Product category:
Vertical machining centres (VMC)
News Release from: 600 Centre | Subject: Fanuc T21iC Robodrill Alpha VMC
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 22 May 2003
VMC reduces graphite electrode machining
time
A high speed VMC is able to reduce the machining time of graphite electrodes by some 20 per cent and, using dielectric as the cutting coolant, generates a higher performing electrode.
A high productivity solution which is able to reduce the machining time of graphite electrodes by some 20 per cent and generate a higher performing electrode has been developed by the application engineering team of 600 Centre located in Shepshed in Leicestershire The 600 Centre solution is based around its Fanuc T21iC Robodrill Alpha vertical machining centre and incorporates the high speed operation with special contouring software and servo control, coolant system and filtration
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 22 May 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Because the electrode is machined using dielectric as coolant, normally used in the vertical EDM process, the high efficiency Robodrill method impregnates the surface of the graphite material with the coolant.
As a result, machining characteristics are improved, dust emissions are reduced and a more reliable, higher quality electrode is created that is able to generate finer levels of surface finish during the erosion process.
The Fanuc Robodrill has been an international best seller, initially as a fast cycling machining centre but then, with the development of a higher rigidity specification, became popular in the mould and die sector for highly efficient milling and hard metal machining.
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It can also be specified as a four or five axis machine.
Now with the addition of the competitively-priced electrode machining package, the high productivity Robodrill T21iC provides the ideal platform for shorter cycling with its rapid traverse rate of 54m/min and acceleration rate in excess of 1.2G.
The latest Fanuc 16iMB CNC unit incorporates A1 tool monitoring and life management software, Alpha L Servo control and A1 nano contouring software which is ideal for machining plastics, non-ferrous copper and brass, aluminium and even hardened steel.
The first Robodrill package was installed at MH Mould Tools in West Sussex which produces up to 100 different electrodes, often for very complex 3-D forms and cavities in copper and graphite materials for plastics injection mould tools.
The machine runs unmanned at night and has cut machining times by some 20 per cent.
Said Managing Director, Mike Malby: "It's the best electrode machining package on the market and any electrodes machined in this manner cut much sweeter." The standard 'C' format of the Robodrill T21iC has an X-axis stroke of 500mm, a Y-axis of 400mm and a Z-axis of 330mm.
With the higher levels of auto-intelligence built into the Fanuc 16iMB control, programming is much easier using menu-based operation and minimum key strokes with PC-like operational software for program editing.
Machining cycle times are reduced through bell-shaped acceleration and deceleration curves that operate at 1.2 g with immediate switching between feed and rapid traverse, through the advanced preview and HRV control.
This system eliminates servo lag and maintains 'least tracking error' when processing high speed milling data.
A further feature that contributes to improved cycle times is that a milling cutter is automatically lifted from the workpiece when traversing the return path of a cut.
The A1 nano contour control option utilises a 180-block look ahead for smooth and predictive motion generation via the digital servo system.
Meanwhile, with the A1 tool monitoring and life management software, any disturbance to the normal load of the spindle motor is detected and compared against preset limits to initiate a sister tool change from the 21 tool magazine.
Spindle speeds are 8,000 revs/min as standard from a 5.5kW motor or 15,000 revs/min is available as an option from a 3.7kW direct drive.
A further option is an ultra-high speed auxiliary spindle giving 80,000 revs/min.
High speed rigid tapping can be performed up to 6,000 revs/min, while a 'quick extraction' tap cycle further reduces tapping cycles.
A high pressure, through tool coolant supply option, allows drilling speeds and feeds to be further increased.
The Robodrill is also now available with twin-pallets, robot loading, a Renscan 400 high speed digitising package, mist separation system and vacuum dust collection for dry machining.
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