A 150 mm diameter quill that extends up to 750 mm from the Heckert HEC 1800 machining centre’s Z-axis spindle enables the use of ‘conventional’ rigid tooling for deep internal machining tasks without fear of compromising the accuracy or quality of workpiece finishes, says Starrag UK.

The extendable spindle is just one of the technology options on the multi-axis HEC 1800 which, with its 1.8 x 1.25 m table capable of accommodating 13-tonne workpieces up to 2700 mm tall, is the largest in Heckert’s HEC range of four-/five-axis horizontal machining centres. In fact, the quill option is available on machines from 800 mm table size upwards.

As well as several standard horizontal spindle options, a range of horizontal and vertical four- and five-axis heads, for example, can also be specified to suit user needs, as well as chain or tower tool storage for up to 450 tools. In addition, a 400 rpm NC rotary table is an option for in-process turning on the larger machines.

The Heckert HEC 1800 has X, Y and Z-axis travel of 3400 x 2800 x 2335 mm, while the 84 kW spindle produces up to 12,500 rpm and 1500 Nm torque.

One of eight Starrag machines installed progressively since 2003 at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and at sister centre Nuclear AMRC by Starrag as part of its membership of both facilities, a Heckert HEC 1800 P150 is available at the Nuclear AMRC to help UK manufacturers optimise their machining.

For further information
www.starrag.com

The Engineering Technology Group (ETG) has released its Vulcan series of double-column machining centres for large components. Vulcan double-column machining centres allow for the production of parts up to 10 m in length, and are available in box-way or linear configuration.

Box-way models come with a multitude of variants that include the DC 16/20B series and the 23/26B. Within these two variants are several dimensional alternatives. The smallest model in the new 16/20B line-up is the DC2216/20B double-column machining centre. In terms of specification, the DC 16/20B series has an X axis of 2.2 to 4.2 m, a Z axis of 800 to 1000 mm and a Y axis of 1.6 to 2 m depending upon the variant selected. The more compact of the new line-up, the DC2216/20B, has an X axis of 2.2 m with a distance between the columns of 1.7 m.

DC2216/20B models have a 2 x 1.4 m (1.7 m optional) table dimension with a maximum table load of 8000 kg, providing the end user with a spacious work envelope that offers the capacity for large or heavy components. Spindle motor power ratings include 18.5, 22, 26, 30 and 37 kW, with speeds ranging from 6000 to 20,000 rpm.

Regardless of whether the end user opts for a high-speed or high-torque spindle variant, there is a choice of BT50, ISO50 or CAT50 taper to meet the needs of the customer. Working in tandem with the spindle taper is a tooling carousel that can feature 24, 32, 40 or even 60 tool positions.

For further information
www.engtechgroup.com

A Starrag Heckert five-axis horizontal machining centre has joined a series of other multi-axis machines in a Starrag-dedicated machining area at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Factory of the Future. Previously applied to a dedicated machining project in another AMRC building in Rotherham, the Heckert X40 now complements Starrag STC 1250 and Ecospeed machining centres, as well as a multi-axis Bumotec s191 turn-mill/machining centre and an NB251 high-speed blisk machining centre in the Factory of the Future, ready to tackle various machining and manufacturing projects.

Established in 2008, the Factory of the Future houses an array of manufacturing equipment that enables partner companies and project sponsors to develop and trial new technologies and processes. The AMRC works closely with its customers and project sponsors to select the ideal machines and manufacturing technologies required to fulfil each project’s individual demands.

“The X40 will undoubtedly prove just as successful alongside the STC and Ecospeed,” says Phil Kirkland, head of the machining group at the AMRC. “And that will likely include extending its initial project work, which embraced the machining of aluminium housings.”

Kirkland adds: “Our partnership with Starrag has been built over a number of years and this addition to the Factory of the Future portfolio further cements our co-operation; we expect the strengths of the Heckert X40 to be fully utilised. Forthcoming projects for the machine will no doubt illustrate how a wide range of components can be produced effectively and efficiently, while the X40 technology will also enable our operators and engineers to upskill on a continuous basis.”

For further information
www.starrag.com