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News Release from: Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinen | Subject: AL-series multi-spindle 5-axis machining centre
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 09 February 2007
Multi-spindle 5-axis machining centre
Alfing announced the AL-series multi-spindle 5-axis machining centre concept designed especially for machining complex, light metal parts in medium to high volumes.
Alfing announced the AL-series multi-spindle 5-axis machining centre concept designed especially for machining complex, light metal parts in medium to high volumes The AL 204 is the leading machine in the series, with four individually driven box spindles arranged for HSK 63 tooling with separate anti-friction ways
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 19 Oct 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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The major new production advantage to the series permits higher Z-axis accuracy in a multi-spindle machine than has been possible previously, thanks to Alfing's new patented individual spindle compensation.
In addition, the placement of the individual spindles (alternately guided from top and bottom) occupies only half the space required by a traditional 4-spindle machine.
The Alfing AL series provides a fully CNC controlled 5-axis process with an overall working range of X 200mm, Z 400mm, Y 450mm.
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A multi-axis swiveling trunnion system reduces workpiece changeover time to about 2.0 sec.
The D- and A- axes of this swiveling trunnion quickly bring workpieces into position.
Optionally, the A-axes can be equipped with up to 4 B-axes each for machining parts complete in a single set-up.
All rotating axes are equipped with torque drives, resulting in long term accuracy, reduced down time and elimination of excessive wear.
The modular design of the AL series allows for several machine variations to be configured with similar components.
The series includes versions of two, three and four-spindle machining centres with individually driven box spindles as well as the standard models with fixed centre heads and only one drive in the z-axis.
Depending on customer requirements, all machine models can be equipped with either linear motors or ball screw drives.
While the super-fast linear machines achieve speed rates of up to 180 m/min, and accelerations of up to 20 m/s2, the maximum speed with conventional drive technology is at 90 m/min and 10 m/s2 respectively.
With synchronous motor spindles providing a maximum drive capacity of 58 kW and a max torque of 70 Nm, these new machines are well suited to machining a wide variety of light metal parts.
Based on an average use of 30 (HSK 63) tools per spindle, the AL 204 will be equipped with 120-slot chain magazines.
If greater storage capacity is necessary, magazines with up to 320 tool pockets are available.
Tool changeover is performed via pick-up method between spindle and magazine.
Chip-to-chip time is approx.
3 sec.
The AL 204 is standard equipped with 160 iMB Fanuc control with Siemens Sinumerik 840 D is available as an option.
In the fully equipped version, up to 24 NC axes are controlled via 2 channels.
According to Alfing's Managing Director Dr Stefan Hansch, "The success of Alfing's two- and four-spindle machining centres for machining cast iron and steel work pieces suggested development of a similar product line for machining light metal parts, especially ABS housings, brake caliper, main brake cylinder, valve housing, and more.".
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