German machine-tool builder Spinner has introduced a new, vertical-spindle, three-axis machining centre with a generous working volume of 850 x 510 x 510 mm and a small footprint of 1.8 x 1.85 m. This ratio is achieved by adopting a patented method for protecting the saddle’s Y-axis guideway from swarf and coolant ingress using a single wiper system, eliminating the need for a telescopic cover. The depth of the machine is consequently shorter, leading to a 30% reduction in the area needed for installation.

The machine is available in the UK through sole sales and service agent Whitehouse Machine Tools, which points out three other notable attributes of the Spinner VC850. One is that the height with the spindle when raised to its maximum is just over 2.4 m, catering to users that have restricted headroom in their factory. A transport height of 2.3 m without significant disassembly helps access to buildings.
The second feature is that the X-axis guideway also has a single wiper for protection, allowing the table to move to the extremes, so automated loading and unloading from the sides is simplified. Thirdly, a short distance of 160 mm from table to operator leads to ergonomic use that is assisted further by a height-adjustable, swivelling control panel. The latest generation Siemens 840D sl CNC with 24” touchscreen is fitted, while availability of the Heidenhain TNC640 control is imminent.
Rapid traverse and maximum cutting feed rate are 40 m/min, contributing to high productivity, while table load is up to half a tonne.
There are two variants of spindle, a high-torque 12,000 rpm/18.2 kW SK40 or BT40 version as standard, or, optionally, an HSK63 alternative offering 18,000 rpm/18 kW.
For further information www.wmtcnc.com

GF Machining Solutions is introducing the Liechti Turbomill 1400 g, which offers a solution for roughing and finishing turbine blades up to 1.4 m long.

Crucial aerospace engine turbine fan blades and high-bypass turbines produce much of an aircraft’s forward thrust. In the past, precision-forged blades needed only light finishing operations to achieve the tolerances required. Today, with growing demand for greater fuel efficiency, tighter tolerances are needed, and many manufacturers have responded by machining oversize forgings to final net shape.
Most often machined from titanium alloys, newer blade materials include aluminium and carbon-fibre composites. Carbon-fibre blades attach titanium leading edges to the relatively brittle composite material – a design element that minimises damage should an engine ingest foreign objects.
The titanium aluminide used for blades in the low-pressure sections of some new engines is brittle, but provides high heat resistance. Futuristic materials and the complex shapes required to securely unite them into a single turbine blade need equally futuristic machining processes, particularly when it comes to machine movement.
To meet the standards of aerospace manufacturers, the machine must also be able to produce a high-quality finished blade that requires minimal polishing and less bench work than a blade processed on a general application machine. GF Machining Solutions’ Liechti Turbomill 1400 g aerofoil machining platform has been designed to handle these challenges. The machine’s configuration means that blades are clamped at each end and rotated between centres, while a milling tool performs cutting operations. This motion facilitates the creation of complex aerofoil contours, allowing the machine to perform heavy-duty roughing and dynamic finishing for the aerofoil, root form and shroud.
Intricate profiles can be rapidly created on the leading and trailing edges of the blades that control airflow into the engine, while maintaining the tight tolerances that maximise fuel efficiency.
For further information www.gfms.com/uk