Mills launches revolutionary technology at MACH

Date: 16 April 2010

Focus on 3- and 5-axis Milling.

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 with its line-up for MACH.

Exhibiting 13 Doosan machines in total from its 23.5m x 20.0m stand (Hall 5 Stand 5430) - Mills is showcasing 4 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 18 months or so have been exceptional for Mills and further demonstrates 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 2009 and 2010 and has been accelerated by the number of new Doosans coming on stream over the last 12 months. These have included our range of DNM vertical machines with Heidenhain Controls (introduced October 2009), and our new VC 630 5-axis machining centre (launched March 2010).'

'We are taking machines from both these ranges to MACH plus a machine from our best-selling horizontal (HP-series) range to show potential customers the breadth of the Mills / Doosan range'

The Milling machines being exhibited by Mills on its stand at MACH are as follows.

VC 630/5AX: 5-axis machining centre

The VC 630/5AX is the first Doosan 5-axis machine launched by Mills CNC.

The 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 dia 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. 

Interest in and enquiries for the new Doosan VC 630/5AX from precision manufacturers has been growing fast and mirrors the huge demand for the DNM range of 3-axis vertical machining centres (with both Fanuc and Heidenhain Controls) launched by Mills in 2009.

There are 2 different DNM machines being exhibited by Mills on its Stand at MACH.

DNM 650: Vertical Machine with Heidenhain Control

The DNM 650 vertical machine equipped with the Heidenhain iTNC 530 Control is the largest in the DNM range 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, one of Mills' best-sellers in the last 6 months, provides manufacturers the optimum solution for - high-speed contouring, the machining hard materials, high stock removal and deep hole drilling etc.

Says Nick Frampton:

'The Doosan DNM machines with Heidenhain Controls (as opposed to Fanuc) have given us another string to our bow. Demand for these machines since their introduction has been incredible - and that's why the DNM 650 is on our Stand.'

The DNM machine tool range equipped with Fanuc controls is also represented at MACH by the DNM 400 machine.

DNM 400: Vertical Machine with Fanuc Control

The DNM 400 machine (with Fanuc Control) has X-, Y- and Z-axis travels of 762mm x 435 x 510mm respectively; a 15kW 12,000rpm spindle and 30-position ATC.

Says Nick Frampton:

'The DNM 400 is a tough, all-purpose vertical machining centre that provides customers with exceptional performance at a more than competitive price.'

The fourth and final milling machine being taken to MACH by Mills is from the Company's Horizontal range and is the HP 5100.

HP 5100: Horizontal Machining Centre

The HP 5100 is a high performance horizontal machining centre that is geared up for a wide range of machining applications. The machine pallet size is 500mm with X-, Y-  and Z- traverses of 850 x 700 x 750mm respectively, and a powerful 22kW 14,000rpm 40 taper spindle (BIG Plus standard). Non-cutting time is reduced thanks to the 60m/min rapids and 1 second tool change time.

The machine has full 0.001 degree B axis table capability, 2-station APC and a 120 position tool magazine - and also featured is the machine's nanotechnology high-speed contouring function for high speed/high accuracy milling.

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 advent of Doosan 5-axis technology will only increase this trend.'