23 January 2012

Mills to showcase new vertical and horizontal machining centres at MACH 2012

Market-leading machine tool specialist - Mills CNC Ltd, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland is demonstrating its Milling machine tool prowess at MACH.

Exhibiting 16 Doosan machines in total from its 20.0m x 31.0m stand (Hall 5 Stand 5448) - Mills is showcasing 5 CNC Milling Machines (including 2 brand new models) from its extensive ranges of vertical and horizontal (3- and 5-axis) machines.

Says Nick Frampton, Mills CNC’s managing director:

‘Sales of Doosan milling machines over the last 2 years have been exceptional for Mills and this is proof positive that customers respond positively and favourably to machine tool suppliers that have the right machines available... at the right time...at the right price.

‘Our milling machine market share has continued to grow in 2010 and 2011 and has been accelerated by the arrival of a number of new Doosan machines in the same period. These have included our range of DNM vertical machines with Heidenhain Controls, and our new 5-axis machining centres which include our latest model - the DNM 350 5AX.

‘We are taking 2 x 5-axis machines and a DNM vertical machine with a Heidenhain Control to MACH 2012 and these will be joined by two new machines...both making their UK debuts at the Show.

DNM 750L – New large-capacity VMC

The DNM 750L is the largest DNM machine in the Doosan range.

It is equipped with a Doosan Fanuc controls and has a long X-axis capability (2160-mm), and a large table (2160-mm x 760-mm). The machine also features a powerful 18.5kW 12,000-rpm spindle (BT 40 Big Plus), a 30/40-position ATC and linear roller guide-ways (as opposed to ball-type). These roller guide-ways provide customers with maximum rigidity, better damping and, because roller guide-ways are less prone to deformation, improved accuracy.

The machine also features ball-screw nut cooling and specially-positioned heat shields to protect the spindle, tools and work-piece from the effects of heat transfer.

Says Andrew Jack, Mills CNC’s Technical Director:

‘Doosan have packed a great deal of capability and functionality into the new DNM 750L machine. This, plus its competitive price, will make it a firm favourite with manufacturers machining large, precision components say in the aerospace sector where the ability to high-speed-machine materials like Aluminium and Steel will be of particular interest.’

NHM 6300 – New heavy-duty horizontal machining centre

The NHM 6300 is an ultra high performance horizontal machining centre that is geared up for a wide range of tough and heavy-duty machining applications. The machine features an improved box guide-way design, a one piece bed construction and rigid column design – all of which improve damping, reduce vibration and help reduce thermal effects which in turn lead to improved accuracies and surface finish, longer tool life etc.

The axis configuration is the same as typical linear guideway machines (pallet moves in Z axis / column moves in X axis), but still offers the improved heavy cutting performance that only traditional box guideway construction can give.

The machine is equipped with a 22/35kW, 6,000-rpm (BT 50) spindle/motor generating 1444Nm of torque, and can accommodate work pieces up to 1,050 dia x 1,350 height mm in size and weighing 1200kg on each of its twin pallets.

The NHM 6300 has the following axis travels -: 1,050 mm on the X axis, 850 mm on the Y-axis, and 1,000 mm on the Z-axis.  Non-cutting time is reduced (and productivity increased) thanks to the machine’s 30m/min rapids and independent servo motors on its ATC and APC which deliver a 2-second tool to tool change time and a 12-second pallet change time respectively.

The machine has full 0.001 degree B axis table capability, and is equipped with  a 90-position chain-type tool magazine. It is also available with a wide range of alternative chain type and matrix type tool magazines.

Other features include an improved rear exit chip disposal system, a large coolant tank, improved coolant flushing to remove chips from the spindle and slide covers.

DNM 350 5AX

The DNM 350 5AX is a flexible and functional 5-axis machine and is designed for full simultaneous 5-axis (Fanuc 31i-5A, or Heidenhain ITNC 530) or 4 + 1 (Doosan-Fanuc) machining. The machine is versatile and can be used for high-accuracy machining, heavy metal removal and fine finishing operations.

Although the 4 + 1 version machine to be shown at MACH is classed as an 'entry level' 5-axis machine its performance is anything but standard.

The machine has a rigid C-frame construction and exhibits excellent vibration and heat dissipation characteristics. Although the machine has a relatively small footprint it has a 350-mm diameter table capable of handling workpieces up to 250kg in weight

The machine can be supplied with a choice of Fanuc or Heidenhain control is available with a variety of spindle options, with speeds of 12000 or 20000rpm.  The machine also features the dual contact 'Big Plus' face and taper configuration for increased rigidity and machining performance.

Axis travels on the machine are 400mm x 665mm x 500mm in X, Y and Z with corresponding traverse rates of 36m/min (X), 36m/min (Y) and 30m/min (Z).

The machine's 5-axis capability is delivered through the use of an A- and C- axis enabling users to machine parts (simultaneous 5-axis or via 4 + 1 operations) by using the DNM 350 5AX's  trunnion (+30/-120 degrees of movement) and rotary table configuration (continuous 360 degrees of movement in the C-axis in 0.001 increments). The table includes hydraulic clamping of both the rotary and tilt axes. Rapid rates in the machine's A-axis and C-axis are 20rpm and 30rpm respectively.

The DNM 350 5AX is equipped with a 30, 40 or 60 -position bi-directional ATC (BT 40), and the machine's tool change time (T-T-T) is 1.3 seconds.

Other standard features on the machine include automatic tool measurement (TS27R), spindle oil cooler and thermal compensation function.

For high speed milling, a data server and 200 block look ahead function are included.

VC 630/5AX: 5-axis machining centre

The VC 630/5AX machine has a rigid construction, exhibits excellent vibration and heat dissipation characteristics and punches well above its weight handling parts with maximum workpiece sizes of 730mm diameter x 500mm, and maximum workpiece weights of up to 500kg on its 630mm diameter table.

The VC630/5AX uses the most advanced level of Heidenhain iTNC 530 control with 1000 block look-ahead contour capability. Also included are Heidenhain’s collision protection and kinematic axis calibration functions.

The machine is equipped with a powerful, high-torque 12,000rpm 32kW spindle, and features the dual contact 'Big Plus' face and taper configuration. Axis travels on the machine are 650mm x 765mm x 520mm in X, Y and Z with corresponding traverse rates of 40m/min (X), 40m/min (Y) and 36m/min (Z). The machine's 5-axis capability is delivered through the use of an A- and C- axis enabling users to machine parts (simultaneous 5-axis or via 3+2 operations) by using the VC630/5AX’s trunnion (+30/-120 degrees of movement) and rotary table configuration (continuous 360 degrees of movement in the C-axis in 0.001

increments). Rapid rates in the machine's A-axis and C-axis are 20rpm and 30rpm respectively.

The VC630/5AX is also equipped with a 60 station, bi-directional, double-arm ATC (BT 40), and the machine's tool change time (T-T-T) is 1 second. 

DNM 650: Vertical Machine with Heidenhain Control

The DNM 650 vertical machine equipped with the Heidenhain iTNC 530 Control is a large-capacity vertical machining centre and has a 32kW 12,000rpm spindle generating exceptionally high torque (203Nm); 30-position tool changer and large work table (1300mm x 670mm). The machine provides manufacturers with the optimum solution for – high-speed contouring, the machining hard materials, high stock removal and deep hole drilling etc.

Concludes Nick Frampton:

‘Anybody who thinks that Mills is predominantly a lathe/turning centre Company should think again. Our growth in the vertical and horizontal milling market has risen exponentially in recent years – and the constant introduction of new and innovative models will only accelerate this trend.’