Hurco Offers New 5-Axis Machining Center

Indianapolis,IN – A new configuration of 5-axis vertical machining center has been introduced by Hurco Europe, High Wycombe. Designated VMX42SR, it is based on the manufacturer's 3-axis machine of the same frame size and incorporates a thermally stabilized head with motor spindle that swivels about the B-axis. The fifth CNC axis is provided by a horizontal rotary table.

The configuration keeps the footprint as compact as possible for a 5-axis machine at 3.55 m x 2.18 m. Typical applications are machining of molds and dies, aerospace components, medical components and impellers.

The machine is shipped with a special version of Hurco's new WinMax control software and graphics which support 5-axis simultaneous interpolation and simplifies programming for 5-sided machining. For example, tool center point management allow a user to cut the same part anywhere on the 610 mm diameter table without having to repost the program. Advanced simulation graphics on the second of the two Ultimax touch screens eliminates errors when cutting the part.

A high level of shop floor versatility and productivity is afforded by both G-Code and conversational programming. Other features include true auto-interrupt/auto resume, which retracts the tool along an oriented tool axis and resumes where the operator left off; and toolpath linearization, which eliminates unwanted loops when cutting the part. 3D tool geometry compensation allows the use of different ballnose tool diameters for surface contouring using the same NC program.

The 24 kW spindle has a maximum speed of 12,000 rpm. Component weight is up to 500 kg and rapid traverse is 35 m/min in the X and Y axes and 30 m/min in Z. Repeatability is ± 4 microns.

SOURCE: Hurco Europe