Taking a vertical machining center as research object, the physical modeling and necessary simplication were carried out,and it was transformed into a structure mechanical model .The modal analysis was carried out to obtain the dynamic characteristics of inherent frequencies and vibration patterns of the vertical machining center. The influence of different positions of the headstock on the natural frequency of the vertical machining center was analyzed.According to harmonic response analysis, the structure of the column and the headstock has the largest influence on the modal of the vertical machining center. Finally, the experimental mode was carried out. The reliability of the test results and the accuracy of the finite element model were verified by comparing the finite element and the experimental modal results. The finite element analysis results can be used as the basis for the analysis of the vibration characteristics of the machining center in the range of allowable error. The method has important reference value for design optimization of machining center and related test work.