ZH-600T CNC Drilling and Tapping Center for Batch Metal Parts

The ZH-600T CNC Drilling and Tapping Center is developed for manufacturers that need faster, more repeatable drilling, tapping, spot-facing, and light milling. Instead of occupying a larger general-purpose machining center for hole-intensive components, the ZH-600T provides a compact, high-speed platform focused on small and medium-sized batch production.

Its 600 × 400 × 300 mm axis travel, BT30 direct-drive spindle, 48 m/min rapid traverse, and automatic tool magazine allow several machining steps to be completed in one setup. This reduces manual handling, shortens non-cutting time, and helps maintain consistent hole positions and thread quality across different production shifts.

Typical workpieces include 3C aluminum frames, electronic housings, heat sinks, automotive brackets, valve bodies, communication components, fixtures, appliance parts, and precision hardware.

Built for Drilling, Tapping and Light Milling

Production delays often come from the spaces between machining operations: repositioning parts, changing tools, checking alignment, and transferring workpieces from one machine to another. The ZH-600T is designed to reduce these interruptions.

Once the workpiece is clamped and the program is confirmed, the machine can perform a sequence of drilling, tapping, chamfering, spot-facing, and light milling operations automatically. Different tools can be stored in the tool magazine and called according to the programmed process.

This consolidated workflow offers several practical benefits:

• Fewer manual setups
• Reduced workpiece transfer
• More consistent hole spacing
• Stable tapping quality
• Shorter non-cutting time
• Easier batch production management
• Lower risk of setup-related errors

For parts containing numerous holes or threaded features, these improvements can have a greater effect on output than spindle speed alone.

20,000 RPM BT30 Direct-Drive Spindle

The ZH-600T is equipped with a BT30 direct-drive spindle powered by a 5.5 kW motor. Its maximum spindle speed reaches 20,000 rpm, while a 15,000 rpm version is available as an alternative configuration.

The direct-drive arrangement provides quick spindle response and supports high-speed drilling, rigid tapping, and light milling. It is especially useful when processing aluminum components with small holes, fine threads, shallow pockets, or detailed profiles.

As a High Speed BT30 Drilling Tapping Center, the machine is oriented toward rapid machining cycles rather than heavy roughing. Buyers should evaluate it according to part material, tool diameter, machining allowance, and expected output.

Fast Three-Axis Movement

The X, Y, and Z axes each provide a rapid traverse rate of 48 m/min. Fast positioning helps reduce the idle time between holes and machining features, which becomes increasingly important when a workpiece contains dozens of drilling or tapping positions.

The cutting feed range is 1–10,000 mm/min, allowing the machining program to be adjusted for different tools and materials. Three-axis motor power is rated at 1.5/1.5/3.0 kW for the X, Y, and Z axes respectively.

The available working travels are:

This working range is optimized for small-to-medium precision parts and batch-produced metal components.

21-Tool Automatic Tool Magazine

A 21-tool BT30 arm-type magazine allows drills, taps, chamfering tools, face mills, and other cutters to remain available during the same machining cycle.

Tool changes can be completed in approximately 1.8 seconds, helping reduce downtime in operations that require several different tools. For repeat orders, quicker tool changing can create a noticeable improvement in daily output without requiring additional operators.

The tool arrangement can be planned around the workpiece process, enabling drilling, tapping, side milling, and finishing operations to run within one CNC program.

Worktable and Loading Capacity

The ZH-600T uses a 700 × 420 mm worktable with three T-slots measuring 14 mm wide and spaced at a 125 mm pitch. The table supports a maximum load of 250 kg.

Its recommended workpiece capacity is approximately 600 × 400 × 300 mm, depending on the fixture, tool clearance, and machining direction.

The worktable can accommodate:

• Standard machine vises
• Multi-part fixtures
• Pneumatic or hydraulic fixtures
• Dedicated workholding systems
• Fourth-axis rotary devices
• Customized production fixtures

Custom fixture design is available for buyers who need shorter loading time, improved workpiece support, or multi-part machining.

Positioning Accuracy and Repeatability

For batch production, repeatability is often more valuable than a single successful part. The ZH-600T offers:

These specifications support repeatable hole placement, thread positioning, pocket machining, and light profile milling.

Machine positioning and repeatability can be checked using a laser interferometer. Buyers may also arrange pre-acceptance trial cutting after assembly and commissioning at the supplier’s facility. Final acceptance cutting can be performed following delivery, installation, and commissioning.

Mitsubishi M80VB CNC System

The standard machine configuration includes a MITSUBISHI M80VB CNC controller. The control system supports drilling, tapping, milling, tool management, program storage, and automated production cycles.

Alternative controller configurations may include FANUC, Mitsubishi, or Siemens systems, subject to project confirmation. Controller selection should take into account:

• Operator experience
• Existing factory equipment
• Programming preferences
• Local technical support
• Automation requirements
• Maintenance familiarity

Choosing a familiar control system can shorten operator training and simplify integration with other CNC machines in the workshop.

Optional Fourth Axis

A fourth-axis interface is supplied as standard, while an indexer or rotary table can be selected as an option.

A fourth axis allows suitable workpieces to be rotated automatically for side drilling, tapping, and milling. Multiple faces can therefore be processed without repeatedly removing and repositioning the component.

This option is particularly useful for:

• Valve bodies
• Multi-face brackets
• Electronic housings
• Fixtures
• Communication equipment parts
• Small automation components

Reducing reclamping can improve positional consistency between features on different faces while shortening manual handling time.

Enclosed Machining and Chip Removal

The ZH-600T adopts a fully enclosed cabinet that separates the operator from the active cutting area. Front doors provide access for loading, fixture adjustment, tool inspection, and maintenance, while viewing windows allow the machining process to be monitored without opening the enclosure.

The enclosed design helps contain:

• Metal chips
• Cutting fluid
• Coolant splash
• Oil mist
• Moving machine components

A chain-type chip conveyor and chip cart support continuous chip removal. Flood coolant and a coolant tank are included in the machining system. Spindle center through-coolant is available as an option when the process requires stronger cooling or improved chip evacuation around deeper holes.

Applicable Materials

The machine can be configured to process:

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

The ZH-600T is especially suitable as a CNC Drilling Tapping Machine for Aluminum Parts. Its high spindle speed and fast axis movement match the requirements of aluminum components with dense hole patterns, small threads, thin walls, pockets, and light milled surfaces.

Cutting capacity will vary according to tool diameter, material hardness, cutting depth, fixture rigidity, coolant method, and program settings.

Typical Applications

The ZH-600T can be used in a range of manufacturing sectors, including:

3C Electronics

Suitable for aluminum mid-frames, electronic housings, internal brackets, mounting plates, and other compact structural components.

Automotive Components

Applicable to aluminum valve bodies, sensor housings, small brackets, covers, and parts requiring repeatable drilling and tapping.

Communication Equipment

Used for communication housings, heat-dissipation components, mounting parts, and aluminum structural pieces.

Precision Hardware

Suitable for fixtures, jigs, connection plates, mounting blocks, and hardware components produced in repeat batches.

Home Appliances

Applicable to appliance frames, supports, motor housings, plates, and other metal parts with drilled or tapped features.

Automation Equipment

Used for small machine components, mounting blocks, positioning fixtures, brackets, and production-line accessories.

Automotive Valve Body Application

One published application involved an ADC12 aluminum automotive valve body measuring 350 × 250 × 120 mm.

The original process required approximately 15 minutes per component. Frequent tool changes increased downtime, while unstable surface quality resulted in rework for some production batches.

The ZH-600T solution used:

• 20,000 rpm direct-drive spindle
• 21-tool arm-type magazine
• Approximately 1.8-second tool changing
• 48 m/min rapid traverse
• ±0.005 mm positioning accuracy

According to the application data, the cycle time was reduced to under eight minutes, tool-change waiting time decreased by approximately 70%, and the production yield increased from 92% to 98.5%. Surface roughness stabilized at Ra 1.6 under the validated conditions.

Actual production results depend on the workpiece, tooling, fixture, CNC program, and workshop environment.

3C Aluminum Mid-Frame Application

Another application involved a 6063 aluminum mid-frame measuring 280 × 160 × 12 mm. The part required drilling, tapping, and side milling, while its thin-wall structure was vulnerable to vibration and chatter marks.

The ZH-600T allowed these operations to be consolidated into one controlled process. Its working travel accommodated the component, while the fourth-axis capability supported multi-face machining.

Based on the published case information, daily output increased from 180 to 320 pieces, and the previous chatter problem was eliminated under the tested machining conditions.

Main Technical Specifications

Optional Configurations

The machine can be configured according to the workpiece and production process. Available options include:

• FANUC, Mitsubishi, or Siemens controller
• 15,000 or 20,000 rpm spindle
• Fourth-axis indexer or rotary table
• Renishaw or Marposs probe
• Spindle center through-coolant
• Oil mist collector
• Automatic lubrication system
• Custom production fixture
• Alternative coolant arrangement
• Chip conveyor and chip cart

Each option should be selected according to the actual machining requirement. Adding equipment that does not contribute to the workpiece process may increase cost without improving productivity.

Installation Requirements

The ZH-600T has approximate overall dimensions of 1850 × 2650 × 2650 mm and weighs around 4,000 kg.

For stable long-term operation, the installation area should provide:

• A firm and level foundation
• Reliable electrical power
• Clean compressed air
• Adequate ventilation
• Coolant management
• Maintenance clearance
• Suitable lifting equipment
• Regular lubrication
• Controlled temperature where tighter accuracy is required

Correct leveling and commissioning are important because even a capable machine can produce inconsistent results when the foundation or installation conditions are unsuitable.

Customization and Buyer Information

Before requesting a quotation, buyers should prepare:

• 2D or 3D workpiece drawings
• Material grade
• Part dimensions
• Hole diameters and depths
• Thread specifications
• Dimensional tolerances
• Surface-finish requirements
• Expected cycle time
• Daily or monthly production target
• Preferred CNC controller
• Fixture and automation requirements

Zhihe CNC can use this information to evaluate whether the standard ZH-600T is suitable or whether the project requires a fourth axis, probe system, custom fixture, through-spindle coolant, or another machine model.

Packaging, Delivery and Technical Support

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

For international delivery, the machine is packed in an export wooden case with moisture-proof, shock-resistant, and rust-prevention protection. Sea or air shipping can be arranged, with FOB and CIF terms available according to the order.

Installation and commissioning support can be provided at the buyer’s facility. Operator training generally lasts two to three days and covers machine operation, basic programming, daily maintenance, and common troubleshooting.

The standard warranty is 12 months from final acceptance, excluding consumables and damage caused by improper operation. Long-term spare-parts supply and technical support are also available.

Request a ZH-600T Quotation

The ZH-600T CNC Drilling and Tapping Center is a practical choice for factories producing small and medium-sized parts that require fast drilling, accurate tapping, rapid tool changes, and repeatable batch machining.

Send your drawings, material details, tolerance requirements, target output, and preferred control system to Zhongshan Zhihe CNC Technology Co., Ltd. The technical team can evaluate the component, recommend an appropriate machine configuration, and arrange trial cutting when required.