HMC for Aerospace Alloy Machining

May 11, 2012

The new Heller five-axis horizontal machining center (HMC), the F2000, has a swivel head and a working area of 800 by 800 by 1,000 mm (X, Y, Z). It can accommodate a 630-mm pallet and 3,080-lb. workpiece.

The high strength of titanium results in high thermal stress and wear of the cutting edge during machining. That is why high torque and low speed are a must when performing milling operations. This HMC is available with three spindle options for different cutting conditions and part configurations.

The PCU 63 spindle is for cutting with speeds up to 10,000 RPM, power up to 44 kW, and torque up to 244 Nm. Two other spindles – the SCU 63 and SCT 63 tilt spindle —can reach 16,000 RPM with 40 kW of power and 80 Nm of torque. The SCT 63 is an A-axis head; the others are C-axis heads.

The swivel head provides a fifth axis for machining at horizontal or vertical positions, as well as any spatial angle.

Using a B-axis table in combination with a universal or tilting work head allows greater table loads, larger working envelops, and greater accessibility than five-axis machines that have two axes of motion under the workpiece, such as a tilt/rotary table or C-over-B type, the company states.

The machine structure and axis design, which includes a HSK63 spindle taper and 242-Nm torque, have been specifically tailored to the special requirements of five-axis machining.

To help ensure machining precision, these machines use a coded direct-measuring system, high-resolution rotary encoders, and YRT bearings with an integrated measuring system.

www.heller-us.com