Fives has introduced a new integrated contouring head for its Cincinnati 6-axis MEGA 800 HMC. The sale of a two-machine cell that includes first use of the head on this machine size was announced, according to the company. "Purchased by a European machine tool manufacturer, the new cell will replace an existing two-machine cell in 24-hour operation, taking on 30 to 50 percent more work, including work currently processed on boring mills," said a company spokesperson. The machines' servo-controlled, U-axis cross-feed spindle is designed to produce circular features up to 540 mm diameter that require turning, boring, co-boring, facing, threading, tapered boring and helical thread milling. "The new MEGA cell eliminates the need to produce these features on other machines, dramatically reducing workpiece transfers, set-ups and work-in-process inventory, while improving accuracy and manufacturing velocity," said the spokesperson.
According to the company, the cell includes a 14-pallet work queue, two vacuum-equipped load/unload stations, storage for 640 tools and floor-mounted mist collection for each machine. Each machine stores 120 tools, while an integrated storage/retrieval system holds an additional 400 which are transferred to the machines via overhead robot.
"The combination of the U-axis head and main W-axis milling/boring spindle eliminates the need for boring machines and turning centers by combining both capabilities in a single multitasking machine," said Fives Cincinnati Product Manager Ken Wichman. "The U-axis head produces 2,475 Nm torque (S6-60) and has a Sandvik Coromant Capto C8 tool interface capable of carrying a tool weight of 30 kg (66 lbs.). The range, power, accuracy and tool-handling capability of this contouring head give the users a much wider range of processing capabilities than is possible with contouring attachments or other options," continued Wichman. "The integrated head is much more rigid than attachments bolted on or held by the spindle taper, resulting in superior part quality, surface finish and dimensional accuracy. The standard tool interface eliminates the need for special tools, and the integrated head eliminates manual head changing and storage. This extends the successful integration of this head from the larger Giddings & Lewis HMC 1250 platform."
Both MEGA HMCs in the first sale are equipped with a 4,000-RPM, 45-kW (S6-60 HP) W-axis live spindle with 130 mm bar diameter and 800 mm travel. The machines accept parts weighing up to 2,200 kg (4,840 lbs.), 2,000 mm (79") tall and 1,300 mm (51.2") in diameter. The three-point-leveled, T-design base is designed to move the workpiece in a straight line to and from the spindle for precision boring, with X, Y and Z axes all driven by dual ballscrews using absolute scale feedback. "The B-axis rotary table with high-accuracy absolute encoder allows infinite contouring, producing 5,100 Nm (3,300 ft-lbs.) torque," said the spokesperson.
According to the company, the machines utilize the Siemens 840D Solution Line CNC with Windows 7 OS and operator interface, and the cell complies with all European and U.S. safety/health standards.
For more information contact:
Fives Machining Systems Inc.
2200 Litton Lane
Hebron, KY 41048
859-534-4600
www.fivesmsi.com