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To build on the success of its compact 5-axis MIKRON HSM 400U LP high-speed milling center, GF AgieCharmilles is upping the ante with a larger-size machine platform called the MIKRON HSM 600U LP, creating a family of linear motor full 5-axis simultaneous machining solutions .
GF AgieCharmilles developed the "U" version of its MIKRON HSM LP (linear performance) milling centers to machine workpieces in a true 5-axis simultaneous high-speed fashion via linear motor technology in the main machine axes and optimized direct-drive motors for the B and C axes, resulting in high precision and superior part surface finishes. Furthermore, the machine's 36,000-RPM vector spindle also assists in providing excellent surface finish and part detail, while significantly reducing machining time for semi-finishing and finishing operations.
With 31.49" X-axis and 23.62" Y-axis travels, the HSM 600U LP accommodates larger workpieces and brings added value to a wide range of applications, including hard metal machining, through its rigid and robust design. The machine's portal and base are made of polymer granite, which provides excellent vibration damping that is approximately 10 times greater than cast iron. Such damping is essential when working with high feedrates and high acceleration. Additionally, the worktable, X-, Y- and Z-axis slides are made of high strength cast iron and reinforced by longitudinal ribs and wide sections.
The milling center is also ideal for prototype production, die making and fully automated, low-volume series production where accuracy and surface finish are critical. The HSM 600U LP's superior 32.81 ft/sec2 acceleration enables it to reach highprogrammed feedrates of 196 ft/min in the simultaneous operation of serial production as well as achieve unbeatable precision on high-end molds; thereby reducing the number of machines necessary to perform jobs precisely, quickly and cost effectively.
Because high levels of heat develop in drive groups over prolonged periods of high-axis feedrates, the HSM 600U LP employs a sophisticated thermal management system. Each of the linear axes as well as the round-swivel unit features a cooling unit to systematically draw the heat out of the machine, creating geometric stability and high repeatability of movement guidance. To avoid inconsistent loading of small tools and 3D geometry errors due to the inaccurate measurement of those tools, the HSM 600U LP features Intelligent Tool Measurement (ITM). The ITM records the complete tool tip up to a diameter of 0.47" on image sensors. Special software cleans and measures the recorded tool geometry for repeatability in the micrometer range. The HSM 600U LP also achieves peak performance through its Operator Support System (OSS) smart machine module.
The OSS gives the machine operator ultimate control in influencing the unit production costs of the workpiece. Additionally, the operator can overwrite the drive and control parameters to focus on a particular task, including highly productive speed management, outstanding surface quality or true-tocontour tracking. Lastly, the HSM 600U LP possesses the capability for 24/7 unattended machining using its optional MIKRON pallet magazines with System 3R and Erowa interfaces. These fully integrated pallet magazines can be loaded without interrupting cutting operations already in progress.
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.
- gang cutting ( milling)
gang cutting ( milling)
Machining with several cutters mounted on a single arbor, generally for simultaneous cutting.
- linear motor
linear motor
Functionally the same as a rotary motor in a machine tool, a linear motor can be thought of as a standard permanent-magnet, rotary-style motor slit axially to the center and then peeled back and laid flat. The major advantage of using a linear motor to drive the axis motion is that it eliminates the inefficiency and mechanical variance caused by the ballscrew assembly system used in most CNC machines.
- micrometer
micrometer
A precision instrument with a spindle moved by a finely threaded screw that is used for measuring thickness and short lengths.
- 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.
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