Product category:
Vertical machining centres (VMC)
News Release from: Haas Automation | Subject: High-performance vertical machining centre
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 26 May 2006
Vertical machining centre has high speed
CNC
A high-performance vertical machining centre features a generous 1016 x 660 x 635mm work cube, a 12,000 rev/min inline direct-drive spindle and a high-speed control with full 'look-ahead'.
Haas Automation's VM-3 is a high-performance vertical machining centre featuring a generous 1016 x 660 x 635mm work cube, a 1372 x 635mm table, a 12,000 rev/min inline direct-drive spindle and a high-speed control with full look-ahead Like all Haas VMCs, the VM-3 features massive cast-iron construction
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 25 Sep 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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The VM-3 is equipped with a 12,000 rev/min, 40-taper spindle that uses a unique inline, direct-drive system that couples the motor directly to the spindle rather than using belts (a major source of heat).
This results in less vibration, less heat and less noise than other drive systems, providing excellent surface finishes and quiet operation.
To ensure thermal stability, coolant is circulated through a jacket in the VM-3's head casting to remove heat generated by the spindle.
The headstock is also lined with insulating material to prevent radiated heat from affecting the casting, and air is circulated through the entire assembly for additional cooling.
An electronic thermal compensation algorithm in the Haas control accurately models ballscrew heating from high duty cycles and automatically corrects for any expansion that could cause positioning errors.
Powered by a 30HP vector dual drive system, the spindle produces plenty of low-end torque, as well as the speed necessary for high-speed machining.
On-the-fly wye-delta switching provides a wide constant horsepower band.
The VM-3's 1372 x 635mm cast-iron table features standard T-slots, as well as an array of drilled and tapped holes, for fixturing versatility.
It has a maximum weight capacity of 1800kg.
The VM-3 comes standard with a side-mount tool changer that holds 24 tools plus one in the spindle; it features a quick-change double-arm gripper that swaps tools in 2.8s.
Also standard are an automatic chip auger system, remote jog handle, automatic air gun, high-speed machining software with look-ahead, hard drive with Ethernet interface, floppy drive, Visual Quick Code programming, user-definable macros, coordinate rotation and scaling and spindle orientation.
The Haas CNC system is designed to be easy to use without referencing the manual, using steps that are logical to operators, and utilizing built-in software that makes producing parts - not programming - the operator's key thought.
MACH 2006 witnessed several brand new machines from Haas Automation, the largest CNC machine tool manufacturer in the world.
Haas demonstrated machines and metal cutting technology for aerospace, automotive, medical, mould and die and general machining industries.
More than 25 CNC technology products were on show demonstrating vertical and horizontal machining and turning applications.
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