4-Axis Horizontal Machining 

A horizontal machining center (HMC) cuts a workpiece with a rotary tool oriented horizontally. In comparison, most machining centers are vertical units, with cutting tools pointing straight downward. Vertical machining centers are cheaper to build because they require less supporting structure to maintain cutting tool position and movement.

Despite their higher initial investment, horizontal machining centers offer several advantages. First, higher material removal rates can often be maintained because HMC’s are more robust pieces of equipment (more supporting structure) than their vertical cousins. Second, HMC’s with a fourth axis, typically B-axis of rotation, can easily access more workpiece surfaces, reducing the number of setups. And finally, as silly as it might sound, cutting chips are naturally evacuated via gravity versus falling directly onto cutting surfaces as with vertical mills. Not having to worry about chips collecting on the workpiece makes it easier to machine faster while still maintaining great surface quality — the chips don’t get in the way — and increasing tool life.

Compass has six 4-axis horizontal machining centers, all but one with multiple pallets and pallet changers for unattended, lights-out production. Three of our HMC’s are DMG Mori machines. The other three are Doosan, Mori Seiki and Tsugami units. Our newest horizontal mill is a DMG Mori NHX-4000 4-axis machine with a 12-station linear pallet pool installed in early 2023.

We selectively use these machines for jobs that need to be completed faster, cost effectively in both small and large quantities, and/or with higher quality than what is possible with vertical machining centers.

Having 4-axis horizontal machining capabilities, as well as more common 3, 4, and 5-axis vertical machines, gives Compass the ability to make parts in the most efficient way possible, no matter how the component is designed.