А range of CNC machining strokes—the maximum movement distance of each coordinate axis (Х, У, Z., и т. д.)—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, выбирать, and optimize stroke ranges to solve common production problems.
1. What Is the Range of CNC Machining Strokes? Определение & 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 Основное определение
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. Например, 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, У, Z linear axes (единица: мм) | Vertical machining centers, horizontal machining centers, 3-Оси мельницы | Х: 650мм, У: 500мм, Z.: 500мм (typical vertical machining center) |
| Polar | Expressed by radial distance (ведущий) и угол (θ) | Lathes, 5-axis machines for circular parts | ведущий: 200мм (max radial distance), θ: 360° (full rotation) |
| Цилиндрический | Expressed by radial (ведущий), axial (z), and angular (θ) топоры | Complex turning-milling centers | ведущий: 150мм, z: 500мм, θ: 360° |
Analogy: 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 | Преимущества | Ограничения |
| Вертикальная обработка | Х: 500–1,200mm; У: 400–800mm; Z.: 400–700mm | Компакт, бюджетный, легко эксплуатировать | Small stroke; not for large workpieces |
| Горизонтальный обработливый центр | Х: 800–2,000mm; У: 600–1,200mm; Z.: 600–1,000mm | Larger stroke; good for multi-side machining | Bulkier; Более высокая стоимость |
| Портальный обрабатывающий центр | Х: 2,000–10,000mm+; У: 1,000–5,000mm; Z.: 500–1,500mm | Ultra-large stroke; для тяжелого, oversized parts | Very large footprint; высокое энергопотребление |
Пример: A small vertical machining center (Х: 650мм, У: 500мм) 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, и наоборот.
| Worktable Size (Длина × ширина) | Matching Stroke Range (X × Y) | Ideal Workpiece Size |
| 600mm × 400mm | 650мм × 500 мм | ≤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) |
Критическое правило: 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
Направляющие рельсы (the “tracks” that components move along) affect both stroke range and performance:
| Guide Rail Type | Typical Stroke Range | Скорость | Лучше всего для |
| Linear Guide (Line Rail) | Большой (up to 10,000mm+) | Быстрый (up to 60m/min) | High-speed machining (НАПРИМЕР., Электронные детали) |
| Hard Guide | Маленький (usually ≤2,000mm) | Медленный (up to 20m/min) | Heavy cutting (НАПРИМЕР., metal forgings) |
Почему это важно: 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.
Тематическое исследование: A manufacturer bought a vertical machining center with X: 650мм, У: 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 в середине 70% их диапазона хода. Когда вы обрабатываете вблизи ограничения хода (в пределах 10% максимального), точность падает, потому что:
- Механическое напряжение накапливается на границах направляющих..
- Система передачи (НАПРИМЕР., шариковые винты) имеет больший люфт на концах.
Пример: Станок с X-ходом 1000 мм имеет точность ±0,005 мм на среднем расстоянии 700 мм, но при обработке на расстоянии 950 мм эта точность падает до ±0,01 мм. (около Х-предела).
3.3 Shapes Processing Technology
Разные процессы требуют разных диапазонов хода. Например:
- Контурное фрезерование: Если вы обрабатываете изогнутую деталь длиной 800 мм, 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):
Шаг 1: List Your Workpiece Specs
Write down the maximum size of your workpieces in each axis (Х, У, Z.). Include future projects—don’t just focus on current needs.
Шаг 2: Add a “Safety Margin”
Add 10–15% to each axis size. Например:
- If your largest workpiece is 800mm (Х) × 500mm (У) × 300mm (Z.):
- X-stroke needed: 800мм × 1.15 = 920mm
- Y-stroke needed: 500мм × 1.15 = 575mm
- Z-stroke needed: 300мм × 1.15 = 345mm
Шаг 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 | Вертикальная обработка | Х: 800мм, У: 600мм, Z.: 500мм |
| 800–2,000mm × 600–1,200mm × 500–1,000mm | Горизонтальный обработливый центр | Х: 1,500мм, У: 1,000мм, Z.: 800мм |
| >2,000мм × >1,200мм × >1,000мм | Портальный обрабатывающий центр | Х: 5,000мм, У: 2,000мм, Z.: 1,200мм |
5. Перспектива Yigu Technology
В Yigu Technology, 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. Наш совет: Prioritize the 10–15% safety margin and consider your next 2–3 years of projects. We also offer custom stroke adjustments for standard machines (НАПРИМЕР., 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. Часто задаваемые вопросы: Ответы на распространенные вопросы
1 квартал: Can I machine a workpiece that’s slightly larger than the stroke range?
А1: 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.
2 квартал: Does a larger stroke range mean lower accuracy?
А2: Not necessarily—high-quality machines (НАПРИМЕР., 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?
А3: 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.