El range of CNC machining strokes—the maximum movement distance of each coordinate axis (incógnita, Y, Z, etc.)—directly determines what parts a CNC machine can make. Choose a machine with too small a stroke, and you’ll be unable to machine large workpieces; ignore stroke limits during operation, and you’ll risk poor accuracy or even machine damage. This guide breaks down how to understand, select, and optimize stroke ranges to solve common production problems.
1. What Is the Range of CNC Machining Strokes? Definición & Representation
Before choosing a machine, you first need to understand how stroke ranges are defined and measured—this avoids confusion when comparing different models.
1.1 Definición de núcleo
The range of CNC machining strokes refers to the maximum linear or rotational distance each movable component of the CNC machine can travel along its coordinate axis. Por ejemplo, an X-axis stroke of 800mm means the machine’s worktable can move 800mm left and right along the X-direction without hitting mechanical limits.
1.2 Representation Methods by Coordinate System
Different CNC machines use different coordinate systems to describe stroke ranges. The table below clarifies the key types:
| Coordinate System | Representation Method | Common Machine Types | Example of Stroke Range |
| Rectangular (Cartesian) | Expressed by X, Y, Z linear axes (unidad: milímetros) | Vertical machining centers, horizontal machining centers, 3-molinos de eje | incógnita: 650milímetros, Y: 500milímetros, Z: 500milímetros (typical vertical machining center) |
| Polar | Expressed by radial distance (riñonal) and angle (θ) | Lathes, 5-axis machines for circular parts | riñonal: 200milímetros (max radial distance), θ: 360° (full rotation) |
| Cilíndrico | Expressed by radial (riñonal), axial (z), and angular (θ) hachas | Complex turning-milling centers | riñonal: 150milímetros, z: 500milímetros, θ: 360° |
Analogía: Think of the rectangular coordinate system like a grid on paper—X is left-right, Y is up-down, and Z is front-back. The stroke range is the “size of the grid” the machine can cover.
2. Key Factors That Affect the Range of CNC Machining Strokes
Not all machines with the same “X-Y-Z” numbers have the same practical stroke capacity. These three factors directly shape how stroke ranges perform in real use:
2.1 Machine Tool Structure
The machine’s design determines its maximum possible stroke. Here’s how common structures compare:
| Machine Structure Type | Typical Stroke Range | Ventajas | Limitaciones |
| Centro de mecanizado vertical | incógnita: 500–1,200mm; Y: 400–800mm; Z: 400–700mm | Compacto, bajo costo, fácil de operar | Small stroke; not for large workpieces |
| Centro de mecanizado horizontal | incógnita: 800–2,000mm; Y: 600–1,200mm; Z: 600–1,000mm | Larger stroke; good for multi-side machining | Bulkier; mayor costo |
| Gantry Machining Center | incógnita: 2,000–10,000mm+; Y: 1,000–5,000mm; Z: 500–1,500mm | Ultra-large stroke; por pesado, oversized parts | Very large footprint; high energy consumption |
Ejemplo: A small vertical machining center (incógnita: 650milímetros, Y: 500milímetros) can’t machine a 1,000mm-long aerospace component—but a gantry machining center with an X-stroke of 5,000mm can handle it easily.
2.2 Worktable Size
The worktable (where the workpiece sits) and stroke range are closely linked—you can’t have a large stroke with a tiny table, y viceversa.
| Worktable Size (Longitud × ancho) | Matching Stroke Range (X × Y) | Ideal Workpiece Size |
| 600mm × 400mm | 650mm × 500 mm | ≤500mm × 350mm (leaves space for clamping) |
| 1,000mm × 800mm | 1,200mm × 1,000mm | ≤900mm × 700mm |
| 3,000mm × 1,500mm | 3,500mm × 2,000mm | ≤3,000mm × 1,500mm (heavy parts like ship components) |
Regla crítica: The workpiece should be 10–15% smaller than the stroke range in each axis. This leaves room for clamping tools and avoids machining at the stroke limit (which hurts accuracy).
2.3 Guide Rail Type
Rieles guía (the “tracks” that components move along) affect both stroke range and performance:
| Guide Rail Type | Typical Stroke Range | Velocidad | Mejor para |
| Linear Guide (Line Rail) | Grande (up to 10,000mm+) | Rápido (up to 60m/min) | High-speed machining (P.EJ., piezas electrónicas) |
| Hard Guide | Pequeño (usually ≤2,000mm) | Lento (up to 20m/min) | Heavy cutting (P.EJ., metal forgings) |
Por que importa: A line rail machine with a 5,000mm X-stroke is great for large, fast-moving parts—but a hard guide machine with the same stroke would be slow and inefficient.
3. Why the Range of CNC Machining Strokes Matters: 3 Key Impacts
Ignoring stroke range leads to 60% of CNC machining mistakes. Here’s how it affects your work:
3.1 Determines Machining Capacity
The stroke range is the “size limit” of your machine. If your workpiece exceeds the stroke in any axis, you can’t machine it—period.
Estudio de caso: A manufacturer bought a vertical machining center with X: 650milímetros, Y: 500mm to make 800mm-long automotive brackets. They had to split the bracket into two parts, doubling assembly time and increasing defect rates by 25%. A horizontal machining center with X: 1,200mm would have avoided this.
3.2 Influences Machining Accuracy
Most CNC machines have the highest accuracy in the middle 70% of their stroke range. When you machine near the stroke limit (dentro 10% of the maximum), accuracy drops because:
- Mechanical stress builds up at the limits of the guide rails.
- The transmission system (P.EJ., tornillos de bola) has more backlash at the ends.
Ejemplo: A machine with a 1,000mm X-stroke has an accuracy of ±0.005mm in the middle 700mm—but this drops to ±0.01mm when machining at 950mm (near the X-limit).
3.3 Shapes Processing Technology
Different processes need different stroke ranges. Por ejemplo:
- Contour Milling: If you’re machining a curved part that’s 800mm long, your X-stroke needs to be at least 900mm (to cover the full curve).
- Deep Hole Drilling: A 200mm-deep hole needs a Z-stroke of at least 220mm (to account for the tool length).
(Cause-Effect Chain): Too small a stroke → Can’t complete the process in one setup → Multiple setups needed → More errors from repositioning → Lower quality.
4. How to Choose the Right Stroke Range for Your Needs
Follow this 3-step process to avoid buying a machine that’s too small (or too big):
Paso 1: List Your Workpiece Specs
Write down the maximum size of your workpieces in each axis (incógnita, Y, Z). Include future projects—don’t just focus on current needs.
Paso 2: Add a “Safety Margin”
Add 10–15% to each axis size. Por ejemplo:
- If your largest workpiece is 800mm (incógnita) × 500mm (Y) × 300mm (Z):
- X-stroke needed: 800milímetros × 1.15 = 920mm
- Y-stroke needed: 500milímetros × 1.15 = 575mm
- Z-stroke needed: 300milímetros × 1.15 = 345mm
Paso 3: Match to Machine Type
Use the table below to find the right machine for your calculated stroke:
| Calculated Stroke Range (X×Y×Z) | Recommended Machine Type | Example Machine Specs |
| ≤800mm × 600mm × 500mm | Centro de mecanizado vertical | incógnita: 800milímetros, Y: 600milímetros, Z: 500milímetros |
| 800–2,000mm × 600–1,200mm × 500–1,000mm | Centro de mecanizado horizontal | incógnita: 1,500milímetros, Y: 1,000milímetros, Z: 800milímetros |
| >2,000milímetros × >1,200milímetros × >1,000milímetros | Gantry Machining Center | incógnita: 5,000milímetros, Y: 2,000milímetros, Z: 1,200milímetros |
5. La perspectiva de la tecnología de Yigu
En la tecnología yigu, we know choosing the right range of CNC machining strokes is a balance of current needs and future growth. Many clients buy machines that are too small to save cost—only to spend more later on upgrades. Nuestro consejo: Prioritize the 10–15% safety margin and consider your next 2–3 years of projects. We also offer custom stroke adjustments for standard machines (P.EJ., extending X-stroke from 1,000mm to 1,200mm) to fit unique needs. As machining demands grow for larger, more complex parts, flexible stroke options will become key—and we’re committed to making that flexibility accessible.
6. Preguntas frecuentes: Respuestas a preguntas comunes
Q1: Can I machine a workpiece that’s slightly larger than the stroke range?
A1: No—this risks crashing the machine (damaging guide rails or tools) and producing inaccurate parts. Even a 5mm oversize can cause mechanical failure. Always choose a stroke range larger than your workpiece.
Q2: Does a larger stroke range mean lower accuracy?
A2: Not necessarily—high-quality machines (P.EJ., gantry centers with precision guide rails) maintain accuracy even with large strokes. The key is to avoid machining at the stroke limits (stay in the middle 70% of the range) and choose machines with good mechanical stability.
Q3: How do I check the actual stroke range of my existing CNC machine?
A3: Use the machine’s manual jog mode: Move each axis slowly until it hits the limit switch (the machine will stop automatically). Record the distance from the starting point to the limit—this is the actual stroke range. Do this 2–3 times to confirm consistency.