THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

CNC mill helps control tool-room work

Aylesbury-based motorsport specialist Goodfabs has invested in an XYZ SMX SLV turret mill to help it produce fabrication jigs.

“Because the exhaust systems we produce are bespoke, we either need the car here to fit the exhaust, which is impractical, or need a jig made to replicate the actual mounting points on the car,” says Paul Watson, process manager. “Prior to getting the XYZ SMX SLV we could only machine the smaller parts of jigs, with the rest being outsourced. And, while our subcontractor produced the quality and accuracy required, we suffered some loss of control. With lead times being short, control of production is vital to us.”
The XYZ SMX SLV is the largest turret mill available from XYZ Machine Tools (larger bed mills are available), with a table measuring 1473 x 305 mm that is capable of carrying components weighing up to 580 kg. This capacity is enhanced by axis travels of 1000 x 410 x 400 mm (X, Y, Z). The head can be tilted front to back by +45° to -45° and from left to right by +90° to -90°, with full 360° rotation of the turret possible. Customers have the option of a three-axis DRO (4th axis optional) or, can opt for the ProtoTrak control in either its two- or three-axis configuration. The latter being the choice
for Goodfabs.
“While we already have three- and five-axis machining capability to produce fittings for our exhaust systems, the addition of the XYZ turret mill has introduced an extra dimension to our machining capability,” says Watson.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

EDM for aero-engine production

TEK4 recently introduced what it describes as a world first, an EDM machine dedicated to producing aerospace engine blades and vanes. As a specialist in cooling hole drilling technology for jet engines and gas turbines, TEK4 has launched its 6G FHD SA (Small Aerospace), a fast-hole EDM drill specifically for industrial turbine production.

The TEK4 6G FHD SA incorporates full six-axis simultaneous machining and intelligent probing, as well as pre-breakthrough and breakthrough tool detection. These features are essential for machine shops in this sector as it enables them to avoid the risk of back wall impingement. The machine is fitted as standard with an automatic electrode guide changer and automatic electrode changer, which can accommodate electrodes up to 600 mm long for extended autonomy.
According to TEK4, the EDM generator works in combination with the in-house developed software. This compatibility allows for excellent metallurgical results, says the company, which is another critical parameter for this high-tech industry. In addition, the TEK4 6G FHD can be integrated in an autonomous robot cell with automatic part loading for unmanned operation. A laser ablation head can be incorporated in TEK4 FHD machines for the removal of the ceramic protective barrier. Having the EDM head and laser head on the same platform avoids positioning issues and offers reduced capital investment.
The TEK4 5G FHD machine has an X, Y and Z axis of 300 x 300 x 400 mm, with 360° rotation in the A (±180°) and C axes (360° continuous), a 600 mm drill stroke, and a maximum work part weight of 20 kg. This flexibility enables the machine to process holes from 0.25 to 10 mm diameter, and up to 200 mm deep.
For further information www.tek4.co.uk

Promotion on latest turning centres

Colchester’s introduction of its latest Typhoon CNC turning centres continues with a new 3, 2, 1 promotion, which is available on all models in the range: a three-year warranty, which includes parts and labour costs; two years free servicing once the machine is installed; on one turning solution within the range.

The Typhoon series is Colchester’s next generation of CNC turning centre, following on from the Tornado range. Colchester offers Typhoon models as a choice of either linear (L series), or heavy-duty boxway (B series) turning centres, all available with variations of two-axis, C-axis, sub-spindle and Y-axis functions in a range of bar capacities to suit turning applications from 45 up to 165 mm spindle bore. All Typhoon CNC turning centres are fitted with the latest Fanuc Oi-TF control system featuring Manual Guide i.
For further information www.colchester.co.uk

Schunk boosts wheel handling

Haas Schleifmaschinen is expanding the range of possibilities of its Multigrind CA and CB grinding machines with a fully automated compact storage rack for up to 70 grinding wheels and 20 coolant protectors. A pre-finished linear axis system from Schunk is the key to flexible grinding wheel handling in minimum space.

Using the Schunk system, the shortest changeover time for an individual combination of wheel and protector within the storage rack (during processing time) is just 28 seconds, while the actual change on to the machine is carried out in a time of 10 seconds. Furthermore, milling cutters can be handled using the system, helping users to machine small contours or radii that cannot be reached with grinding wheels. As a safety door interface separates the machine from the storage rack (to protect it from oil mist), a shuttle table is used instead of the conventional machine tool changer.
The interfering contour-optimised axis system was designed by Schunk, and includes valve terminals, cable tracks and the connection to central lubrication. Two multi-tooth guided Schunk PGN-plus universal grippers take on the varied handling of the grinding wheels and coolant protectors. The gripping technology ensures that the tools are safely held in the event of a power failure.
With the aid of a Schunk swivel unit SRU-plus, the bottom gripper can be used both in combination with grinding wheel and coolant protector, and for removing and filling the individual grinding wheels and milling cutters.
In the Z-direction, a Schunk Delta 240C spindle axis is used, which is fitted with a rod lock, extendable spindle and shaft encoder.
For further information www.schunk.com

Blank preparation grinder introduced

Capable of achieving a surface finish better than 0.2 Ra with run out of less than 2 µm, the new four-axis Anca CPX Linear blank preparation grinder uses the pinch-peel method of grinding.

Simon Richardson, product manager at Anca, says: “We have taken the best aspects of our technology to build a fantastic machine. For example, our specially designed polymer concrete base provides the utmost stability in our grinding process, so we took that and used it in the CPX Linear model.
“We are known for our ongoing dedication to research, as well as our commitment to ensure that Anca technology surpasses customer needs,” he adds. “This is another major milestone in our approach, providing a complementary machine for the full grinding process. Our customers asked and we listened; designing our own blank preparation machine.”
Anca’s LinX linear motor technology for axis motion (X, Y and V axes), in conjunction with linear scales, is designed for a lifetime of operation in harsh grinding environments. LinX motors have a cylindrical magnetic field, which means there is no additional down force on the rails or machine base.
With no temperature variations (meaning no need for a separate chiller unit), and being sealed to IP67, there is minimal wear and tear so that machine accuracy is retained over the lifetime of the Anca CPX Linear.
With a peak power of 43 kW, the grinding spindle for roughing uses a 250 mm diameter wheel, ensuring high-volume stock removal in a short cycle time. The finishing spindle uses a 150 mm diameter wheel supplying a peak power of 9.7 kW.
For further information www.anca.com