"Big Eaters" VMC Series

Chevalier recently introduced its "BIG EATERS" VMC series: the 3060VMC with 60" x 32" x 30" (XYZ) travels and the 3072VMC with 72" x 32" x 30" (XYZ) travels. The machines' travels enable them to make quick work out of workpieces as large as 5500lbs. Another unique machine feature is its Floating Type Tool Discharge System, which puts the unclamping force of about 6600lbs on the main structure of the spindle, not the bearings. This creates less stress, prolongs bearing life and consistently maintains spindle accuracy. Powering the machine is a 30HP spindle motor with a 2-speed transmission system, which delivers full power at 209rpm. Models can be ordered with gear drive and high torque spindle motor or belt drive with 8000rpm.

The machines use FANUC Digital AC motors, FANUC 18M CNC, #50 Taper and a 24 tool (32 or 40 optional) arm type ATC driven by a heavy duty electric motor for fast and accurate tool change: 5 seconds tool-to-tool and 8 seconds chip-to-chip changing times. The tool magazine uses bi-directional logic to determine the shortest distance to the selected tool and is now conveniently mounted sideways to eliminate workpiece interference. The entire structure rides on heavy duty 4-track saddle guides, designed for even weight distribution and reduced slide deformation.

Large diameter (2") class C3 ballscrews are used on all three axes. These are anchored by pre-loaded double nuts and directly coupled to the servo motors by flexible couplings for minimum backlash and improved positioning accuracy. The ballscrews are pre-tensioned to prevent thermal growth that usually leads to cutting inaccuracies. A spindle oil cooler system controls the temperature and reduces thermal deformation while an automatic lubrication system provides metered lubrication to all guideways and slideways. With the new casting design, waste lube oil is now directed to a separate container, minimizing the amount of waste oil going to the coolant tank. The machines' repeatability is +/-0.0001" while positioning accuracy is +/-0.0002". The feedrate goes from .01-300ipm with rapids of 590ipm on the X and Y axes. Standard equipment on these new machines includes: full enclosure, auger type chip conveyor, rigid tapping, chip cleaning gun, 4th axis prep and pull studs.

CHEVALIER - Chevalier Machinery, Inc., 9925 Tabor Place, Santa Fe Springs, CA, 90670. Phone: 562-903-1929; Fax: 562-903-3959.