By the experimental modal testing to the main structure of the high-speed horizontal machining center,the modal parameters such as the natural frequency, damping ratio, stiffness and mode shapes are obtained. By analyzing the vibration characteristics, the critical components of the machining center is at the spindle front bearing part and the vertical column on which the screw driving spindle box to move in vertical direction is mounted are determined, and provide an important basis of optimizing the structure for the machining center. And the amplitude-frequency characteristic curves of the critical components evaluate the dynamic stiffness as the key indicators to provide reliable data for improving processing accuracy and cutting ability of machining center.