Jig Boring, Horizontal Boring, Vertical Boring, Jig Boring, Lathe Boring Services 

Boring is an ancient processed learned by observing the creatures of our natural world.  Generically it is the process performed to create a hole or an opening, otherwise referred to as a bore, within a substrate material.  Boring is also referred to as a process which is performed to enlarge a diametric opening of an existing hole. 

In traditional shops boring is typically performed using a vertical or horizontal mill or a lathe.  For large production runs or for projects that have unique requirements, other specialized CNC boring machines may be utilized. There are several types which include: line boring, tunnel boring, horizontal boring, directional boring, cylinder boring, jig boring, portable boring and vertical boring among others.

At a basic level boring achieves three things:

Conventional Horizontal Boring on a Lathe
In the traditional sense, horizontal boring is a machining operation typically performed on a lathe that increases the diameter of an existing hole.  The existing hole may have been created in a variety of ways depending upon the type of part or stock utilized.  For instance in solid materials, the original hole is made typically with a drill.  Sucessive drill diameters may then be used to increase the bore diameter.   Boring Bars are also used to increase a bore diameter to its final size and finish.  If the part is a casting or a forging then a cored hole is often used to either create or enlarge an opening. 

On a conventional lathe horizontal boring is performed on the Z axis or in line with the center of the lathe tailstock. To achieve alignment sometimes a faceplate or fixture is used so that the hole is properly aligned with the boring bar.

Jig Boring
Jig boring is used for holes that typically have very tight diameter and total run-out tolerances. As with the other methods of boring, a pre-existing hole is required in the part - the closer to tolerance the better. Once achieved the part is moved to the jig boring machine to achieve highly accurate hole sizes with very low run-out. Jig boring can also maintain high accuracy between multiple holes and surfaces. Tolerances can be held readily within ±.005 mm (±0.0002 inches).

Horizontal Boring Machines
A horizontal boring machine is specially constructed machine typically used to horizontally bore large work pieces. A fairly versatile piece of equipment, it can bore, drill, ream, counter-bore, tap holes and face a part.

Vertical Boring Machines
A vertical boring machine is virtually a lathe turned on end with is headstock resting on the floor. Very large parts may be bored, cut and contoured utilizing this equipment. For example part sizes may range from 24” to 120” or more in diameter. The diameter of the part to be machined is limited by the diameter of the machines work table.

03.06.09