A new five-axis version of the existing Makino Slim3n VMC focuses on the high-volume production of complex parts. Complete with optional automatic twin-pallet changer (APC), availability of the Japanese-built machine in the UK and Ireland is through sole agent NCMT.
The production centre is FEA-optimised with a fixed 600 x 400 mm table to maximise the working envelope (500 x 400 x 500 mm) and provide structural rigidity for heavy payloads. In total, the combined maximum weight of the component and fixture is 400 kg. High productivity is courtesy of up to 20 m/min cutting feed rates in all orthogonal axes and 50 m/min rapids.
Notably, the tall machining area makes the VMC not only compact but, according to NCMT, the only machine in its class able to accommodate vertically-oriented fixtures. A short spindle overhang increases the structure’s overall torsional stiffness and reduces vibration to enhance cutting performance.
The Makino HSK-A50 spindle, having constant pre-load, multi-plane balancing and reduced thermal growth, provides rigidity and high-speed running. Two specifications offer 16,000 rpm/15 kW/36 Nm as standard or, optionally, 8000 rpm/18 kW/80 Nm to cater for a wide range of machining applications. The standard 26-pocket magazine of the automatic tool changer with integral door delivers smooth, fast indexing to support high productivity.
In the five-axis version, the Slim3n VMC gains a two-axis CNC rotary table and trunnion arrangement, with a Fanuc Series 0i-MF control providing complex machining possibilities by interpolating up to four CNC axes simultaneously. A four-axis version, with twin drive to the trunnion but without a rotary table, is available for machining heavier components or taking deep roughing cuts.

For further information
www.ncmt.co.uk

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

NSK says that its ball screws with nut cooling are setting new standards in the precision of machine tools with mechanical drive components. Confirmation comes not only from NSK’s own testing, but from machine tests conducted with machining centre manufacturer Chiron Group.

As a result of axial forces, acceleration and speed, the ball screw in a machine tool generates frictional heat that can cause the length of the screw to increase and lead to very slight but often critical positioning inaccuracies that may impair machining quality. To help avert this outcome, many machining centres use ball screws with hollow shafts. Coolant passes through the shaft to remove heat from the system. This method is quite costly however, because rotating screws require a rotary union in addition to the hollow bore.

A new approach is to cool the nut, which means there is no need for an expensive hollow bore and rotary union as cooling takes place directly at the point where heat generates. Another key benefit is that the heat generated in the ball screw no longer dissipates directly in the machine. This thermal decoupling between the machine and ball screw is important because any heat can impair dimensional stability.

NSK engineers designed the nut body so that changes to the ball screw caused by cooling have no negative influence on its performance profile, as confirmed by endurance tests at NSK’s Technology Centre.
Many years of co-operation with Chiron Group have also confirmed these results in practice. The use of NSK ball screws with cooled nuts means that machining centres of the Chiron 16 and 22 series operate with high precision, which not only applies to ease of positioning, but to machining accuracy and surface quality.

For further information
www.nskeurope.com