The FOGS HD can rough and finish precisely

One would expect an extra-large machine tool to be used for roughing. But it’s surprising when a big machine also is capable of a lighter touch to finish big parts that have demanding precision requirements.

So the combination of heavy-duty roughing and high-precision finishing capabilities was the news in the introduction of the Droop+Rein FOGS HD (heavy-duty) vertical machining center from Starrag. A 5-axis machine in its standard configuration, the FOGS HD features a moving overhead gantry. The gantry, equipped with the milling head, moves in the lengthwise direction over a large stationary table holding the part. This distinguishes the machine from portal-type machine tools, which have moving tables.

The FOGS HD is also modular, allowing the machine to be supplied with a variety of milling heads (over 300 different styles and ratings), spindles and table configurations, as well as controls and toolchangers.

When it comes to roughing, the FOGS HD offers the high power (50kW to 100kW) and high torque (2,400 to 7,500 Nm continuous) needed for efficiently processing large steel and titanium components, said Tim Mooney, Midwest sales manager for Starrag USA Inc., Hebron, Kentucky. He added that the machine has rigid hydrostatic guides in the X, Y and Z directions that boost metal-removal rates and increase output.

Designed for machining large components, Starrag’s Droop+Rein FOGS HD vertical machining center offers both heavy-duty roughing and finishing capabilities. Image courtesy of Starrag USA

In the past, manufacturers of large parts with stringent precision requirements needed to buy both a roughing machine and a finishing machine, Mooney said. In some cases, manufacturers also needed to manually perform secondary finishing operations. Now, according to Mooney, all that these manufacturers need is the FOGS HD, which is the first heavy-duty machine that can rough and finish to meet die quality standards. “Parts come off our machines with no hand finishing required—no mismatched (edges), chatter marks or surface imperfections. That requires a very precise machine.”