no doubt that horizontal mills are better suited for this. This is largely attributed to the following reasons:

• Thicker cutting tools allows for deeper cuts
• Spindle orientation allows for more versatility in how workpieces are machined and cut
• Horizontal mills machine one product at a time, which allows it to be extremely efficient and effective at machining workpieces with high levels of precision.

Advantage #4 - Higher speed, capacity, durability and Precision

Another advantage of horizontal mills is that they operate at much faster speeds and are capable of performing multiple cuts simultaneously. Additionally, due to the higher speeds and efficiency of horizontal mills, this facilitates long production runs which allows for higher capacity and larger production orders to be completed. Given that horizontal mills are built for performing large projects, it also makes them built with the intention of durability kept in mind, in order to deal with heavier and larger materials. Lastly, horizontal mills offer superior precision which is largely attributed to the tight geometric tolerance and computer-enabled cuts.

Where can you go to Purchase a Horizontal Mill?

Now that you understand what a horizontal mill is and the advantages of using one,, you might be wondering where can you go about buying one? Fortunately at Gizmo Machine Tools, we currently have a variety of options for many horizontal mill tools if you are looking to buy a horizontal milling machine.

As a Canadian corporation we service internationally in buying, selling and trading of machinery. With over 18 years of experience in the manufacturing industry our company focuses on providing customers with an alternative to expensive new machinery, when tooling up for a job or replacing existing capital equipment. If you have any questions or require assistance feel free to contact us today and we would love to help!

Introduction

When it comes to testing and measuring equipment for CNC machines there is no doubt that dial indicators are among one the most commonly used measuring tools. In this article, we will be covering the following topics:

• What is a Dial Indicator?
• What are the Different Types of Dial Indicators?
• How do you use a Dial Indicator?
• Where can you buy a Dial Indicator?

What is a Dial Indicator

A dial indicator is simply a measuring tool that is most commonly found in CNC machining shops that is used to measure deviations of a mechanical component. These indicators are comprised of pinions, gears, and levers. As an operator utilizing a dial indicator, the purpose is to use it for comparative analysis. More specifically, to compare the deviation of the finished device with the value of the standard device in order to ensure that the final value of the finished device is within the appropriate tolerance value.

In terms of the mechanical parts that make up a dial indicator it really comes down to a few key components. These include the following:

Dial and Indicator (Needle)

○ These components are responsible for recording the minor increments that result out of the measurement procedure.

○ Is the moving part of the indicator that moves perpendicular to the object being tested

○ Holds the indicator in place and helps secure it from moving during the measurement process

What are the Different Types of Dial Indicators?

Now that you know what a dial indicator is, let’s take a look at the different types to choose from:

○ Balanced Reading Dial Indicators have a display that showcases the numbers of the dial heading towards two different directions. The dial starts at zero and is positive on the right side, while negative on the left side.

○ Unlike balanced reading dials, continuous dials are not split into right and left (positive and negative separation) instead, the numbers are continuous and start at zero and keep going.

○ These dial indicators are exactly like balanced indicators in the sense that they have two sets of numbers (positive and negative on opposing sides) however, positive numbers on a reversed dial indicator are on the left side, while negative numbers are on the right.

○ These dials are exactly like continuous dials, however instead of running clockwise, reverse continuous dials run counterclockwise.

○ These dials are most commonly beneficial for measuring the work on injection moulding machines. Their unique design in the sense that plunger dials have a plunger mounted on one side of the clock face make it ideal tasks such as the one previously mentioned.

○ These dials have a level and scroll mechanism. As opposed to plunger dials, lever dials are used more often due to their compactness and overall ease of use.

How Do You Use a Dial Indicator?

In order to use a dial indicator let’s take a look at the most important steps to follow:

○ Before using a dial indicator it is critical to rigidly mount it in order to ensure absolute stability. This is necessary because the slightest movement in the indicator can compromise the measurement. As a result, always be sure to attach the magnetic base in order to ensure your dial indicator is safely secured.

○ After mounting your indicator the next step is to position it in an appropriate spot. Good positioning is when you place the indicator in a way where the stem is parallel to the direction of component motion.

○ Prior to conducting your measurement make sure to rotate your outer dial until it reaches zero. This is necessary to ensure proper and accurate measurement.

○ Once your dial indicator is mounted, positioned, and reset, take the measurement by moving the part in question. The end result on the indicator (balanced dial) will either be positive or negative.

Where Can You Buy a Dial Indicator?

Now that you understand what a dial indicator is and how it works, you might be wondering where can you go about buying one? Fortunately at Gizmo Machine Tools, we currently have a variety of options for many measurement tools and testing equipment if you are looking to buy a dial indicator. As a Canadian corporation we service internationally in buying, selling and trading of machinery. With over 18 years of experience in the manufacturing industry our company focuses on providing customers with an alternative to expensive new machinery, when tooling up for a job or replacing existing capital equipment. If you have any questions or require assistance feel free to contact us today and we would love to help!

As a Canadian corporation we service internationally in buying, selling and trading of machinery. With over 18 years of experience in the manufacturing industry our company focuses on providing customers with an alternative to expensive new machinery, when tooling up for a job or replacing existing capital equipment. If you have any questions or require assistance feel free to contact us today and we would love to help!

VMC vs HMC

There is no doubt that CNC machines are an extremely efficient means towards achieving streamlined production. With the multitude of options available on the market today, it can get extremely confusing between finding the right CNC machine for your business. In fact, the most common question we hear is what is the difference between vertical machining centers (VMC’s) and horizontal machining centers (HMC’s)? In this article we are going to uncover the differences between the two machining centers as well as discuss some next steps if you are looking for purchasing options.

The Basics

Before being able to compare a VMC to an HMC it is critical to understand how both these machining centers operate. With that being said, the most notable difference between how both these centers operate has to do with the spindle orientation. A VMC uses cutters to remove metal from a workpiece and employs a vertical spindle. Due to the vertical orientation of the spindle, all of the work that is machined by a VMC happens in a vertical work plane. Comparatively, HMCs utilize a spindle that operates in the horizontal work plane. Both of these machines utilize cutters to gradually remove excess metal to shape the final workpiece into the desired final product.

Vertical Machining Centers

When looking at VMC’s there is no doubt that they are the cheaper alternative when compared to their horizontal counterpart. Due to less fixturing and toolholders, many machinists might find that the vertical machining center is a lot easier to operate. Additionally, VMC’s can come in numerous sizes and are well-rounded and practical for jobs such as creating large engines or more precise projects such as creating small bone plates. The primary limitation of VMC’s is their restriction in machining workpieces from multiple sides. Due to the fact that all workpieces are machined on a vertical plane, oftentimes machined pieces need to be flipped many times in order to achieve the final desired product.

Horizontal Machining Centers

In addition to VMC’s, HMC’s are also another very viable option if you are looking to get into machining workpieces. As opposed to their vertical counterparts, horizontal machining centers, although more expensive, definitely offer more versatility in terms of machining workpieces from multiple angles. Due to its unique design consisting of two integrated pallets, which allow for tombstones and fixtures to be attached, this allows access to both the front and sides of a workpiece. Additionally, due to the horizontal orientation, spindle utilization is greatly improved in HMC’s allowing for high levels of efficiency. Lastly, HMCs usually have a larger tool magazine and improved chip flow.

What are the benefits of implementing an HMC or VMC into your workplace?

Now that you know the differences between HMC’s and VMC’s let's take a look at some of the benefits you can expect by choosing to implement either of these machining centers into your manufacturing processes:

• Ease of operation

When working with machines such as vertical machining centers, the orientation of these machines allow for easy visibility and allows operators to spot mistakes during the milling process. Additionally due to the computer numerical controls (CNC) attributes of both VMC’s and HMC’s, operators can spend less time manually machining workpieces, and instead rely on the automatic programming of the machine to take care of designing workpieces in their intended form.

• Higher Productivity

When it comes to projects such as milling parts for intensive items such as diesel engines, VMC’s and HMC’s are both ideal options for large-part manufacturing. As opposed to doing things manually, these machining centers can facilitate quick production, and promote an overall higher level of productivity.

• Reduced overall costs

○ Lastly, when looking at finances, there is no doubt that both HMC’s and VMC’s will allow for huge cost-saving in the long-run. Despite this, if you are looking for a best all in one option, it is recommended to opt for the horizontal machining center as the ratio of replacement shows that one HMC can replace up to three VMC’s. This allows for freed-up workspace which will help reduce your overall manufacturing costs and open up space for other machining equipment without the additional investment of seeking a larger facility.

 

Where Can You Buy a Vertical or Horizontal Machining Center?

 

Now that you understand the differences between horizontal and vertical machining centers, now we can discuss some purchasing options available to you. Fortunately at Gizmo Machine Tools, we currently have a variety of options for both horizontal and vertical machines if you are looking to buy a machining center.

 

As a Canadian corporation we service internationally in buying, selling and trading of machinery. With over 18 years of experience in the manufacturing industry our company focuses on providing customers with an alternative to expensive new machinery, when tooling up for a job or replacing existing capital equipment. If you have any questions or require assistance feel free to contact us today and we would love to help!

Introduction

When it comes to the practical applications of metal fabrication, milling, and precise metalworking, servo motors become an integral part of closed looped systems and accurate position control.

In this article we will be uncovering and understanding the following topics: 

• ● What is a Servo Motor?
• ● How does a Servo Motor Work?
• ● What are the different types of Servo Motors?
• ● What are Servo Motors Used For?
• ● What are the Benefits of Using a Servo Motor?
• ● Where can you buy a Servo Motor?

What is a Servo Motor?

When looking at the basic definition of a servo motor, a servo motor is inherently a closed looped system that consists of a few key components. Among these include control circuit, servo motor, shaft, amplifier and encoder/resolver. With these components, a servo motor utilizes the supplied current and voltage to produce torque and velocity which allows the motor to rotate parts of a machine with a high degree of precision and accuracy. The servo motor also relies on a sensor for positioning feedback in order to make seamless and efficient movements.

How does a Servo Motor Work? 

The servo controller sends low voltage control signals for factors such as position, torque, and speed to the servo amplifier. These commands are amplified to high power which allows the motor to use them. Electrical pulses are then sent from the sensor back into the amplifier, in which the amplifier utilizes these signals and information to adjust and control speed and rotor positioning. The servo motor (also known as servo controller) has a critical job of not only closing the system when necessary but also by constantly interchanging data with the servo amplifier to immediately adjust factors such as speed, torque, and position accordingly. In order to minimize components, oftentimes many manufacturers provide a combined servo motor that is embedded alongside a servo amplifier, in order to make the exchange of data between the two components more seamless. 

What are the Different Types of Servo Motors?

When looking at servo motors it's important to understand the options and various types that are available at your disposal. Among the different types of servo motors include the following

DC Servo Motor

• Are controlled by DC currents. They are ideal for handling smaller current surges and are therefore better equipped for smaller and more precise practical applications. A DC Servo Motor consists of a DC motor, gearbox, electronic circuit, feedback control loop, and feedback potentiometer. These servo motors can react extremely fast to commands and are capable of highly precise motions. Despite this, they may require more frequent maintenance than their counterpart AC motors

Ac Servo Motor

• Are controlled by AC currents. Unlike DC motors, AC motors are capable of withstanding much higher current surges and are more practical for industrial applications. These motors contain an encoder which provides the potential for closed loop feedback and control. They are also capable of providing accurate control and are designed to provide significantly more torque capability. These servo motors are most commonly used in CNC machining.                           

What are Servo Motors Used For?

Servo Motors have many industrial and commercial applications. Some examples of these applications include the following:

• Robotic Applications (Servo Motors are used to facilitate precise robotic movement and control)
• Metalworking and Fabrication (Servo Motors are used to facilitate precise motion for milling, lathes and bending for metal fabrication)
• Antenna Position Systems (Servo Motors are used to facilitate precise antenna positioning via precision in azimuth and elevation)
• Machining tools where high level of accuracy is required
• Efficient and renewable energy applications where performance and efficiency are needed
• Beneficial for conveyer and handling systems where speed, accuracy and high levels of torque are required.

What are the Benefits of Using a Servo Motor?

Now that we know what a servo motor is and what they are used for, it is critical to understand the advantages of using one. With that being said here are just a few of the most notable benefits of using a servo motor in your respective industry:

• High efficiency (Minimal waste because of the high level of precision and accuracy and higher output relative to smaller size)
• Closed loop control (Allows for accurate results and seamless positioning feedback)
• High speed (Allows for higher and faster performance)
• High level of torque control (Allows for easy application and potential to accomplish tasks such as pressing, holding, pushing and twisting motions at very precise torques)
• Minimal vibration and resonance (Allows for quiet operation and smooth running)
• Small in size
• Highly reliable

• High acceleration 

Where Can You Buy a Servo Motor?

Now that you understand what a servo motor is as well as the benefits and general applications, now we can discuss where you can look to buy one. Fortunately at Gizmo Machine Tools, we currently have a wide array of options if you are looking to buy a servo motor.

As a Canadian corporation we service internationally in buying, selling and trading of machinery. With over 18 years of experience in the manufacturing industry our company focuses on providing customers with an alternative to expensive new machinery, when tooling up for a job or replacing existing capital equipment.

If you have any questions or require assistance feel free to contact us today and we would love to help!