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Vertical Machining Centers

Take a look at the advantages of affordable flexibility now being offered in the newest vertical machining centers.

Posted: June 4, 2015

The affordable DNM 200/5AX five-axis vertical machining center from Doosan is ideal for machining complex prismatic parts with superior precision and repeatability through its reduction in stacked tolerances. It reduces set-up time and ensures consistent accuracy without taking up too much valuable space on the shop floor.

Equipped with a high-speed 18,000 rpm integral motorized spindle, the VMX30UHSi trunnion-style 5-axis machine from Hurco has more Z-axis clearance for heavier parts.

The VMX84SWi from Hurco has X/Y/Z travels of 84/34/30 in and utilizes a B-axis swivel head for 4-axis rotary functionality. It can be equipped with an optional A-style rotary table that meets custom needs, instead of a standard C-axis table.

The new EM2040L high-speed vertical machining center from Chevalier Machinery satisfies the need for large quantity machining with limited floor space, using a FANUC 0iMD control with a color 8.4 in LCD for 4-axis simultaneous contouring, linear-circular-helical interpolation and canned cycles for drilling, tapping and profiling, plus a conversational Manual Guide 0i and much more.

The highly rigid, thermally-stable, double-column construction of the GENOS M560-V vertical machining center from Okuma withstands thermal deformation to reduce thermal growth and improve machining performance when cutting challenging metals such as titanium, Inconel, stainless steel and aluminum.

The low center of gravity in workpiece movement makes the new MU-8000V vertical machining center from Okuma excellent for 5-axis multi-sided machining of difficult materials in a wide range of workpieces. Its standard ball-screw cooling and highly rigid left-right, mobile trunnion table support high precision and power.

The versatile new MU-6300V vertical machining center from Okuma is available with a wide array of spindle options that provide a configuration for nearly any 5-axis job, making it excellent for 5-axis multi-sided machining and ideal for the aerospace and die/mold industries.

The strong base column construction of the new MILLAC 852V II vertical machining center from Okuma uses optimally-placed ribs to counter chatter and twisting during heavy-duty cutting. Its variable speed gear head and large-diameter spindle bearings perform heavy-duty cutting and high speed machining with high torque from low to high speeds on large, heavy workpieces.

The Tongtai VMC FV-236 vertical machining center with automatic pallet changer from Absolute Machine Tools comes in both single-spindle and twin-spindle head designs for mass production of complicated automotive, appliance, electronics and energy parts. It can be fully automated by integrating a robot on a floor-type motion axis rail system or overhead gantry. The fixed twin-spindle type can process two individual machining tasks simultaneously. Adding an A-axis trunnion table instantly changes the FV-236 into a horizontal machining center, offering two machines in one, reducing floor space and additional machinery costs.

VMC MT Series universal machines from EMAG are highly flexible production centers that can be configured to suit almost any customer request.

VMC MT machines from EMAG perform complete machining of a large variety of parts using a very wide range of technology, with various tool magazines serving up to 200 available tool positions and spindle options that complement that range.

The laser measuring bridge outside the machining area of VMC MT machines from EMAG monitors the wear and diameter of the tools and always ensures that the machining process is uninterrupted.

A radio probe, which is available as an interchangeable system, monitors the quality of the parts on VMC MT machines from EMAG.

The state-of-the-art Arumatik-Jr. CNC controller on the compact, high capacity Mycenter-3XD vertical machining center from Kitamura is packed with second to none high speed machining functions that are ideal for processing small to medium sized parts.

The D800Z 5-axis vertical machining center from Makino is ideal for high-performance job shops, precision parts machining, die mold and aerospace applications where parts up to 1,000 mm diameter and weighing 1,200 kg can be machined in five axes with great efficiency and fewer operations for reduced production time. (first view)

The 5-axis capability of the D800Z 5-axis vertical machining center from Makino can be utilized in five-face milling mode to minimize setup, maximizing access to complex, multisided parts and reducing cycle times, or to address the demanding angular, blending, matching, fine-surface finishes and 3D accuracy requirements of die-and-mold components. (first view)

The Methods-Yasda PX30i 5-axis high precision, automated vertical machining center from Methods Machine Tools offers a turnkey automated machining system for lights-out or unattended manufacturing of a high volume, low mix of parts or a low volume, high mix of parts with differing lot sizes, part geometries and materials.

Ideal for a low-mix, medium to high volume of parts, the Twin RoboDrill JobShop Cell from Methods Machine Tools features two FANUC D21 RoboDrill vertical machining centers serviced by a single articulating FANUC LR Mate 200iD robot that load and unload multiple parts simultaneously, instead of one at a time, for faster cycle times.

The DMU 65 monoBLOCK from DMG Mori Seiki uses a standard NC swivel rotary table to handle parts up to 1,323 lb, swivel rotary tables with tandem drives in A-axis for parts up to 2,205 lb, or with Direct Drives in A and C axes for highest dynamics and accuracy as well as the 3-axis version for parts up to 6,614 lb. (first view)

The Variaxis i-700T 5-axis vertical machining center from Mazak has turning capabilities that bring even higher levels of productivity to the machining of parts for aerospace, energy and transportation applications. Its 30-tool automatic tool changer adds part processing flexibility and contributes to continuous non-interrupted machining operations.

The 40,000 rpm spindle on the V22 graphite vertical machining center from Makino is ideal for the superior finishing and intricate, small tool work on high-grade electrodes, as well as the efficient machining of other graphite, steel and hard metals used in die/mold shops.

A separate ATC door makes tool changing seamless without interrupting the machining process. The table moves only in Y, while the spindle moves in X and Z, therefore enabling a smaller machine footprint, rapid feed rates, precise cutting and flawless surface finishes. Coupled with a user-friendly design and energy-saving technology, the GENOS M560-V truly delivers affordable excellence. Thermo-Friendly Concept is standard on this machine. Pretension ball screws and bi-directional spindle cooling allow for better control of the machining process. Optional Collision Avoidance and Machining Navi Intelligent Technologies are available. Equipped with the THINC®-OSP P300M control, when connected to the Internet the machine can easily connect to the Okuma App Store, www.myokuma.com, where users will find a variety of productivity enhancing machine tool apps.

Key Specifications of the GENOS M560-V vertical machining center:
Max Machining Volume mm (in) 1,050 x 560 x 460 (41.34 x 22.05 x 18.11)
Table Size mm (in) 560 x 1,300 (22.05 x 51.18)
Max. Load Capacity kg (lb) 900 (1,980)
Spindle Speed min⁻¹ 15,000
Spindle Motor Power kW (hp) 22/18.5 (30/ 25)
Rapid Traverse m/min (ipm) X-Y 40, Z: 32 (X-Y: 1,575, Z: 1,262)
Magazine Capacity 32 Tools

Okuma’s new MU-8000V vertical machining center is excellent for 5-axis multi-sided machining. Standard ball-screw cooling and a highly rigid left-right, mobile trunnion table support high precision and power. The low center of gravity in workpiece movement gives this machine the ability to machine difficult materials and a wide range of workpieces. This workhorse is available with a standard No. 40 or 50 spindle, providing a configuration for nearly any 5-axis job. An in-machine coil chip conveyor allows for safe, reliable chip discharge. Close proximity of the spindle and control panel in addition to easy access to the workpiece give this machine superior operator functionality.

Maximum productivity is achieved with a wide array of automation options. The unique design places the pallet changes at the back of the machine, allowing easy connection to a PALLETACE flexible manufacturing system, pallet pool, large capacity ATC and robots to deliver high productivity in addition to high accuracy. The MU-8000V can be equipped with the exclusive Super-NURBS function, enabling high feed rates and ultra-fine finishes. Optional Machining Navi monitors cutting conditions and displays optimal spindle speed to eliminate chatter. 5-Axis Auto Tuning achieves higher accuracies by automatically measuring and correcting machine misalignments in minutes. Thermo-Friendly Concept and Collision Avoidance System are standard Intelligent Technologies to ensure this 5-axis machining center performs consistently from the first part to the last, regardless of warm up time or ambient temperatures and the machine is protected from potentially harmful crashes.

Key features of the MU-8000V:
Axis Travels X/Y/Z                mm (in)                       1,450/ 1,050/ 600 (57/ 41.3/ 23.6)
C-Axis degrees 360 infinite
Rapid Traverse m/min (ipm) X, Y, Z: 50 (1,969)
Rapid A/C rpm                             30/90
Maximum Load                      kg (lb)                         700 (1,540)

The new MU-6300V vertical machining center is excellent for 5-axis multi-sided machining and well suited for the aerospace and die/mold industries. This versatile machine is available with a wide array of spindle options, providing a configuration for nearly any 5-axis job. The unique design places the pallet changes at the back of the machine, allowing easy connection to a PALLETACE flexible manufacturing system or pallet pool, delivering high productivity in addition to high accuracy. The MU-6300V has a highly rigid and accurate double column structure and low center of gravity in workpiece movement (trunnion table) that enables both heavy-duty cutting and high-speed finishing. It can be equipped with the exclusive Super-NURBS function for high feed rates and ultra-fine finishes that reduces the need for hand polishing molds and increases productivity. Built using the Thermo-Friendly Concept, this 5-axis machining center performs consistently from the first part to the last, regardless of warm up time or ambient temperatures.

Key features of the MU-6300V:
Axis Travels X/Y/Z mm (in) 1,450/ 1,050/ 600 (57/ 41.3/ 23.6)
C-Axis degrees 360 infinite
Rapid Traverse m/min (ipm) X, Y, Z: 50 (1,968)
Rapid A/C rpm 30/ 90
Maximum Load kg (lb) 600 (1,320)

The new MILLAC 852V II vertical machining center represents the pinnacle of large machining centers with high rigidity, heavy cutting ability and high operability. Its strong base column construction has optimally-placed ribs to counter chatter and twisting during heavy-duty cutting. Traditional box ways are used for all axes to provide high accuracy and rigidity over the long term. With the use of variable speed gear head and large-diameter spindle bearings, this vertical machining center can perform heavy-duty cutting and high speed machining with high torque from low to high speeds. The X, Y, Z travels and large table designed to withstand heavy loads are well suited for machining large, heavy work pieces.

Key features of the MILLAC 852V II:
Max. Load Capacity             kg (lb) 3,800 (8,360)
Axis Travels (X/Y/Z) mm (in)             3,050/ 850/ 750 (120.79/ 33.46/ 29.53)
Rapid Traverse m/min (ipm) X/Y: 12 (472), Z: 16 (630)
Spindle Speed min-1                6,000 Cat 50 Big Plus
Max. Spindle Torque           Nm (ft-lb) 481/ 390 (355/ 288) 30 min/cont.

Okuma America Corporation, 11900 Westhall Drive, Charlotte, NC 28278, 704-588-7000, Fax: 704-588-6503, www.okuma.com.

VERSATILE AUTOMATION FOR HIGH VOLUME COMPLEXITY
Absolute Machine Tools, Inc. (Lorain, OH) announces the brand new FV Series vertical machining centers by Tongtai (formerly the OEM for Hitachi-Seiki, Japan). These versatile and flexible machines are built in both single-spindle and twin-spindle head designs for mass production lines of complicated workpieces in automotive, appliance, electronics, and energy industries. Machines in this series are also suitable for automatic production with the integration of a robot on either a floor-type motion axis rail system or overhead gantry. The fixed twin-spindle type is able to process two individual machining tasks simultaneously. With the addition of an A-axis trunnion table, the FV series instantly becomes a horizontal machining center, offering two machines in one, reducing floor space and additional machinery costs.

The automatic pallet changer (APC), standard on all machines, can change pallets as fast as 4 seconds. The APC is built with triple-point clamping and supporting, providing superior pallet stability and high quality part surface finishes. The gear is a planetary type that is preferred over a worm-gear type APC because it allows for better position accuracy, zero backlash, long-term durability, and noticeable reduction in overall shop noise. The APC is driven by servo motors rather than by the traditional hydraulic-driven method to save energy and maintenance costs. Optional built-in tilt rotary tables or built-in tilt fixtures turn this machine into a 5-sided or 5-axis machining center. The C-axis rotary table option has a table size of 350 mm for single-spindle or 220 mm for twin-spindle models, both with a 360 deg stroke. The A-axis trunnion rotary table design has a stroke of -30 deg to 180 deg for both single and twin models.

The automatic tool changer has a built-in tool carousel. According to the tool’s position, the FV series is able to determine whether to move the spindle or the tool magazine to shorten tool change time. Tool capacity is 24 for single-spindle or 48 for twin-type with an 84-tool magazine as an option. Tool to tool change time, whether retrieved by the spindle or the magazine, is a speedy 1.2 seconds. A coolant-thru spindle system is optional as are various chip conveyors to accommodate different materials and chip sizes.

The Tongtai Intelligent Manufacturing System (TIMS) is among the newest technologies available in the machine tool industry. Developed by Tongtai and partnering with FANUC, this system includes four basic management functions for any size manufacturing company to improve productivity and accuracy, facilitate part production, and provide machine tool protection and maintenance assistance. The Production Management System monitors cutting loads, checks pallet change functions, records alarm messages, and assists in troubleshooting and maintenance support. The Intelligent Management System performs motor load monitoring, implements machining adaptive control for protecting tooling and ensuring cutting efficiency, and provides crash protection for real time detection of servo loads during feeding.

Tool Management records machining dates, times, and usage for tool life tracking and management, tool compensation, and tool overload protection. The fourth management function is Workpiece Management, which incorporates software using a built-in CCD camera to monitor the characteristics of a particular workpiece and will calculate and compensate program coordinates for maximizing machining precision. The key specifications include 1-G rapid traverse rates in X/Y/Z for both single and twin-spindle models of 75 m/min and 50/100 rpms in both A and C axes. Travels for the single-spindle type are 710/ 460/ 460 mm in X, Y, and Z, and for the twin-type model are 300/ 460/ 460 mm.

Absolute Machine Tools, Inc., 7420 Industrial Parkway Drive, Lorain, OH 44053, 800-852-7825, Fax: 440-960-6918, sales@absolutemachine.com, absolutemachine.com.

MACHINING COMPLEX CHUCKED PARTS
VMC MT series machines from EMAG LLC (Farmington Hills, MI) are ideal production systems for chucked parts with complex geometries. Whether they are used for prototype production or for fast changes in small production runs, the VMC MT series meets the demands of flexible production situations through ergonomic accessibility of the machining area and the bottom-mounted workpiece spindle. Offering several equipment options for the customer to choose from, the basic design of the VMC 300 MT, VMC 450 MT or VMC 600 MT remains the same. The machine base is made of Mineralit® plolymer concrete featuring particularly good damping properties. The turning/milling spindle is mounted on a compound slide with X- and Z-axes to produce excellent, fast machining results. The workpiece itself is clamped on one of the three bottom-mounted spindles available, 49 kW, 83 kW or 138 kW, each tailored to the machining job suiting the customer’s demands.

https://youtu.be/lK9_1xwoIRA

Accessibility to the machining area allows workpieces to be easily loaded by hand, using a crane, or the machines can be connected to robots or gantry loaders using an NC-controlled loading hatch on the side. Universality is the main feature of the VMC MT series, which can be configured to suit almost any customer requirement. For example, not only is the whole range of turning, drilling and milling technologies available, but the turning/milling spindle is also available in two versions, with a rating of either 26.4 kW or 43 kW. However, the use of a tool magazine allows the most complex geometries to be achieved with a wide variety of parts, making the VMC MT machine a genuine wonder of productivity.