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Methods Machine Tools Inc. has announced the introduction of the new FANUC RoboDrill ecoPLUS, offering a larger 21-tool capacity and increased speed via an optional 24,000-rpm spindle. Two ecoPLUS models are available, including one with a larger X-axis travel and table size.
FANUC RoboDrill eco/ecoPLUS high-speed machining centers offer milling, drilling, tapping, deburring and chamfering. Originally named for offering an economical price and an ecological spindle that returns energy to the machine in the intervals between cutting, the line is designed and built in Japan for years of continuous duty. Speed and versatility make the machining centers suitable for off-loading bigger, slower machines, as well as for performing secondary options, regardless of production volumes. Easy-to-use, the RoboDrill eco/ ecoPLUS high-speed machining centers are an excellent all-round workhorse solution for any job shop.
"The entire RoboDrill line is distinguished for its unsurpassed, exceptional reliability. We are pleased to continue this tradition with introduction of the ecoPLUS," said Mr. Ken Corklin, RoboDrill product manager, Methods Machine Tools Inc. "Building on the success of the RoboDrill eco, which is known for heavyweight performance at an affordable price, our customers now have more options for machining larger parts faster and more efficiently with the ecoPLUS."
The ecoPLUS D21MiB has a working cube of 19.7″ x 15.7″ x 13″ (500 mm x 400 mm x 330 mm).The ecoPLUS D21LiB offers travels of 27.6″ x 15.7″ x 13″ (700 mm x 400 mm x 330 mm). Standard features on both systems include a 14.75-hp (peak) 10,000-rpm or 24,000-rpm direct-drive spindle with precision-enhancing thermal compensation, HRV control and a 21-station toolchanger. The ecoPLUS D21MiB has a table size of 25.6 ″ x 15.7″ (650 mm x 399 mm) and the ecoPLUS D21LiB offers a table size of 33.5″ x 16.1″ (951 mm x 409 mm). Both machining centers have rapid traverses to 1,890 ipm (41 m/min), accelerations/ decelerations to 1.5 G, 0.9-second tool changes (tool-to-tool), rigid tapping to 5,000 rpm; and high-speed reverse tapping (up to 20 times faster than infeed). Each are equipped with a FANUC 31i-B Nano CNC with simultaneous 3-axis control.
Options include high-speed indexers, a fourth axis, a signal lamp, and robotic automation packages from Methods.
Related Glossary Terms
- centers
centers
Cone-shaped pins that support a workpiece by one or two ends during machining. The centers fit into holes drilled in the workpiece ends. Centers that turn with the workpiece are called “live” centers; those that do not are called “dead” centers.
- chamfering
chamfering
Machining a bevel on a workpiece or tool; improves a tool’s entrance into the cut.
- computer numerical control ( CNC)
computer numerical control ( CNC)
Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- gang cutting ( milling)
gang cutting ( milling)
Machining with several cutters mounted on a single arbor, generally for simultaneous cutting.
- inches per minute ( ipm)
inches per minute ( ipm)
Value that refers to how far the workpiece or cutter advances linearly in 1 minute, defined as: ipm = ipt 5 number of effective teeth 5 rpm. Also known as the table feed or machine feed.
- milling
milling
Machining operation in which metal or other material is removed by applying power to a rotating cutter. In vertical milling, the cutting tool is mounted vertically on the spindle. In horizontal milling, the cutting tool is mounted horizontally, either directly on the spindle or on an arbor. Horizontal milling is further broken down into conventional milling, where the cutter rotates opposite the direction of feed, or “up” into the workpiece; and climb milling, where the cutter rotates in the direction of feed, or “down” into the workpiece. Milling operations include plane or surface milling, endmilling, facemilling, angle milling, form milling and profiling.
- tapping
tapping
Machining operation in which a tap, with teeth on its periphery, cuts internal threads in a predrilled hole having a smaller diameter than the tap diameter. Threads are formed by a combined rotary and axial-relative motion between tap and workpiece. See tap.
- toolchanger
toolchanger
Carriage or drum attached to a machining center that holds tools until needed; when a tool is needed, the toolchanger inserts the tool into the machine spindle. See automatic toolchanger.
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