ZH-600T CNC Drilling and Tapping Center

High-Speed Machining for Efficient Batch Production

The ZH-600T CNC Drilling and Tapping Center is designed for manufacturers that need to complete drilling, tapping, light milling, spot-facing, and multi-step hole machining within one controlled setup. Its combination of a high-speed BT30 spindle, rapid axis movement, and fast automatic tool changing helps shorten non-cutting time while maintaining consistent machining quality across production batches.

With travels of 600 × 400 × 300 mm, the machine is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized precision parts. Typical applications include 3C aluminum components, electronic housings, heat sinks, communication equipment parts, automotive brackets, appliance components, fixtures, and precision hardware.

Instead of transferring a workpiece between several machines, operators can consolidate multiple machining operations on the ZH-600T. This reduces repositioning errors, simplifies production planning, and supports a more predictable cycle time.

High-Speed Direct-Drive Spindle

The ZH-600T uses a BT30 direct-drive spindle with a standard maximum speed of up to 20,000 rpm. A 15,000 rpm configuration is also available according to the machining requirement.

Driven by a 5.5 kW spindle motor, the system is optimized for high-speed drilling, tapping, and light milling. The direct-drive structure delivers responsive acceleration and stable spindle performance, making it well suited to aluminum alloys, copper alloys, carbon steel, and low-carbon alloy steel.

For thin-walled aluminum parts, electronic frames, and components with numerous holes, the higher spindle speed can reduce machining time while helping the cutting tool produce cleaner edges and a more consistent surface finish.

Fast Axis Movement and Productive Tool Changing

All three axes provide a rapid traverse rate of 48 m/min, reducing the time spent moving between machining positions. The cutting feed range is 1–10,000 mm/min, allowing the machine to accommodate different tools, materials, and process requirements.

A 21-tool arm-type magazine supports automatic tool changes in approximately 1.8 seconds. Drills, taps, milling cutters, chamfering tools, and other tools can be arranged in one machining program, enabling several operations to run without repeated manual intervention.

This configuration is valuable in batch production, where a few seconds saved during each tool change can become a substantial productivity gain over hundreds or thousands of parts.

Worktable Capacity and Machining Range

The machine is equipped with a 700 × 420 mm worktable and has a maximum table load of 250 kg. Its three T-slots provide flexible mounting positions for standard vises, dedicated fixtures, and custom workholding systems.

The maximum recommended workpiece capacity is approximately 600 × 400 × 300 mm, making the ZH-600T a practical choice for small-to-medium components that require dense hole patterns, accurate threads, milled profiles, or several machining steps in one clamping.

Main Travel Specifications

Machining Accuracy for Repeatable Production

The ZH-600T provides a positioning accuracy of ±0.005 mm per 300 mm and repeatability of ±0.003 mm per 300 mm. These accuracy levels support consistent hole spacing, thread positioning, and machined features during continuous production.

Positioning accuracy and repeatability can be verified using a laser interferometer. Trial cutting may also be carried out after machine assembly and commissioning, giving buyers an opportunity to evaluate the machining result against their own drawings and acceptance requirements.

Consistency matters most when a machine runs the same component hour after hour. Stable positioning helps reduce inspection failures, rework, and variation between different production shifts.

Mitsubishi CNC Control System

The standard configuration uses a MITSUBISHI M80VB CNC controller. It provides the control functions required for high-speed drilling, tapping, milling, tool management, and automated production programs.

Depending on project requirements, other controller configurations may also be discussed. Available options can include FANUC, Mitsubishi, or Siemens systems. Buyers should select the controller according to operator familiarity, programming standards, local service availability, and compatibility with existing factory equipment.

Optional Fourth-Axis Machining

A fourth-axis interface is included as standard, while an indexer or rotary table can be supplied as an option. Adding a fourth axis allows suitable parts to be repositioned automatically for side drilling, tapping, and milling.

For components with features on several faces, this option can reduce manual reclamping. Fewer setups generally mean less accumulated positioning error, shorter handling time, and more consistent machining between batches.

Enclosed Structure and Chip Management

The machine adopts a fully enclosed industrial cabinet that keeps coolant and metal chips inside the working area. Front access doors with viewing windows allow operators to observe the machining process while maintaining a safer and cleaner production environment.

A chain-type chip conveyor and chip cart support continuous chip removal. Flood coolant and a coolant tank are included in the machining system, while spindle center through-coolant can be selected for applications requiring stronger cooling and chip evacuation around the cutting edge.

Additional options include:

• Automatic lubrication system
• Oil mist collector
• Probe system
• Spindle center through-coolant
• Fourth-axis rotary table
• Custom workholding fixture
• Alternative CNC controller
• Customized tool magazine configuration

Suitable Materials

The ZH-600T can be configured for machining materials such as:

• Aluminum alloys
• Copper alloys
• Carbon steel
• Low-carbon alloy steel
• Light metal structural materials

It is especially effective for aluminum parts that contain multiple drilled holes, tapped threads, pockets, and milled surfaces. Tool selection, spindle speed, feed rate, coolant strategy, and fixture design should be adjusted according to the material and workpiece geometry.

Typical Applications

The ZH-600T Drilling and Tapping Center is suitable for a wide range of precision manufacturing tasks, including:

• 3C aluminum frames and structural components
• Electronic equipment housings
• Communication equipment parts
• Aluminum heat sinks
• Automotive valve bodies and small brackets
• Appliance metal components
• Precision hardware
• Fixtures and jigs
• Automation equipment parts
• Aluminum plates and light structural parts
• Repetitive drilling and tapping components

Its compact machining range and fast motion system make it particularly useful for factories producing medium-to-high volumes of small and medium-sized parts.

Application Example: Automotive Aluminum Valve Body

For an automotive aluminum valve body made from ADC12 aluminum alloy, the production challenge involved a machining cycle of approximately 15 minutes per part, frequent tool-change delays, and inconsistent surface quality.

Using the ZH-600T with its 20,000 rpm direct-drive spindle, 21-tool arm-type magazine, and 48 m/min rapid traverse, the machining cycle was reduced to under eight minutes. Tool-change waiting time fell by approximately 70%, while surface roughness stabilized at Ra 1.6. According to the application data, the production yield increased from 92% to 98.5%.

Actual results will vary according to the workpiece, fixture, cutting tools, program, and production conditions.

Application Example: 3C Aluminum Mid-Frame

A 6063 aluminum mid-frame measuring 280 × 160 × 12 mm required drilling, tapping, and side milling. The original process involved several machining steps, while thin-wall vibration caused visible chatter marks and limited daily output.

The ZH-600T combined these operations in one controlled setup. Its 600 × 400 × 300 mm travel range accommodated the component, while the available fourth-axis configuration supported multi-face machining. Based on the published case data, daily production increased from 180 to 320 pieces, and the previous chatter issue was eliminated.

Machine Dimensions and Installation Requirements

The machine has approximate overall dimensions of 1850 × 2650 × 2650 mm and weighs around 4,000 kg.

For long-term accuracy and reliable operation, the ZH-600T should be installed on a stable, properly leveled foundation. The workshop should provide a reliable power supply, clean compressed air, adequate ventilation, coolant management, and enough clearance for operation and maintenance.

Temperature control is recommended when the parts require tighter and more stable dimensional accuracy.

Custom Fixtures and Trial Cutting

Machine performance depends on more than the equipment itself. Fixture rigidity, datum selection, tool overhang, chip evacuation, and machining sequence can directly affect cycle time and finished-part quality.

Zhihe CNC can provide custom fixture support and pre-delivery trial cutting according to the customer’s drawings. Before requesting a quotation, buyers are encouraged to provide:

• 2D or 3D part drawings
• Workpiece material
• Overall dimensions
• Tolerance requirements
• Surface finish requirements
• Expected production volume
• Machining process details
• Required controller
• Fixture and automation requirements

This information helps determine whether the standard ZH-600T configuration is suitable or whether an optional spindle, fourth axis, probe, coolant system, or custom fixture should be added.

Delivery, Training, and After-Sales Support

The standard production lead time is approximately 45–60 working days after confirmation of the down payment and signed contract, subject to the final project agreement.

Machines for overseas delivery are packed in export wooden cases with moisture-proof, shock-resistant, and rust-prevention treatment. Sea and air shipping can be arranged under commonly used commercial terms, including FOB and CIF.

Zhihe CNC also provides installation and commissioning support. On-site operator training typically lasts two to three days and covers machine operation, basic programming, routine maintenance, and common troubleshooting procedures.

A 12-month warranty begins after successful final acceptance, excluding consumable components and damage caused by improper operation. Genuine spare parts and technical support remain available for long-term machine maintenance.

Request a ZH-600T Configuration

If your production involves high-volume drilling, tapping, light milling, or multi-step hole machining, the ZH-600T CNC Drilling and Tapping Center offers a practical balance of spindle speed, compact machining capacity, accuracy, and cycle efficiency.

Send Zhongshan Zhihe CNC Technology Co., Ltd. your part drawings, material information, tolerances, required output, and preferred CNC system. The technical team can evaluate the workpiece, recommend a suitable configuration, and arrange trial cutting before delivery when required.