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Methods Machine Tools Inc. has introduced the new Methods MB 450U simultaneous five-axis bridge-type machining center, loaded with features and capabilities for efficiently manufacturing complex parts with a high degree of quality, reliability and accuracy, as well as offered in an excellent value package. Due to the FANUC 31i-MB5 control, this machine is able to perform full five-axis precision machining of challenging parts, significantly reducing the need for multiple setups.
"In addition to having a unique, powerful FANUC control, the MB 450U machining center is packaged with comprehensive, high end functionality for exceptional performance," said Nicholas St Cyr, Methods machining centers product manager. "We are pleased to offer customers a 5-Axis machining solution that is fully loaded with robust features, and provides high value for the cost. Also, we offer our customers tremendous depth of support through Methods industry leading application engineers, technical service and parts support."
The FANUC 31i-MB5 simultaneous five-axis control has a 15" color display and includes a range of powerful standard features including a 2 GB data server, manual guide I, AICC II 600 block look-ahead, 1 MB of NC memory and 0.4 ms block processing time. The FANUC control offers collision detection with a 3D interference check and a Fast Package III with tool center point control.
Methods MB 450U features a 15,000-rpm Big Plus, 40-taper spindle with air-oil lubrication and a spindle chiller for longevity. A 15-hp hollow shaft spindle motor with 1,000 psi (70 bar) coolant-through spindle prep and couple is also standard. The new MB 450U machining center includes a large capacity, dual swing arm-type 48-tool automatic toolchanger. Travel is 15.7" (400 mm) on the X-axis and 13.8" (350 mm) on the Y and Z axes. The B-axis has -50°~ +110° tilting capability and the rotary C-axis has a 360° rotation angle.
Offering high machining stability, the MB 450U has a robust bridge-type construction with thermal compensation, including 1.771" (45 mm) linear roller guide ways in the X/Y-axes and 1.377" (35 mm) in the Z-axis, and weighs 13,250 lbs. (6,000 kg). Heidenhain linear scales in the X/Y/Z axes and Heidenhain rotary scales in the B and C axes offer high precision part production. Kinematic calibration features a spindle probe with a table center point calibration ball and kinematic software. A laser tool measurement system detects tool wear, damage and breakage, reducing non-productive time and enabling automated operation.
Related Glossary Terms
- automatic toolchanger
automatic toolchanger
Mechanism typically included in a machining center that, on the appropriate command, removes one cutting tool from the spindle nose and replaces it with another. The changer restores the used tool to the magazine and selects and withdraws the next desired tool from the storage magazine. The changer is controlled by a set of prerecorded/predetermined instructions associated with the part(s) to be produced.
- calibration
calibration
Checking measuring instruments and devices against a master set to ensure that, over time, they have remained dimensionally stable and nominally accurate.
- 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.
- look-ahead
look-ahead
CNC feature that evaluates many data blocks ahead of the cutting tool’s location to adjust the machining parameters to prevent gouges. This occurs when the feed rate is too high to stop the cutting tool within the required distance, resulting in an overshoot of the tool’s projected path. Ideally, look-ahead should be dynamic, varying the distance and number of program blocks based on the part profile and the desired feed rate.
- machining center
machining center
CNC machine tool capable of drilling, reaming, tapping, milling and boring. Normally comes with an automatic toolchanger. See automatic toolchanger.
- numerical control ( NC)
numerical control ( NC)
Any controlled equipment that allows an operator to program its movement by entering a series of coded numbers and symbols. See CNC, computer numerical control; DNC, direct numerical control.
- precision machining ( precision measurement)
precision machining ( precision measurement)
Machining and measuring to exacting standards. Four basic considerations are: dimensions, or geometrical characteristics such as lengths, angles and diameters of which the sizes are numerically specified; limits, or the maximum and minimum sizes permissible for a specified dimension; tolerances, or the total permissible variations in size; and allowances, or the prescribed differences in dimensions between mating parts.
- 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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