The new three-axis high-precision Mikron Mill P 500 VHP machining centre from United Machining is designed for demanding mould tool manufacturing. Thanks to its linear direct-drive design, the machine achieves accuracies critical for producing high-precision micro-components used typically in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. 

Competing machines traditionally use ballscrew technology, which can negatively impact surface quality/surface finish due to backlash issues. The VHP’s polymer concrete machine bed, with its damping properties, reduces vibrations in support of high precision. 

Optimal force distribution and long-term thermal stability arrive courtesy of the machine’s symmetric portal design. Complementary smart technologies include Intelligent Thermal Control (ITC), Operator Support System (OSS) and Step-Tec Opticool/CoolCore spindles, which can operate at up to 42,000 rpm. Together, United Machining says these features guarantee high process reliability – essential for when the machine is operating continuously and subject to prolonged machining runs. 

The P 500 VHP’s precision and performance make it suited to the machining of high-quality mould inserts for lenses or connectors used in the ICT sector. However, applications extend to other industries: from reflector moulds for automotive or household appliances to fuel cell tools and medical device moulds. In fact, anywhere where extreme accuracies and superior surface finishes are required. 

“The intelligent automation concept with rear-loading enables significant productivity gains, while the machine’s compact footprint allows space-efficient integration into a range of different environments,” says Juan Martin, head of customer development at United Machining. 

According to United Machining, the Mikron Mill P 500 VHP offers exactly what modern manufacturers need to remain competitive: reliable precision combined with high productivity. 

More information www.machining.com

Agricultural machinery manufacturer Pöttinger has replaced an ageing flexible production system with four Heckert H75 horizontal machining centres from Starrag, integrated with automation from Promot. The complete system was installed and commissioned in just 12 weeks, while minimising disruption to ongoing operations. 

Based in Grieskirchen, Austria, Pöttinger manufactures equipment for grassland management, farming and digital agriculture. Its products are customised, making flexible manufacturing essential. Components range from small structural steel parts weighing around 300 g to gearbox housings weighing 27 kg, with some requiring micrometre-level accuracy. 

The company selected the Heckert H75 for its combination of precision, rigidity, energy efficiency and generous working envelope, despite a compact footprint. Promot integrated the four machines with a five-level, 134-position pallet storage system and a master computer linked to SAP. 

A key advantage is the shared tool management system. Each machine has a 260-position tool magazine, with Promot’s gantry loader enabling the exchange of tools between all four machines. This capability provides access to 1040 tools and allows production control to allocate components to whichever machine is available. 

Meeting the demanding 12-week installation deadline required extensive preparation. Starrag supplied digital twins of the machining centres, while Pimpel’s CHECKitB4 software enabled the simulation and checking of NC programs before installation. Pöttinger programmers also tested machining operations on the actual machines at Starrag’s Chemnitz factory in Germany. 

Further productivity gains came from moving workpiece cleaning outside the machine. While a completed component undergoes cleaning at a dedicated set-up station, machining can continue on the next part. This workflow saves at least one minute per pallet change, equivalent to almost 20% of the cycle time. 

Pöttinger can manage the four identical machines as a single production resource, allowing the flexible distribution of orders.  

More information www.starrag.com 

With the new DMV 160, DMG Mori is expanding its series for productive, high-precision three-axis vertical machining. The DMV 160’s stable design, travels of 1600 x 700 x 550 mm and rigid table with loading weight of 2200 kg, suit manufacturers that need to mill or drill large components quickly and precisely.  

Like its smaller sister models, the DMV 160 is geared towards the requirements of modern production in demanding industries such as mould making, automotive and aerospace. A tool magazine with up to 120 pockets (standard version has 30) and compatibility with pallet handling systems like the PH Cell 300 support cost-effective production with short non-productive times.  

The DMV 160 is based on a monolithic machine frame with solid cast parts and roller guideways in all axes. This design means the machine remains stable and precise even in very demanding applications. The feed rate of 42 m/min ensures high dynamics and reduced cycle times.  

Thanks to direct drives in all axes, direct path measuring systems and a positioning accuracy of 4 µm, DMG Mori says its DMV 160 delivers consistently precise results. An active cooling system for selected components ensures thermal stability even with long run times.  

The company has developed the DMV 160 with the pillars of DMG Mori’s Machining Transformation (MX) in mind to support future-proof production. CELOS X on the intuitively operated, 24″ ERGOline X panel creates the basis for networked and digitalised production. It allows seamless integration into company networks, which further advances digital transformation initiatives.  

Programming with graphical display is supported by either Sinumerik ONE or Heidenhain TNC 7 controls. DMG Mori implements autonomous production via the pallet handling systems PH 150, PH Cell 300 or PH Cell Twin in order to connect a second machining centre.  

More information www.dmgmori.com