See evaluating machine tools story for more information.

AgieCharmilles
n HSM 500 is a vertical machining centre that provides three axis high speed milling in a compact design. Capable of machining cubic workpieces up to 200 kg, the HSM 500 is designed with the operator in mind.

The machine is equipped with an HSK-E40 tool interface and a vector controlled motor spindle for short run-up and brake times and high torques at low speed. To ensure a high speed spindle output of 13 kw at 42,000 rpm with over 4.2 Nm torque, the HSM 500 is also outfitted with ceramic hybrid ball bearings and liquid-cooled stator jacket and bearings.

The base is made of mono-bloc polymer concrete with high vibration damping properties for strength and rigidity for high speed machining. The single casting construction also improves machining accuracy, producing better thermal stability for excellent workpiece surface quality and minimal tool wear. The machine is fitted with absolute optical linear scales on the X, Y and Z axes that operate with a measuring step of .02 µm to guarantee incomparable positioning precision.

The machine is equipped with a large sliding door to give access from three sides, as well as a side window for maximum monitoring of the milling process. It also offers a low loading depth, access to the tool changer and an easy-to-clean work area.

User friendly features for use in the workshop, including Smart Machining Modules, operate sensors allowing machinists to utilize the Advanced Process System (APS) for monitoring and recording spindle vibrations. The iTNC 530 Heidenhain control system provides operators with free contour programming, freely definable sub-programming and pre-set work cycles for automation during unmanned hours.
www.gfac.com/us

DMG/Mori Seiki
The NTX2000 is the latest machine from DMG/Mori Seiki. The new mill turn centre is the newest model in the company’s X-Class, a new line that made its debut at IMTS in Chicago, IL, last September and at JIMTOF in Tokyo, Japan in late October.

The NTX2000 is a compact integrated mill turn centre with a maximum workpiece size of 660 mm x 1,540 mm. Suitable for complex and high precision machining for parts in the aerospace, medical equipment and semi-conductor industries, the machining centre features key Mori Seiki original technologies such as DDM (Direct Drive Motor), ORC (Octagonal Ram Construction), and BMT (Built-in Motor Turret).

The machine also offers high productivity. Since spindle two has the same specifications with spindle one, machining processes can be flexibly assigned to each spindle. The high speed drive of a tool spindle with a feedrate of 40 m/min maximizes the advantages of a distance between centres of 1,500 mm, claims the company. Also, the ORC supports the tool spindle movement in the Y axis direction. Since the Y axis structure located close to the cutting point consists of slideways, it allows for heavy duty cutting with less vibration.

The tool spindle is equipped with a built-in motor with output of 18.5/11 kW, equivalent to that of a 40 taper machining centre.

To prevent thermal displacement in the spindle centre, spindle one of the machine is designed to maintain its centre in the same position, with a headstock whose front shape is symmetrical to the X and Y axis directions.

The machine also is equipped with the MAPPS IV operating system. The combination of automatic programming software and ESPRIT CAM software allows the machine to handle complex machining programming.

The NTX machine comes in six models to meet different machining needs.
www.dmgmoriseikiusa.com

Feeler
Methods Machine Tools Inc. has introduced high performance Feeler vertical machining centres featuring extensive engineering by Methods. The VMC line includes the HV-Series, VB-Series and VMP-Series.

“The rugged, reliable Feeler VMC line is now further enhanced with design and engineering by Methods,” says Paul Hurtig, Feeler product manager, Methods Machine Tools Inc., the exclusive North American distributor.

The HV-800 and HV-1000 models offer high performance machining featuring 1G X axis acceleration and 1.9 second tool change time in 800 mm or 1,000 mm X axis travels. Roller guideways are on the X and Y Axes. A 15,000 rpm, 30 HP direct drive, 40 taper spindle, Fanuc 18i-MB Control with 4th axis and 30-tool automatic tool changer are standard.

The VB-Series VMCs are heavy duty boxway machines featuring a high torque, two stage gearbox and spindles from 15 HP – 30 HP, available in 40 or 50 taper. Models include VB-900, VB-1100, VB-1300, VB-1400, VB-1650, VB-1900 and VB-2200. X axis travels range from 900 mm 2,200 mm (35 in. – 87 in.), Y axis travels range from 610 mm – 1,000 mm (24 in. – 39 in.) and Z axis travels are from 600 mm – 800 mm (24 in. – 31.5 in.). A 30-tool automatic tool changer and Fanuc 0i-MD control are standard.

The VMCs range in weight from 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) – 22,000 kg (48,400 lb) and include a two year warranty.
www.methodsmachine.com

First
The First V2000 vertical machining centre, available in Canada through Heinman Machinery, Mississauga, ON, features a new Y axis bridge design that uses three guide rails to improve machining accuracy and increase machine strength and stability during heavy cutting applications.

The newly designed double column machining centre is also equipped with a new Z axis slide that uses the same linear guideway with C guide rail blocks on the Y and X axes, allowing for faster feed rates. Another improvement is a larger door opening for better access for loading and unloading of parts and for easier setups.

The machine is equipped with a 15,000 rpm spindle direct drive that runs continuously at the maximum rpm.

Other key improvements include a bigger spindle motor and an enlarged saddle and rigid head structure. The sturdy Meehanite cast iron construction allows for machining of a variety of large parts. All ball screws are preloaded, offering higher accuracy.
www.heinmanmachinery.com

Hardinge
Hardinge’s GX 1000 is the newest version of the Bridgeport GX vertical machining centre designed with the Okuma OSP‐P200 control, drives, motors and encoders.

Rick Simons, president and CEO, Hardinge Inc., says “the addition of the Okuma control option for our GX 1000 machine enhances product offerings for our distribution partner. We will also continue to offer the Bridgeport line with the Fanuc I Series control to serve our diversified customer base.

The design characteristics ensure Bridgeport 40-taper spindle GX-Series vertical machining centers deliver long term accurate and reliable machining performance.

These VMCs include a stiff and thermally stable spindle, a rigid C frame fixed column design, and fixed pre-tensioned double-nut ball screws on all axes. The unique Bridgeport designed linear guide and guide truck configuration provides added stiffness, damping and surface contact area. The machine is configured with three guideways and five guide trucks on both the X and Y axis; two guideways and six guide trucks on the Z axis.

GX-Series machining centres feature a powerful spindle motor for aggressive cutting capabilities. A 15 kw (20 hp 1 min) spindle drive is included on GX 480 and GX 710 machines; GX 600 and GX 1000 machines feature a 15 kw (20 hp) drive; GX 1300 and GX 1600 machines feature an 18.5 kw (25 hp) drive. The rigid spindle design includes four angular contact bearings at the front and one roller bearing at the rear for optimum performance and long life. The noncontact magnetic encoder design eliminates noise and vibration, while providing more accurate spindle orientation feedback.

The high speed spindle option is ideal for mould and fixture work when machining hardened materials, as well as high speed cutting of aluminum or magnesium alloy.

Through-spindle coolant is available as an option to supply coolant to the cutting edge at 20 bar (300 psi), allowing faster speeds, enhanced deep hole drilling and blind pocket milling.

The OSP control on the GX‐1000 has another advantage for service and support requirements. With the machine and the electronics both being supported by the distributor, customers have the advantage of a single source supplier. When a service technician is dispatched, their knowledge on the entire machine becomes invaluable in saving time and expense.
www.hardinge.com

Haas
Constant improvement is a way of life at Haas Automation. The company is always looking for ways to improve its CNC products and give more value to its customers. Normally, these incremental improvements are rolled into production without fanfare; the customer simply gets a better machine.

In 2010, however, Haas redesigned its VF product line to incorporate a wide range of enhancements, making Haas VMCs better than ever, claims the company. Haas engineers reviewed all aspects of the machines, including motion control, coolant containment, chip evacuation, ergonomics, and serviceability, then made improvements, and put everything into an all-new package.

To ensure smooth, precise motion control, the 2010 Haas VMCs use next generation digital servomotors and high resolution encoders on all axes. Combined with significant software and motor control advancements on the new machines, these yield higher accelerations and better surface finish performance than ever before.

With an eye toward preventing chip and coolant egress during machining, Haas optimized the enclosures on the new VMCs, paying close attention to panel fit, service access, and internal routing of plumbing and cables. The result is a better enclosure and a much simpler overall design that contains chips and coolant, while increasing reliability and simplifying service.

Because people buy CNC machines to make parts, the last thing they want to do is stop production to remove chips. Haas redesigned the chip pans and reviewed coolant flow to reduce chip buildup and efficiently flush chips into the auger trough for removal. For high volume production applications, the New Generation VF-1 to the VF-6 VMCs are available with optional chip removal systems that combine multiple side augers with either a front discharge auger or a belt-type conveyor to move chips out of the machines faster and easier than ever.

Haas machines have always been designed from the operator’s and programmer’s points of view. Haas engineers reevaluated the machines to make everything the operator touches work even better. For example, the machines’ windows and doors are now stiffer, move more smoothly, and close tightly. The new Haas thin design control pendant mounts directly to the enclosure, providing a lighter, more stable operator interface than the previous version, and there’s a convenient storage compartment behind the pendant.
www.HaasCNC.com

Hurco
Hurco expanded its VMX series to include larger machines.

The VMX64 and the VMX84 are the largest machining centres in the VMX Series with travels of 1,625 x 864 x 762 mm (64 x 34 x 30 in.) and 2,133 x 864 x 762 mm (84 x 34 x 30 in.) respectively, and rapids of 709 ipm. Both the VMX64 and VMX84 have large door openings to accommodate easy loading/unloading.

The machines are designed for easy overhead crane access to load large, heavy parts or fixtures and the oversized work cube lets customers schedule a wider variety of work. As with all Hurco machine tools, the VMX64 and VMX84 feature the integrated Hurco control powered by the newest version of WinMax software.

The Hurco control supports conversational and NC programming equally well, which gives shop owners the flexibility they need to be more productive and more profitable.
www.hurco.ca

Kiwa
The Kiwa Japan KH-55 horizontal machining centre, sold in Canada by K&K Productivity Solutions, Cambridge, ON, is a heavy duty HMC with a full range of features designed to accommodate precision machining of a wide variety of large work components. Having the largest work envelope in its class, the 50-Taper KH-55 can machine work pieces of up to 900 mm x 1000 mm (35.4 in. x 39.4 in.) high, and 750 kg (1,650 lb) in weight.

Large component machining requires exceptional machine tool rigidity, which the KH-55 provides with a box-type structure wher the bed, column and spindle head are symmetrically designed to uniformly absorb force. The column also has an elevated X axis roller guide design which increases rigidity while reducing column weight.

High speed features offer maximum production efficiency. Spindle speed is 10,000 rpm, with a spindle acceleration time of 2.95 seconds and deceleration at 3.32 seconds. Tool-to-tool and chip-to-chip times are 1.8 and 3.8 seconds, respectively. The KH-55 features a full rotary B axis and will also be available with a 15,000 rpm, 40-Taper spindle as an option.

New features include Spindle Thermal Displacement compensation to ensure accuracy and stability, and a Ballscrew Cooling System that regulates oil temperature, minimizing thermal expansion.

In addition, a comprehensive tool management program provides information such as tool number, life, status and feed rate. Other specifications include an X-Y-Z stroke of 800 x 800 x 800 mm (31.5 x 31.5 x 31.5 in.), a 500 x 500 mm (20 x 20 in.) pallet size, rapid traverse of 60m/min (2,362 ipm), 47 HP direct drive spindle and an easy-to-use FANUC 31i-A CNC control.
www.kkpcnc.com

MAG
MAG’s modular HMC 1250/1600 Series features a new 180,000-position A axis tilt-spindle for five axis horizontal machining on large aerospace and energy parts.

The HMS1250/1600 Series now includes six spindle options to suit special-purpose or general machining requirements. The new 6000 rpm/46-kW (61.6-hp) tilt-spindle joins an all-around 10,000 rpm/ 56-kW (75-hp) spindle, high speed 24,000 rpm spindle, high-torque 2600 Nm/80-kW (1918 ft lb) spindle and two live spindles (110 or 130 mm diameter). The high torque spindle is suited for aerospace titanium cutting, while the live spindles extend W axis reach by up to 800 mm (31.5 in.), enabling deep cavity milling to high precision with shorter, more rigid tool lengths. Standard on the live spindle, MAG’s exclusive Z axis thermal compensation software dynamically offsets spindle growth to maintain tight tolerances.

The series is engineered for high precision, high productivity machining of large aerospace, power generation, pump, valve, and off-road equipment parts.

Designed for extreme application flexibility, the machine offers maximum 3000 mm (118 in.) work-zone swing, 2050 mm (81 in.) work-height capacity and 7000 kg (15,400 lb) pallet load capacity. Major machine components, including the X bed, Z bed and column, are cast ductile iron, with 1250 x 1600 mm pallets, headstock and rotary table housings of gray cast iron.

A modular design provides a range of machine travels, 60 to 120 tool magazines and two control choices.

The new HMC offers 56 to 80 kW (75 to 107 hp) spindle power, 35 kN (7870 lb) Z axis thrust, and a rigid, full contouring hydrostatic rotary table. Rotary table positioning accuracy is ten arc seconds, repeatable to five arc seconds. Positioning accuracy of the tilt spindle is four arc seconds, repeatable to two arc seconds.

Meeting industry needs for tighter part tolerances and greater machining accuracies, the HMC Series comes standard with linear scale feedback in X, Y and Z axes, providing 8 micron (0.0003 in.) positioning accuracy and 5 micron (0.0002 in) repeatability. As well, heavy duty hardened and ground roller guide ways enable a rapid traverse rate of 40 m/min (1575 ipm) with high acc/dec rates, double the load capacity and nearly 10 times the wear life of ball-type ways, claims the company.
www.mag-ias.com

Makino
Makino’s a81M horizontal machining centre is designed for machining tough and hard materials. It is suitable for large diameter boring and face milling on such challenging materials as stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloys, inconel, ductile iron, cast iron and CGI (compacted graphite iron).

The unique, high torque and high thrust spindle on the a81M provides unparalleled productivity and reliability for a machine of this type, which helps customers reduce costs from manufacturing operations. It has a quick tool-to-tool time of only 1.7 seconds, with a similarly quick chip-to-chip time of 4.2 seconds.

Industries such as aerospace, diesel engine, construction equipment, oil field components and pump and compressor manufacturing will all benefit from the a81M.

The machine is particularly suited for long reach and large diameter boring operations requiring a high torque, particularly at low rpm. For applications such as tapping, wher a significant amount of spindle stopping, starting and reversal occurs, the Makino high-torque spindle on the a81M is significantly faster and has less idle time.

The integral drive spindle of the Makino a81 greatly outperforms all other spindles on the market due to the nature of its efficient design, which provides significantly higher torque at a low rpm. This proprietary design combines the optimum blend of speed and superior rigidity necessary to take aggressive cuts.

The spindle has no corresponding loss of acceleration and deceleration. The quick acc/dec ranges are from 4.4 seconds to 3.8 seconds at 8,000 rpm.

The machine has an X, Y and Z axis of 900 x 800 x 1,020 mm (35.4 x 31.5 x 40.1 in.). It has a rapid feed rate and cutting feed rate of 1,420 ipm (36 m/min) in X and Z axis and a 1,182 ipm (30 m/min) in Y axis. It has a 630 mm (25 in.) pallet able to handle workloads of up to 4,900 kg (10, 800 lb).

The thrust capacity has 25 per cent more axes thrust than the previous a81 machine. The centre trough hinged conveyor provides for fast and effective chip evacuation. The machine also has a 40-tool ATC as standard.
www.makino.com

Matsuura
The Matsuura five axis vertical machining centres with multi-pallet systems for full lights-out production capability represent the industry’s most advanced multi-tasking technology, according to the machine builder’s distributor in Canada, Elliott Matsuura Canada.

The Cublex multi-process technology provides five axis milling, vertical and horizontal turning, and optional grinding capabilities, all in one high performance platform.

The two new Matsuura models include the Cublex–35 PC32, featuring a 350 mm (13.8 in.) diameter x 240 mm (9.5 in.) high maximum work size and a 32 APC system. The machine offers a maximum loading capacity of 60 kg (132 lb) on its tilting axis table. Its expandable automatic tool changer (ATC) features a standard 320-tool base with 520 tools as an option. X, Y and Z axis travel is 570 mm/410 mm/525 mm (22.4 in./16.1 in /20.1 in.) on the Cublex-35.

The larger Cublex-63 PC-18 features a maximum work size of 630 mm (24.8 in.) diameter x 450 mm (17.7 in.) high and up to a 18 pallet APC system, or it can be added to a full flexible manufacturing system (FMS) production line system. The 63 model is constructed with a trunnion style direct drive A/C axes and has a load capacity of 350 kg (772 lb). A standard 320-tool ATC is expandable to 520 tools. The 63 X, Y and Z travels are 760 mm/845 mm/660 mm (30 in./33.3 in. /26 in.)

Both machines have high accuracy, reliability, and numerous ATC and APC options. The Cublex-35 is equipped with a 25 HP/20,000 rpm direct drive spindle, and the Cublex-63 comes with a 22 HP/12,000 rpm (20,000 rpm optional) direct drive spindle. The Matsuura G-Tech 840DI is standard on Cublex Series machines.

The 35 model features a 3,000 rpm direct drive C axis. The 63 model offers a 1,300 rpm direct drive C axis, the highest C axis rotation speed in its class.
www.elliottmachinery.com

Mazak
Mazak’s Multi-Tasking Integrex e-670H II offers productive machining of large, complex shaft workpieces. The machine offers simultaneous five axis machining, allowing parts with tapered holes, blisks and spiral bevel gears to be machined in one setup.

The e-670H II includes a powerful 1,000 rpm, 60 hp spindle for turning and C axis control. It also has a 50 hp, 10,000 rpm integral motor milling spindle that rotates 240° in the B-axis. To support full multi-tasking processes, the e-670 II comes standard with a 40-tool magazine for storage and retrieval of turning, milling, drilling, and tapping tools.

Options can increase the storage capacity to 80 tools. The e-670H II offers a maximum machining diameter of 1,070 mm (42.13 in.) and a spindle bore of 250 mm (10.2 in.).

The new Mazak MX Hybrid Roller Guide System is integrated into the VCS 430A to deliver levels of durability and reliability that result in long-term accuracy. The hybrid roller guide system increases vibration dampening to extend tool life, handles higher load capacities, accelerates and decelerates quicker to shorten cycle times, consumes less oil for “Greener” operations, and lasts longer with less required maintenance.

Hardware advances in the Mazak Matrix CNC control include powerful internal computing speed to support 16 million pulse encoders on each linear axis for sub-micron resolution and new servo control technology that minimizes vibration.

Powering these advances is a 64-bit, twin-engine CPU that reduces cycle times for machining complex surfaces up to half versus the previous CNC control.

New software capabilities make Matrix CNC control easier and safer to program and operate. A unique Voice Advisor verbally informs operators of safety alarms and switch settings in manual operation. Enhanced Visual Machining creates crisp 3D simulations to aid the operator in identifying and correcting any interference conditions and running part program cycle simulations while the machine is operating.

Mazak has also developed intelligent software functionality, pushing the envelope further for reliable and precise machine performance.

Active Vibration Control uses extensive look-ahead technology from the Mazak Matrix control to optimize the servo acceleration and deceleration values in anticipation of rapid changes in direction. This intelligent function delivers smoother finishes, better accuracy, and longer tool life.
www.mazakusa.com

Mitsui Seiki
Mitsui Seiki’s “Vertex” high precision line of vertical machining centres just got bigger with the addition of a new, larger machine, the Vertex 750-5X.

In response to requests from existing customers and the precision component marketplace, the new Vertex 750 offers the following benefits for high performance machining: work envelope of X axis 750 mm, Y axis 800 mm, Z axis 700 mm (29 in., 27 in. and 31 in.); weight capacity 500 kg (1100 lb); small footprint 2200 mm x 3740 mm (87 in. X 147 in.); hand-scraped casting for high geometrical accuracy; rapid traverse rate of 48 m/min (1890 ipm) feed rate of 20 m/min (787 ipm); an integrated trunnion offers fourth and fifth axes with maximum work size of 950 mm diameter and 650 mm high; 15,000 or 25,000 high stiffness spindles with 40 taper or HSK63 tool types; ergonomic access for loading and operation; and Fanuc 31i CNC with the latest Fanuc features for multi-axis contouring.

According to Mitsui Seiki, the accuracy of the Vertex line rivals its best jig boring equipment and offers the machining performance of its larger machining centres. Typical applications for this model include aerospace components, moulds and dies, and other precision components.
www.mitsuiseiki.com

Okuma
The new Okuma MB-H Series of horizontal machining centres provides a unique combination of high speed and power in a small footprint and delivers high productivity without compromising accuracy. Utilizing a high speed spindle and fast APC and ATC, the machines reduce non-cutting time as well. Built on the Thermo-Friendly Concept that employs a thermal deformation compensation system, the machines are able to predict and counter thermal deformation, improving accuracy.

High speed production is achieved through:
•Stepped column ways providing excellent feed rates and a rapid traverse of 60 m/min while maintaining an ultra rigid machining platform
•1G acceleration
•Speedy two-pallet automatic rotary pallet changer
•15,000 rpm spindle (on the MB-4000H and MB-5000H)
•Optional expandable tool matrix allows for quick tool changes using 81 to 285 tools Accuracy is delivered through Okuma’s Thermal Active Stabilizer System (TAS), a high precision indexing table, and a rigid three-point supported bed.

These fast horizontal machining centres are ideal for use in a variety of industries, including the mold/die and automotive industries.

Available in three sizes (MB-4000H, MB-5000H, and MB-8000H) the MB-H series feature the operator-friendly THINC-OSP control, a true PC, Windows-based platform with open architecture, plug and play USB capability and 40GB of memory allowing easy connectivity of complementary and peripheral equipment.
www.okuma.com

Toyoda
Toyoda Machinery’s latest entry to its vertical machining centre line is the Stealth series, offering unparalleled value and performance, claims the company.

Featuring hardened box ways built upon a frame and bed made out of a single piece of high grade Meehanite Cast Iron, the new VMCs are manufactured with precision handscraping. Equipped with powerful spindle options, the machine is engineered to maneuver through challenging materials and deliver precise, long-lasting accuracy. They’re are available with: an X Stroke of 900, 1,100, 1,300, or 1,500 mm; a Y stroke of 650 mm; and a Z Stroke of 600 mm. Also standard is a full featured Fanuc Oi MD control and lift-up chip conveyor.
www.toyoda.com