Product category:
Mould and die making, machining, CAD/CAM, software
News Release from: Cincinnati Machine | Subject: VMC 4020 with Mouldmaking Package
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 19 May 2006
VMC's box construction lengthens tool
life
Box way construction in a vertical machining centre improves cutting tool life, which allows a large mould to be cut with the same tool throughout the lengthy operation.
Cincinnati Machine announced the introduction of the VMC 4020 with Mouldmaking Package at MACH 2006 The package includes GE Fanuc Series 18i MB5 controller, box way construction, COOL PowerTM refrigerated cooling system and standard 10,000 rev/min spindle with automatic Hi Lo that allows hogging and roughing of large moulds on the same machine and eliminates the need for dedicated hogging and finishing machine tools
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 12 Mar 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Box way construction improves cutting tool life, which allows a large mould to be cut with the same tool throughout the lengthy operation.
This improves accurate geometry and surface finish.
Because excellent vibration damping properties are inherent in ground and hardened cast-iron box ways, they allow extended machine life and higher power cuts.
Further reading
VMCs can be tailored for specific purposes
New cast iron structure features a range of vertical machining centres, available in four model designations and three performance packages, to tailor machines to different applications.
Five-axis VMCs feature high precision tilt head
A range of 5-axis fixed table VMCs has a high precision spindle head that features up to +/-95 deg tilt in the A-axis and full 360 deg contouring in the C-axis - ideal for machining complex parts.
VMC offers full 5-axis/5-sides machining
Vertical machining centre with a 5-axis rotary table comfortably machines workpieces up to 400mm in diameter and 300mm high, and has up to 150 deg tilt capability.
Additionally, box ways on the column (Z-axis) minimise side deflection inherent in low-cost large machines using linear guides.
Box way construction delivers an optimum solution for applications that require high accuracy while machining difficult materials and maintaining tight tolerances.
The Series 18i MB controller featured in Cincinnati's mouldmaking package includes such functionality specifically for mouldmaking as Artificial Intelligence (AI) Contour Control, Machine Condition Selector and two mouldmaking selections for accommodating varying amounts of power.
AI Contour Control automatically sets acc/dec ramps, feedrates and feed forward parameters by using look-ahead and adapting the part program to the machine tool's performance capabilities.
Machine Condition Selector provides R1-10 value selection for velocity and for accuracy.
This allows velocity and accuracy to be balanced based on the tool path.
The Series 18i MB controller eliminates bottlenecks and reduces machine tool cycle time with a fast processor and 2MB memory.
With support for NURBS curve interpolation, the Series18i MB controller delivers high-speed, high-precision machining for parts, molds and dies.
Options include Mold 3 and Mold 5 packages based on processing power requirements.
An optional 15,000 rev/min spindle powered by a 11.2kW WYE/Delta spindle motor with automatic Hi Lo allows much faster feed rates with smaller tools.
Positive power delivery without slippage during either HI or LO range metal removal is ensured with a cogged belt and provides a wide range of power.
Productivity, accuracy and workpiece material capabilities are expanded with a wider range of torque, speed and power, which enables low-speed, high torque steel cutting operations and high-material removal rates during high-speed, high-power aluminium cutting operations.
The exclusive COOL Power refrigerated cooling system minimises thermal growth along the ball screw to maintain positioning accuracy during extended machining of large and complex molds.
Thermal drift is a major problem during machining operations, which can be as long as 30 or more hours.
Heat build up in the ball screw causes positioning drift from the beginning to end of machining.
By maintaining a constant temperature, positioning drift is minimised and positioning accuracy ensured.
COOL Power uses a high-performance heat transfer agent (DOW Frost) to remove accuracy-robbing heat from the machine as it passes around the spindle nose and spindle cartridge and through the centre of the gun-drilled ball screws.
The temperature of the heat transfer agent is monitored and chilled as required, maintaining the temperature of positioning components within 1.0 deg of the VMC's ambient temperature to control thermal expansion.
The system is closed-loop, isolating the heat transfer agent from chips and other contaminants.
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