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VMC offers thermal stability for precision

Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team Sep 25, 2007

A high-performance vertical machining centre provides the accuracy, rigidity and thermal stability required for high-precision work, using massive cast-iron construction.

Following the success of its VM-2 and VM-3 models, Haas Automation has further expanded its line of vertical machining centres (VMC) for the mold making and tool and die industries.

In a report sent to Manufacturingtalk, Haas said that the large-frame VM-6 is a high-performance VMC that provides the accuracy, rigidity and thermal stability required for high-precision work.

It has 1625 x 815 x 760mm axis travels, a 12,000 rev/min spindle driven by a 22.4kW vector dual-drive system, a 24-pocket side-mount tool changer and a high-speed control with full look-ahead capability.

To increase rigidity and dampen vibrations, the VM-6 features massive cast-iron construction, with extensive internal ribbing on the castings .

High-precision linear guides on all axes further increase rigidity, while offering low-friction and long-term reliability.

High-speed brushless servos, combined with fine-pitch ballscrews and high-resolution encoders, ensure precise positioning and extreme repeatability, claimed Haas.

The VM-6's 40-taper spindle uses a novel inline direct-drive system that couples the motor directly to the spindle to reduce heat, vibration and noise.

The result, said Haas, is smooth, quiet operation and extreme thermal stability.

'On-the-fly' wye-delta switching provides plenty of low-end torque, as well as high rev/min for high-speed machining.

To enhance thermal sability in its VMC, Haas has introduced the following features.

* To further ensure thermal stability, coolant is circulated through the VM-6's head casting to remove heat generated by the spindle.

* To prevent radiated heat from affecting the casting, the headstock is insulated and cool air is circulated through the entire assembly.

* 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.

For maximum fixturing versatility, the VM-6's novel 1625 x 710mm cast-iron table features standard T-slots in the X and Y directions, as well as precision dowel-pin bores and an array of drilled and tapped holes.

The table has a 1815kg weight capacity.

Haas told Manufacturingtalk that the VM-6 comes standard with a 24-pocket side-mount tool changer that changes tools in 2.8s.

Also standard are an automatic chip auger, remote jog handle, automatic air gun, high-speed machining software with look-ahead, hard drive with Ethernet interface, 15in color LCD with USB port, Visual Quick Code probing and expanded program memory (up to 16MB).