FAQs for PMG
PMG provides labor solutions to American manufacturers and we take the “solution” part of that equation seriously. We’re the folks who have to provide accurate answers for tough questions. As a result, all of us here end up asking a lot of questions to make sure we find the right way to solve the real problem. This blog attempts to share the answers to the questions we get asked the most.
What is the difference between a VTL and a VBM?
Great question! VTLs (Vertical Turret Lathes) are very similar to VBMs, (Vertical Boring Mills) but distinctly different. It’s easy to confuse one for the other due to a number of reasons.
- VBMs are one of the more nuanced machines on the market. Thus, the terminology is not nearly as ubiquitous as VTLs even though VBMs were present in shops much earlier.
- Adding to the confusion, VBMs can also perform lathe operations.
What really differentiates one from the other? Basically, a VTL is a VBM with a tool turret.
Vertical Turret Lathe (VTL) with 5 Tool Turret:
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This answer naturally leads to the question – what benefits can a tool turret provide to the machining process to improve upon VBM capabilities? The turret provides a few major benefits when compared to a traditional VBM. Namely:
- The ability to perform threading
- Shorter setup times
- Less frequent tool changes
These three benefits have the overall impact of providing more potential operational ability within any one setup. This decreases average machine downtime while increasing production time, resulting in a net gain in efficiency (and, therefore, profit).
Vertical Boring Mill (VBM):
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More Resources
If you’re looking for more information on either machine, start by watching this video of a VTL or this one of a VBM in operation. If you have the machines and need someone to run them, contact our Client Solutions team. Lastly, if you’d like a chance to run a VTL or a VBM on a PMG project, send us your resume at recruiter@pmgservices.com.
Josh Erickson, ReTool & Technical Solutions Associate
