EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Productive added-value with high-speed mill

With the release of a 4 kW version of its MXCube, Datron is focusing on the high-performance machining of aluminium.

Since its initial launch in 2020, the Datron MXCube has gained a reputation for dynamics and precision. Its rigid structure and powerful high-frequency spindles with 4 and 8 kW power are tailor-made attributes for modern HSC strategies. Datron says that the combination of high chip volume and high surface finish therefore makes the MXCube a must-have for modern milling shops where unit costs determine the work cycle. As another point of note, the machine is a previous winner of the Red Dot award for its attractive design.

As of now, the Datron MXCube is also available with a 4 kW spindle and the automatic Datron Tool Assist tool changer offering 143 HSK-25 tool slots. At this performance level, it is particularly recommended for applications where a high number of sister tools is required. The Datron MXCube also convinces with its sophisticated chip management and is offered with an optional chip conveyor.

Datron says that MXCube is the right choice wherever high dynamics, high speeds and corresponding feed rates are required for the machining of aluminium and non-ferrous metals. In addition, the machine offers accessibility to all functional elements and thus simplifies not only the operation for the worker but also the maintenance for the service.

Like all Datron high-speed milling machines, the MXCube offers a large working area within a relatively small corresponding footprint.
For further information www.datrontechnology.co.uk

Five-axis gantry-based profiling centre

The new top-of-the-range model from Elumatec is a breakthrough: as the first five-axis machine in a gantry design, the SBZ 155 profile machining centre raises the bar for automated CNC machining of aluminium and thin-walled steel profiles. With better performance than ever before and designed entirely to meet customer needs, Elumatec says that customers can accelerate their processes and open up new business segments.
The machine is expected to be available from Q1 2023.

“Our new top-of-the-range model gives industrial and metal construction customers a clear competitive edge,” says Elumatec CEO Paolo Bianchi. One example is the tool changeover times of the SBZ 155, which are minimised by the high rates of travel of the servo axes to guarantee optimum machining cycles.

Customisable equipment options give customers maximum flexibility to make their production processes even more efficient, and optional features include six-sided machining from below with an angle head and the space-saving gantry drive.

The SBZ 155 will be a particular asset for businesses which are thinking big in every sense: its large on-board magazines can be equipped with 14 standard tools, and depending on the individual configuration, up to six special tools and two 200 or 550 mm diameter saw blades can be used.

A gantry design and a machining area divided into two zones allow profiles with cross-sections of up to 1000 x 380 mm to be picked up and passed through, as well as flexible working in shuttle mode. Overall, the SBZ 155 delivers precise machining results even at high rates of travel, while its speed-regulated spindle ensures high process reliability even with quickly changing loads.
For further information www.elumatec.com

Living and breathing continuous improvement

GF Machining Solutions has recently supplied two high-performance Mikron machining centres with Heidenhain controls to Mechlam Precision Tooling, a precision mould tool, fixturing and subcontract manufacturing specialist based in Haydock.

The new MILL E 700U simultaneous five-axis machine, equipped with an integrated seven-station APC, and the new, large-capacity VCE 1200 Pro three-axis machining centre are major additions to Mechlam’s 8000 sq ft facility.

The machines are now being put through their paces producing a range of complex, high-precision parts that include intricate components for mould tools. Materials machined include aluminium alloys, tool steels, stainless steels, Inconel and plastics.

A hallmark of Mechlam, and one that helps explain the company’s continuing success and the strong position it occupies, is the quality of the parts it is able to machine: exacting tolerances of ±5 µm and surface finishes down to Ra 0.2 µm are the rule not the exception.

Explains Martin Atherton, Mechlam Precision Tooling’s owner and director: “We’ve always invested in GF Machining Solutions’ technology. The machines are reliable, represent great value and deliver the accuracy, repeatability and surface finish we require, and our customers demand.

“The MILL E 700U gives us simultaneous five-axis machining capabilities which enables us to machine complex and intricate features and details on mould tool parts and precision components that cannot be achieved, quickly or easily, using 3+2 operations,” he adds.
“Furthermore, because we can machine parts to completion in a single set up on the MILL E 700U, processing times are reduced, production bottlenecks are avoided, accuracy is maintained and customer lead times are more easily met.”

The productivity and efficiency gains delivered by the MILL E 700U have been amplified with the integration of the workpiece pallet changer.
For further information www.gfms.com/uk

Process-safe five-axis machining

With the DMU H monoBLOCK series, DMG Mori says it has successfully implemented its customers’ requirements for flexibility, process reliability and automation. Now, the machine tool manufacturer has released the new DMU 85 H monoBLOCK and DMC 85 H monoBLOCK as a consistent expansion of the series. The new size aims in particular at users from the mechanical engineering, mould and die, aerospace, and semiconductor sectors.

Thanks to the optimised chip fall, horizontal five-axis simultaneous machining allows absolutely process-reliable production of complex workpieces. In the case of the DMU/DMC 85 H monoBLOCK, travels of 850 x 1150 x 900 mm serve a wide range of components. The long Z-axis travel makes this size suitable for deep-hole drilling.

The swivel rotary table, which is mounted on both sides, can support a load of up to 1000 kg (800 kg for the version with pallet changer). It can be used for five-axis machining of individual parts, as well as series components on clamping towers. A solid basis for precise machining is provided by the inherently rigid machine bed, the horizontal gantry concept, the thermosymmetrical design and the integrated cooling concept. Linear drives in the X and Z axes, and a direct drive in the C axis, also ensure maximum dynamics, while speedMASTER spindles facilitate high-speed applications.

To increase productivity, the DMU 85 H monoBLOCK and DMC H 85 monoBLOCK can be automated according to customer specifications – both for individual parts and in series production. For the former, for example, the new PH Cell 2000, a retrofittable handling system for up to 21 pallets and workpiece diameters up to 1100 mm diameter, is available.
For further information www.dmgmori.com

Four-machine FMS meets rising demand

A major supplier of aerospace parts in Italy is counting on a Starrag-developed flexible manufacturing system (FMS) to deliver exceptional machining rewards and reduced piece-part costs. Once commissioned, the four-machine, minimally-manned automated solution will operate around-the-clock to meet rising demand for aero-engine components.

Based on a quartet of Heckert HEC 500 X5 multi-axis machining centres, each featuring a five-axis trunnion-type table, the FMS will be served by an integrated pallet system and a centralised tool storage facility that will house 2000 tools to cover all eventualities in the single set-up, multi-task machining of the family of parts.

In addition to highly efficient cutting and cycle times, the Heckert machining centres will also ensure high-accuracy cutting – to within 2-3 µm – of the titanium and high-alloy steel workpieces which range in size up to 500 x 500 mm.

These systems may contain varying Starrag Group machines plus the integrated technologies of, for example, workpiece handling/holding and transport, cell control and tool storage systems, as well as complementary processes such as grinding, deburring, component cleaning and finish inspection.

In this case, the HEC 500 X5 machining centre was the optimum choice in terms of specification and performance. Not only does the machine’s XYZ envelope of 1000 x 800 x 1000 mm (and 800 kg capacity 500 x 500 mm pallets) meet all workpiece size demands, but the up to 82 kW/1500 Nm/15,000 rpm/65 m/min (rapid traverse rate) spindle also provides the required power and cycle time capabilities. Additionally, the machine’s B axis can rotate 360° at 80 rpm, while the A (swivel) axis operates at -45° to +91° at 15 rpm to enhance the machine’s multi-axis capabilities.
For further information www.starrag.com