What Exactly is A Planer?
Knowledge

What Exactly is A Planer?

In addition to the use of hand tools, the processing of metal workpieces is mainly achieved by the machine tools, such as lathes, planers, milling machines, grinders, boring machines, drilling machines, etc. These machines have different performances to match the job requirements. In recent years, various industrial advanced countries have used machines to replace manpower, making the application of machine tools more extensive and important. Although the processing precision of milling machines and grinding machines is superior to that of planers, the price is more expensive than that of planers. Generally, planers are still used for many initial processing jobs in small and medium-sized factories. So, what exactly is a planer?
Published: Aug 30, 2022
What Exactly is A Planer?

The Definition of a Planer

A planer is a linear motion machine tool that uses a planer to plan the plane, groove or forming surface of a workpiece. Using planer processing, the tool is simpler, but the productivity is low (except for processing long and narrow planes), so it is mainly used for single-piece, small batch production and machine repair workshops, and is often replaced by milling machines in mass production.

The Classification of Planers

There are many types and models of planers. According to its structural characteristics, it can be roughly divided into:

Shaper

The bull head planer is a planer used for planning medium and small workpieces, and the working length is generally not more than 1 m. The workpiece is clamped on the adjustable worktable or in the flat-nose pliers on the worktable, and the planning process is carried out by the linear reciprocating motion (cutting motion) of the planer and the intermittent movement (feeding motion) of the worktable.

According to the length of the workpiece that can be processed, the planer can be divided into three types: large, medium and small: the small planer can process workpieces with a length of less than 400mm, such as the B635-1 planer; the medium-sized planer can process the length of 400~600mm. The workpiece, such as the B650 type planer; the large-scale planer can process workpieces with a length of 400~1000mm, such as the B665 and B69O type planers.

Gantry Planer

It is a planer used to plan large workpieces. Some gantry planers can process workpieces with a length of tens of meters or even more than tens of meters. For example, the B2063 gantry planer has a worktable area of 6.3m×20m. Several planers can be clamped on the workbench at a time, and several planning knives can be used for planning at the same time, so the productivity is relatively high. The gantry planer uses the direct reciprocating motion (cutting) of the worktable and the intermittent movement (feeding motion) of the planer to carry out planning processing.

The gantry planer mainly processes large workpieces or multiple workpieces at the same time. Compared with the bull head planer, from the structural point of view, its shape is large, the structure is complex, and the rigidity is good. From the point of view of the machine tool movement, the main motion of the gantry planer is the linear reciprocating motion of the worktable, and the feed motion is the horizontal direction of the planer. Or vertical interval motion, which is the exact opposite of the motion of a planer. The gantry planer is driven by a DC motor, with stepless speed regulation and smooth movement. All tool holders of the planer can be translated horizontally and vertically. The gantry planer is mainly used to process large planes, especially long and narrow planes. Generally, the width of the workpiece that can be planed is 1 meter and the length is more than 3 meters. The main parameter of the gantry planer is the maximum planning width.

The tool holder on the beam of the gantry planer can perform lateral feed movement on the beam guide to plan the horizontal surface of the workpiece; the side tool holder on the column can perform vertical feed movement along the column guide to plan the vertical surface. The tool holder can also be deflected at an angle to plan bevels. The beam can be lifted up and down along the column guide to adjust the relative position of the tool and the workpiece. The gantry planer is mainly used to process planes or grooves on large parts, or to process multiple medium-sized parts at the same time, especially suitable for the processing of narrow and long planes. The workpieces on the gantry planer are generally pressed with platen bolts. On the gantry planer, there is a complex electrical equipment and routing system, and the movement of the worktable can be adjusted stepless. The company can manufacture and process various non-standard models of gantry planers, CNC floor boring and milling machines, heavy-duty horizontal milling machines, ordinary double-column vertical lathes, heavy-duty horizontal lathes, CNC fixed beam gantry boring and milling machines, and gantry moving beam boring machines according to customer requirements. Milling machine, precision gantry boring and milling machine, single-arm planer, single-arm planer and milling machine, the equipment configuration can be arbitrarily matched, and the planer head, milling head, grinding head and horizontal grinding head can be configured according to user needs.

Slotting Machine

Slotting machine, also known as vertical planer, is mainly used to machine the inner surface of the workpiece. Its structure is almost exactly the same as that of a bull head planer. The main difference is that the slotting tool of the slotting machine performs linear reciprocating motion (cutting motion) in the vertical direction. Do intermittent rotary feed motions on the circular room.

According to the different transmission modes, planers have two types: mechanical transmission and hydraulic transmission: planers, gantry planers and slotting machines with mechanical transmission; planers and slotting machines with hydraulic transmission.

Processing Characteristics of Planers

According to the cutting motion and specific processing requirements, the structure of the planer is simpler than that of the lathe and the milling machine, the price is lower, and the adjustment and the operation is also more convenient. The single-edged planer used is basically the same as the turning tool, with a simple shape and convenient manufacturing, sharpening and installation. The main motion of planning is reciprocating linear motion, and it is affected by inertial force when it is reversed. In addition, there is impact when the tool cuts in and out, which limits the increase of cutting speed. The length of the cutting edge that the single-edged planer actually participates in cutting is limited, and a surface often needs to be processed through multiple strokes, and the basic process time is long. When the planer returns to the stroke, no cutting is performed, and the processing is discontinuous, which increases the auxiliary time.

Therefore, planning is less productive than milling. However, for the machining of long and narrow surfaces (such as rails, long grooves, etc.), and for multi-piece or multi-cut machining on a planer, planning can be more productive than milling. The planning accuracy can reach IT9~IT8, and the surface roughness Ra value is 3.2 μm~1.6 μm. When using wide-blade fine planning, that is, on a gantry planer, a wide-blade fine planer is used to cut a very thin layer of metal from the surface of the part at a very low cutting speed, large feed rate and small cutting depth, due to the cutting force. Therefore, the surface roughness Ra value of the parts can reach 1.6 μm~0.4 μm, and the straightness can reach 0.02 mm/m. Wide-blade fine planning can replace scraping, which is an advanced and effective method of finishing flat surfaces.

Published by Aug 30, 2022 Source :kknews

Further reading

You might also be interested in ...

Headline
Knowledge
Medical Consumables: Global Guardians of Health
Medical consumables are a wide range of products used by healthcare professionals on a daily basis, typically for a single use before being disposed of. Their primary purpose is to ensure patient care, maintain hygiene, and prevent the spread of infection. These items are crucial for everything from routine checkups to complex surgical procedures.
Headline
Knowledge
Closed Suction System: Revolutionizing Respiratory Care
In critical care, airway management is a vital part of sustaining a patient's life. When patients rely on ventilators, clearing respiratory secretions becomes a crucial aspect of daily care. This seemingly simple, yet critically important, procedure has undergone significant evolution over the past few decades, progressing from early open suctioning to today's more advanced and safer Closed Suction System (CSS).
Headline
Knowledge
Understanding Plastic Materials: A Professional Analysis and Application Guide
Plastic materials, due to their diverse properties and wide range of applications, have become indispensable in modern industries and daily life. Choosing the right plastic material for different needs is crucial for optimizing product performance and achieving environmental benefits. The following is a professional review of the characteristics, applications, and pros and cons of the main plastic materials.
Headline
Knowledge
Exploring Rubber Processing Technology: Core and Challenges of Modern Manufacturing
Rubber processing is one of the most critical stages in modern manufacturing. From vehicle tires to industrial equipment seals and various consumer goods, rubber materials are everywhere. As the demand for high-quality and efficient products rises, rubber processing technologies continue to evolve. This article explores the basic knowledge of rubber processing, key technologies, and future trends.
Headline
Knowledge
Understanding the Coffee Robot: A Comprehensive Analysis
This article provides a comprehensive overview of coffee robots—automated machines that brew and serve coffee using advanced robotics and artificial intelligence. It outlines their key features, including AI-driven customization, app connectivity, 24/7 efficiency, and diverse drink options. The report also examines their growing impact on the coffee industry, highlighting benefits for both consumers and businesses such as convenience, consistency, and reduced labor costs. Case studies like CafeXbot, Artly Coffee, and Rozum Café illustrate how coffee robots are reshaping the coffee experience and driving market growth worldwide.
Headline
Knowledge
Understanding PU Foam: Properties, Types, and Industrial Uses
PU foam is no longer merely a cushioning material. It has become a core functional component across sports, medical, fashion, and lifestyle industries. By adjusting density, thickness, and surface feel, PU can meet diverse requirements for breathability, antimicrobial performance, durability, and comfort. It also aligns with brand trends toward eco-friendly formulations and recyclable material solutions.
Headline
Knowledge
Understanding Helical Filters: A Comprehensive Overview
Helical filters are essential components in radio frequency (RF) and microwave engineering, playing a key role in signal filtering and processing. Known for their compact size, high Q-factor, and broad frequency range, these filters are widely used across various industries. This report provides an in-depth look at helical filters, including their structure, operating principles, advantages, limitations, and typical applications.
Headline
Knowledge
Boost Your Device’s Performance: A Guide to Choosing the Right Power Supply
Choosing the right power supply unit (PSU) is crucial for maximizing your device's performance, ensuring stability, and prolonging the lifespan of your components. A PSU is not just a simple component that provides power; it is the heart of your system that ensures each component receives the right amount of power safely and efficiently. This report will guide you through the essential considerations and steps to select the ideal PSU for your needs.
Headline
Knowledge
How to Choose the Ideal Wood Screws for Furniture and Cabinetry
Selecting the right wood screws is essential to building strong, stable, and visually appealing furniture or cabinets. Key factors include screw size, length, thread type, head style, and compatibility with different wood materials. Coarse threads suit softwoods, while fine threads are better for hardwoods. Choosing the proper head type ensures both function and aesthetics, while accounting for environmental changes helps maintain joint integrity. Pre-drilling pilot holes can also prevent splitting, especially in dense wood. By understanding these considerations, woodworkers can achieve durable, high-quality results in their projects.
Headline
Knowledge
How Effective Coolant Management Promotes Sustainable CNC Machining
Sustainable CNC machining increasingly relies on effective coolant management to reduce environmental impact, cut costs, and improve machining performance. Coolants are essential for lubrication, heat control, and chip removal, but improper handling leads to waste and higher expenses. Proper management practices—such as regular monitoring, filtration, recycling, automation, and using eco-friendly coolants—help extend coolant life, maintain machine health, and ensure consistent product quality. Although initial investment may be a barrier, the long-term benefits include cost savings, reduced waste, and enhanced operational efficiency. Future advancements in IoT and AI are expected to further optimize coolant systems, reinforcing sustainability in CNC machining.
Headline
Knowledge
A Complete Guide to Selecting the Ideal Paper Cups for Hot Beverages
This guide provides a detailed overview of how to choose the best paper cups for hot beverages. It explores the different types of cups—single-wall, double-wall, insulated, and eco-friendly—and explains their unique features and ideal use cases. Key factors to consider include beverage temperature, insulation needs, cup size and lid compatibility, environmental impact, and safety standards. The article also outlines best practices for both consumers and businesses to ensure safe use and responsible disposal. Ultimately, selecting the right paper cup depends on balancing functionality, comfort, sustainability, and cost.
Headline
Knowledge
Understanding the Difference Between Reverse Osmosis and Traditional Water Filters
An in-depth comparison between reverse osmosis (RO) and traditional water filters, two widely used methods for purifying drinking water. It outlines how RO uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved salts, heavy metals, and microorganisms, making it ideal for areas with highly contaminated water. In contrast, traditional filters rely on physical and chemical filtration - often using activated carbon - to improve taste and remove larger particles. While RO systems offer superior contaminant removal, they come with higher costs and water usage. Traditional filters are more affordable and environmentally friendly but less effective against microscopic impurities. The article concludes that the best choice depends on specific water quality needs, and in some cases, combining both systems can offer the most comprehensive solution.
Agree