The FZH horizontal milling machine from Zimmermann.
A new M3ABC milling head allows fast, accurate 6-axis work on aluminum and carbon fiber, ideal for aerospace.
Zimmermann, a manufacturer of high-tech portal milling machines, will display a new horizontal machining center (HMC) concept. This new FZH model range is especially useful for efficient machining of standard components for the aerospace industry.
The FZH offers features designed to eliminate the lever effect and improve pallet handling. It can be equipped with the VH30/VH40 2-axis milling head for high precision and repeatability in the A and C axes, or the new patented M3ABC 3-axis milling head (A/B/C) that offers improved efficiency, especially when milling structural parts with its increased swiveling range. In tandem with the machine's XYZ axes, this new B-axis head design allows fast, accurate 6-axis milling of aluminum and carbon fiber parts.
The FZH 6-axis, HMC features a patented, water-cooled travelling column that was redesigned to increase penetration into the material and expand the guide carriage distance. "This increases the rigidity and eliminates the lever effect, ensuring a constant geometry along the Z-axis, as well as maximum rigidity of the workpiece," said a company spokesperson.
With the new M3ABC 6-axis machining capability, 5-sided machining is also possible without the use of angle heads. C-axis motion is reduced, as well.
The M3ABC head with B-axis improves the cutting time on pockets and other high contour material removal work, often found in the aerospace industry. One hundred kW spindle power is standard, and 125 kW power is now in development. The M3ABC head with B-axis will be on display. The design of this machine and head speed the production of parts such as wing, stringer and window frame sections.
The FZH features an integral pallet handling system, which allows pallets to be changed during machining. The patented handling system enables reliable transport of pallets without sagging, making it suitable for long pallets. Pallets are raised and lowered so the load is balanced, virtually eliminating bending and torsion forces. The design emphasizes rigidity in the Z-axis, since the unit is a single moving mass with no Z-axis ram moving through the column.
The machine has a configurable modular design and is compact. No special foundation is necessary; a standard factory floor is sufficient for anchoring. Users can put the machine into operation quickly with a good deal of flexibility in set-up.
To watch a video of this new 6-axis head in action, visit https://youtu.be/5ab2i8_Bz88.
For more information contact:
Zimmermann Inc.
30587 Century Drive
Wixom, MI 48393
248-956-8511
www.zimmermann-inc.com
IMTS 2018 Level 3, Booth S-339336