Bridge Mills
As the leading machine tools distributor in North America, Absolute Machine Tools remains committed to providing a comprehensive range of machine tools and equipment from reputed brands to cater to several industries.
Machines
Opt for Bridge Mills with Superior Design and Features
Most bridge mill machines are large in size. But, Johnford also offers smaller size bridge mills that match capacity with large vertical machining centers. If you are considering a large C-frame type vertical machining center – STOP! Johnford has bridge mills that boast superior ergonomics, superior enclosures with 100% containment of chips and coolant, superior chip removal, faster speeds, higher accuracy, and 30% less floor space than a vertical machining center! Best of all, all of these superior features don’t cost more than similarly equipped vertical machining centers.
Since Johnford has its own cast iron foundry, their bridge mills are built extra heavy. They add iron instead of taking it out to cut costs. Starting with massive, FEA designed Meehanite castings, all Johnford double column machining centers feature rigid box ways in Y and Z along with Schneeberger roller linear ways in X to allow unprecedented table loads and extreme accuracy under heavy loading. Because the X axis is fully supported by the base casting, there’s no table overhang as found on vertical machining centers, eliminating pitch and yaw issues.
Choose from Varied Configurations or Opt for Customization
Johnford double column machining centers are available in a wide variety of configurations and can be tailored to fit specific machining needs. A wide range of spindle choices from both 40 and 50 taper to HSK-63A and 100A are available, depending on specific applications. In addition, a full range of highly engineered configurations including W axis (cross rail up and down controlled by CNC), full automatic 5-face machining with multiple heads and automatic attachment changer, and full 5-axis articulating heads in both high speed and heavy duty versions. Starting with our smallest DMC-900 with 36” x 36” x 30” travels to our giant SDMC-20000 with 720” x 240” x 120” (42” Z + 78” W axis) travels, we can supply virtually any size and any configuration requirement.
Benefits of Choosing a Bridge Mill or Double Column Machining Center
Bridge mills and double column machining centers offer a host of benefits that make them a valuable asset in modern manufacturing environments:
- Enhanced Flexibility and Safety: The design of bridge mills allows for exceptional ergonomics and improved safety. Operators can easily set up multiple workpieces on the large table surface, which provides the versatility needed for various production requirements.
- Increased Machine Rigidity and Precision: The dual-column support for the spindle ensures a stable and vibration-resistant machining process. This rigidity translates to higher precision in cutting, allowing the mills to operate at optimal spindle speeds and maintain tighter tolerances.
- Superior Chip Removal: Bridge mills are designed to facilitate excellent chip removal, ensuring a cleaner workspace with reduced manual cleaning. This feature enhances the efficiency of operations and maintains a cleaner work environment.
- Greater Accuracy: With the cutting forces more stable due to the table’s ability to move between columns, bridge mills are inherently more accurate. This stability is crucial for precision machining and achieving the desired tolerances on finished products.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: Thanks to the reduced vibration from the dual-column design, bridge mills experience less wear on their components. This durability leads to lower maintenance costs and prolongs the lifespan of the machine, ensuring a better return on investment.
- Operational Efficiency: Bridge mills are designed to handle a multitude of part types, which increases operational efficiency. This versatility can lead to higher production rates and, as a result, boost profitability for businesses.
- Space Saving: With a smaller footprint than comparable vertical machining centers, bridge mills help optimize valuable floor space in manufacturing facilities. The reduced space requirement can lead to cost savings in facility management and allow for more efficient layout planning.
In essence, bridge mills represent a sophisticated option for manufacturers looking to enhance production capabilities while ensuring high precision, cost efficiency, and better utilization of workspace.
Oems
One of our most renowned OEMs, Johnford is the leader in bridge mill (double column machining center) engineering. They were the first Taiwanese manufacturer to produce moving table bridge mills as well as the first to produce fixed table sliding gantry mills. With over 25 years of bridge mill expertise, Johnford machines are the most highly refined, well-built, and technically advanced machines.
Asia Pacific Elite Corp. (APEC) specializes in the design and manufacturing of superior double column machining centers for the aerospace industry. Renowned for their robust construction and unparalleled accuracy, APEC’s machines integrate cutting-edge technology for high-efficiency production with exceptional surface finish and dimensional precision.
One of our most renowned OEMs, Johnford is the leader in bridge mill (double column machining center) engineering. They were the first Taiwanese manufacturer to produce moving table bridge mills as well as the first to produce fixed table sliding gantry mills. With over 25 years of bridge mill expertise, Johnford machines are the most highly refined, well-built, and technically advanced machines.
Asia Pacific Elite Corp. (APEC) specializes in the design and manufacturing of superior double column machining centers for the aerospace industry. Renowned for their robust construction and unparalleled accuracy, APEC’s machines integrate cutting-edge technology for high-efficiency production with exceptional surface finish and dimensional precision.