Product category:
Miscellaneous machine tools, gear cutting machines and equipment
News Release from: Unimatic Engineers | Subject: Modular machining/production centres
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 May 2007
Modules build machining/production
centres
From a standard range of modules - light aluminium structural elements and a range of attachments for machining, cutting and welding - a bespoke machining/production centre can be specified.
A new concept in machining centres is now available from Unimatic FlatCom is a module-based series of components which can be assembled to create a bespoke machine exactly matching individual users' requirements
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 24 Apr 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Training centre aimed at schools and colleges too
A new training and demonstration centre has been set up in North London to serve users of flexible machining centres and associated CAD/CAM software, initially in the industrial arena.
Template maker compliments wood workers
A CAD/CAM driven template-making machine has helped a woodworking machines specialist to improve its presence in the UK market.
The mechanical elements of FlatCom are precision engineered to robust designs to ensure exceptional rigidity and minimal vibration.
This allows accurate machining over the entire travel of every axis.
Unimatic's managing director Martin Stevens explains the concept behind the FlatCom system: "The core of every machine is the base unit".
Further reading
Large linear bearing stockholder also modifies
Claiming to have the UK's biggest stockholding of NSK linear bearings, guides and ballscrews on a single site, the service is supported by specialist engineers for bespoke specificiations.
High precision ballscrews are wear resistant
A comprehensive range of high-precision ballscrews, that give precision translation of rotational into longitudinal motion, is available in a two sizes and different pitches.
"Onto these one can add the machining/motion axes, drive modules, tools, protection covers and other mechanical elements".
"A plug and go control panel add the brain to the brawn and finally a CNC control station is mounted to the machine via a swivel arm." He said: "It's not so different from flat pack furniture really, but it is so well made and robust that ISEL the system's manufacturer guarantees performance for five years." The base and many of the structural elements of FlatCom are based on anodised extruded aluminium profiles, which combine high stiffness with low weight.
There are five basic base designs and the profiles for the motion axes offer travel from 300mm to a massive 1300mm.
The profile for the critical Z-axis incorporates a T-slot with a 25mm pitch to allow mounting of a range of attachments for printing and engaving, milling and drilling, dispensing and glue laying, screw fixing, pasting casting, last and water cutting, soldering and welding, sawing, cutting, measuring and testing.
The motion axes are based on stepper or servo driven ballscrews, with preloaded linear bearings and anti-backlash fittings.
They can offer a high speed machining with a repeatable accuracy of 0.01mm, comparable with other machining centres.
Integral limit switches ensure the axis against overreaching user defined dimensional limits.
Options available for the FlatCom include a DVD drive, 2, 5 and 10mm pitch ball threaded spindles, special milling and engraving spindles, a tool changing station, cooling systems, and a vacuum clamping table.
Stevens said: "FlatCom has been developed and is manufactured by ISEL, so the build quality and long term performance can be assumed to be world class.
Unimatic has represented ISEL in the UK for over 10 years so we are happy to endorse its ability to constantly innovate and push forward the boundaries of machining technology".
* About Unimatic - Unimatic has been a market leader in the field of automation and motion control over the past 40 years.
It now represents the future of manufacturing in the UK, specialising in CAD/CAM, in rapid prototyping technologies, and in CNC machines.
It is also committed to developing the next generation of British engineers, by supplying its industry standard machines to schools, colleges, universities and training centres. Request a free brochure from Unimatic Engineers ...
• Unimatic Engineers: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
