HMC Machining Guide | Okuma CNC Machine Tools

Enter horizontal machining centers: HMCs employ a rigid spindle that runs parallel to the ground floor and relies on cutting tools to remove metal from the workpiece. Horizontals are known for being incredibly robust and sturdy machines, perfect for uninterrupted high production.

Horizontal machines were created to improve productivity, accuracy, and efficiency on the shop floor. HMCs allow for two-pallet changer integration, which can increase spindle uptime and reduce human error.

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A very familiar question we hear is, “do I need a vertical or a horizontal?” and unfortunately, the answer is not always as straightforward as “yes” or “no.” There are different aspects to consider about each type of machine. As the two largest categories of CNC machines, verticals and horizontals have certain similarities, but ultimately, serve quite different purposes

MB-5000HII Horizontal Machining Center

GENOS M560-V Vertical Machining Center

As you know by now, the main difference between horizontal and vertical machining centers is the angle of the tool, which on an HMC is locked in a horizontal position.

But that’s not the only difference.

Horizontal machining centers work well with complex pieces that need to be machined on multiple sides. Spindle utilization is increased, and operator intervention is also significantly decreased, lessening human error and improving productivity. Overall, the ROI on a horizontal versus a vertical is certainly hard to beat.

To read more on the specifics of VMC vs. HMC, read our blog post.

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Machine tools have been around for hundreds of years, beginning with the first manually-controlled machines. They gained rapid popularity during the industrial revolution, but it wasn’t until later, towards the mid-to-late-20th century, that CNC machines started to become commonplace. CNC technology was well suited to work with vertical machines, which helped them gain popularity in the manufacturing world.

Horizontal CNC machines were introduced soon after, evolving from horizontal boring machines, but their high price tag kept people from investing in horizontals over verticals.

In the past, horizontals might have been considered too complicated, too expensive, or not worth the switch. Today, however, that notion has completely changed.

MA-12500H Horizontal Machining Center

Horizontals are generally seen as an all-purpose machine with a huge return. While there are horizontals with expansive capabilities and price tags, for the most part, their prices have lessened enough to not turn people away with sticker shock.

There are many benefits to having a horizontal machine operation. Horizontal machines present the ability to machine with high accuracy, first and foremost. Horizontals significantly reduce human contact by limiting the set-up process, which introduces the most error. The productivity that horizontal machines enable is also unparalleled. For example, you can have eight setups in one operation on a horizontal—a 4-sided tombstone on one pallet and a 4-sided tombstone on another pallet and quickly switch between them (imagine a secret library door—but for machine tools— that switches them out).

Increased efficiency is another huge perk in horizontal machines. Spindle uptime and increased tool capacity are key, and horizontals are able to increase spindle up time because there’s no need to break down anything inside of the machine in order to get set up. Set up occurs outside the machine (picture that trap door again) so that you can do a quick pallet change while the machine is working.

Okuma horizontals employ a rigid design—some built for fast acceleration that won't cause you to sacrifice accuracy. They come in an array of sizes, but on most, there are large magazine tool capacities. 3, 4, and 5-axis capabilities can also be accomplished on a horizontal.

One of the biggest horizontal machining perks involves automation. Most customers these days are asking for automation, or at least prep for local pallet pools and FMS, which come ready-to-go in a horizontal. Horizontal machines come fully equipped for robot integration through our partners, so your shop is running as efficiently as possible—horizontals are great candidates for running a fully “lights out” operation.

There truly aren’t many drawbacks to incorporating a horizontal machine onto your shop floor. One setback can be not properly utilizing all of the horizontal’s capabilities—lessening your possibilities. There are also certain benefits to keeping on with your current vertical, but overall you can get more done with a horizontal depending upon the application.

If you’re looking for large production tasks, oftentimes, horizontal machines will be your best bet.

Whether you’re manufacturing large, small, or in-between parts, there’s a horizontal machine that fits with your operation. And because horizontals are so common today, they’ve become affordable for most budgets.

While horizontal machines are truly known as an all-purpose workhorse, the automotive industry may especially find the best opportunities in horizontal. The pressures of automotive are well suited for horizontal machines. For example, you can make an engine casing on a vertical, but you’ll eventually have to flip the product around. With horizontal, you can get to each side without any downtime, making it very cost-efficient.

There are a ton of tips, tricks, and tools to help you get the most out of your horizontal machining center. Automation is arguably going to be one of the key ways to get the most out of your horizontal. Eliminating human contact makes a huge difference in improving accuracy and efficiency in your shop, and horizontals are a great way to incorporate automation.

Some tools and fixtures that will help you get the most out of your horizontal machines include probing systems, which can be used to identify and set up parts, tool setters, a plug-and-play tool that connects with your horizontal to record tool heights and determine tool offsets and quick release workholding products.

Staying up to date on current cutting tools will not only help you get the most out of your machine but can also save the machine’s life span. With older, large cutters, put a lot of force on your machine so the lifespan will decrease. Light cuts with high feed rates are much better for the machine.

Okuma’s MA Series can also handle the inclusion of a high torque spindle. Turn-Cut software and cooling liquid will allow your horizontal to take on lathe capabilities. Similarly, rotary tables can help tap into 5-axis capabilities on your HMC. Prep can be done on an Okuma HMC for hydraulic and pneumatic fixtures, which locate parts accurately and quickly, instead of using skilled labor. Utilizing specialty clamping is also a great tool for the automotive industry.

Additionally, our horizontals include Okuma’s award-winning OSP suite, which is one of the best ways to unlock an array of helpful functionalities on your HMC.

The OSP suite is an open system that combines Okuma’s Intelligent Technologies with various software applications to provide a customized user experience. OSP suite’s intuitive user interface makes it easy for an operator to navigate the CNC machine, with a touch panel that’s been specifically built to withstand the demands of your shop floor. Configurable for multiple operators, each user can change the operation panel to suit their preference and skill level. With one-touch access to OSP suite widgets and shortcuts, common tasks are always at your fingertips. Documentation can be stored right on the control for easy operator access.

In conjunction with other Intelligent Technologies like our Thermo-Friendly Concept, Collision Avoidance System, Machining Navi, and 5-axis Auto Tuning System, OSP suite enables you to resolve shop floor problems and maximize productivity.

Okuma is based on solution selling. We’ll assess what your shop and production needs, whether it be a vertical, 5-axis, or in this case, a horizontal. Making your shop run as smoothly as possible is our end goal which is why we obsess over quality, accuracy, and efficiency when creating Okumas.

Not sure how to navigate our machines? Here’s a little cheat sheet: The letters in the name denote the type of horsepower or speed. MA allows for more horsepower and a bigger spindle which is great for heat resistance metals (HRSAs). MB is for more high-speed works. Another very unique aspect of Okuma horizontals is that they’re constructed with a very rigid bridge style, a style of machine that ensures the utmost stability and accuracy.

Interested in one of Okuma’s horizontals? Check out some of our top-selling machines below.