Machining centre mills to nano level accuracy

Fitted with systems to control machining vibrations a high accuracy, vertical machining centre is claimed to mill small plastics injection moulds to nano level accuracy.

Sodick claims that its AZ 150 vertical machining centre (VMC) will mill small plastics injection moulds or small components to 'nano level' accuracy.

The VMC has counter-balance axes to control vibration and positional weight-change.

In this way, the AZ 150 offers excellent high-accuracy machining of surface finish and profiles.

The main advantages offered are as follows.

* Minimum resolution 3nm - linear scales and AC coreless linear motors enable high-accuracy and rapid response.

* Twin linear motor drives for counter-balance - X- and Y-axis equipped with counter-balance tables providing rapid acceleration and smooth movement.

* High-speed spindle and automatic shrink-fit tool holding.

* Automatic shrink-fit tool holding system.

* Automated measuring.

A spherical stylus (electric touch sensor) is used to check workpiece position, while a laser system measures tool diameter and length.

These features, said Sodick in a report to manufacturingtalk, together with an automatic tool-changer (ATC) can provide automated precision machining 24/hday.

Machine specification is as follows.

Maximum travel of X-,Y-,Z-axis (mm) 150 x 150 x 100mm, X-/Y-axis +100mm.

Drive system of X-, Y-, Z-axis AC is by coreless linear motor.

Acceleration speed in X-, Y-, Z-axis 2 is 1.5/2G (0.5G when cutting).

Maximum weight of work-piece is 5kg.

Maximum spindle speed is 120,000 rev/min.

Spindle bearing and drive are pneumatic static bearing and air-turbine.

Tooling holding system is shrink fit holding (direct).

Number of ATC tool pockets is 15.

Measurement of tool length and diameter is by a laser system (minimum diameter is 0.05mm).

Workpiece measurement is by touch probe system.

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