Heller presented its expertise in the productive and flexible manufacture of complex components at the Paris Air Show earlier this month. The accent was on the company’s F and HF series of five-axis horizontal machining centres (HMCs), which see regular use in the aerospace industry for producing various sizes of engine component, doors, landing gear and structural parts.

Especially with regard to the machining of difficult-to-machine materials, Heller says its robust yet compact machining centre solutions are configurable with a choice of automation options, all models being equally suitable for single-part manufacturing or high-volume production, 24/7.

Since the end of 2023, Heller has rolled out five-axis production centres of various sizes in the new F series. In addition to a small footprint, the machines offer acceleration up to 7 m/s² in the linear axes and positional tolerances in X/Y/Z up to 6 µm. A further advantage is the large working volume relative to the external dimensions.

With one-hit machining playing an increasingly important role in many aerospace manufacturing applications, Heller has embraced this all-in-one concept and offers an optional turning function for combined turn-milling on the F series for machines up to 1.6 m in the X axis. The facilitating high-torque rotary table delivers speeds up to 700 rpm, allowing external or internal contouring in the longitudinal or transverse direction in a single set-up, as well as the production of undercuts and recesses. Even the cutting of external and internal threads is possible.

Error prevention features include a digital twin integrated into the Siemens Sinumerik One control system, which supports virtual mapping of a production process before removal of the first chips.

More information www.heller.biz

Mills CNC has introduced a range of simultaneous five-axis machining centres into the UK market. The second-generation DVF 5000 series, successor to the original series introduced in 2018, builds on the success of its predecessor through improved accuracy, faster processing speed and greater machining flexibility.

Faster X-, Y-and X-axis rapids (42 m/min) and 0.4 g acceleration/deceleration rates combine with increased B- and C-axis rotation speeds (25 rpm) and impressive tool-to-tool changeover times of 1.3 seconds to reduce part cycle times and increase throughput.

Standard second-generation machines are equipped with a directly-coupled 18.5 kW/15,000 rpm spindle capable of processing a diverse range of materials in double-quick time. To increase machining capabilities, built-in high-torque 30 kW/15,000 rpm/230 Nm or high-speed 37 kW/20,000 rpm options are available.

Irrespective of the spindle type selected, all options feature advanced oil-cooling which, working in conjunction with strategically located sensors on/in the spindle head, column and bed, monitor thermal displacement throughout the machining process. Automatic parameter adjustment minimises the effects of thermal expansion and drift.

The incorporation of precision roller-type LM guideways and high-accuracy 0.0001° B- and C-axis rotational mechanisms, with the optional IKC (Intelligent Kinematic Compensation) system to monitor and adjust rotary axis errors, guarantees precision even over extended use and lengthy machining runs.

DVF 5000 second-generation machines can handle larger workpieces than their predecessors and feature 630 mm diameter rotary-tilting tables that accommodate workpieces up to 600 mm in diameter and 500 mm in height. There is also a 26% increase in table size, a 32% increase in the machining envelope available, and a 20% increase in X-, Y- and Z-axis travels.

More information www.millscnc.co.uk

A second-generation DMU 60 eVo five-axis vertical machining centre of swivelling rotary table design (featuring thermo-symmetrical gantry configuration and optimised kinematics), is now available from DMG Mori. The machine has been developed to meet increasing demands for precision, dynamics and flexibility, and utilises the manufacturer’s MX concept for process integration, automation, digital transformation and green transformation.

The platform integrates various manufacturing processes including milling, turning at up to 1,200 rpm, gear skiving using a proprietary technology cycle, and grinding. Inclusion of these additional metal-cutting possibilities transforms the production centre into a multi-functional machining solution that can flexibly adapt to a range of requirements and industries. Various automation options maximise machine utilisation, around the clock if required.

Compared with its predecessor, the machine has a working volume 40% larger at 750 x 550 x 550 mm. Direct-drive ballscrews in the linear axes are standard, but linear motors are an option offering 80 m/min rapid traverse. The table swivel range is -5/+110° and the maximum table load has increased by 100 kg to half a tonne. Steeply inclined, stainless steel interior surfaces and a 20% wider conveyor ensure effective chip evacuation and reliable production.

The machine bed is a hybrid mineral casting combining stiffness, strength, vibration damping and thermal stability, while comprehensive cooling keeps critical components at a constant temperature. The second-generation DMU 60 eVo is also available in a µPrecision version, enabling it to machine demanding components to accuracies measured in low single figure microns.

The spindle portfolio includes versions capable of speeds up to 40,000 rpm or a torque of 200 Nm. Tool storage with 30, 60 or 120 pockets is within the machine’s 9 m² footprint, which is 20% smaller than before.

More information www.dmgmori.com