To support continued growth ambitions, work-holding specialist Micron Workholding has recently installed a new three-axis machining centre from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG). The Vulcan VMC610L machining centre was the machine of choice due to its spacious work envelope in a compact floor area.

Jon Mannion, regional sales manager at ETG, says: “When I first spoke to Micron, one of their key criteria was a small footprint. To demonstrate the work envelope of the machine at our facility, we loaded it with a really large block of material. We cut around the outside of the part to show the working envelope and then machined a very deep pocket in the middle.”

What impressed at the demonstration was not just the large working area for such a small footprint machine, but its performance, cutting capability and surface finish. Alluding to the size of the Vulcan VMC610L, Mannion says: “The machine has an X axis of 610 mm, but the table is 650 mm, so it suited the needs of Micron. We also offer 850 and 1000 mm models.”

Acknowledged to be an entry-level machining centre, the standard Vulcan VMC610L has a 10,000 rpm spindle (options up to 30,000 rpm), 20 bar through-spindle coolant, 24-station tool changer and swarf management. The BT40 machine also offers 36 m/min rapids, while all axes use an extra-wide 45 mm roller-type linear guideway, which further contributes to the VMC’s ability to accommodate heavy loads with fast acceleration rates and low friction.

For further information
www.engtechgroup.com

Matsuura Machinery has released its MAM72-52V, a high-speed, large-capacity five-axis vertical machining centre. Designed from the ground up and based on more than 30 years of multi-pallet automation expertise, Matsuura describes the MAM72-52V as a “factory in one machine” that enables variable-part/variable-volume production and extended unmanned operation.

The machine is equipped as standard with 130 tools on a 330 tool magazine base, a proven tower pallet system (PC15) for extended lights-out manufacturing, and a chip-removal system. Each pallet can accommodate a load capacity of 300 kg.

It was in 1995 that Matsuura first introduced its MAM72 series of five-axis machine tools, ushering in a new era of unmanned palletised and fully automated CNC machining. Synonymous with the introduction of lights-out machining, this production platform became instantly recognisable by its integrated tower pallet pool. The denomination ‘MAM’ signifies Matsuura Advanced Manufacturing.

Roger Howkins, managing director at Matsuura Machinery Ltd, says: “Investing in a Matsuura MAM72 series machine is not all about the mass production of a single part, or set of parts, although some end users utilise their MAM72 machines for that purpose. Instead, we often find customers treating their MAM72 as a ‘vending machine’, an approach that sees them “making what they need, when they need it and selling what they produce”. The machine facilitates minimal set ups following the inception of a new component with its fixtures, as well as highly optimised spindle utilisation in comparison with a manned single-table machine that requires long periods of downtime between set-ups. In addition, MAM72 machines provide proven capacity for customers to run profitably unmanned at night and weekends, while reducing operator dependency and associated labour costs.”

For further information
www.matsuura.co.uk