Unispeed 5 Milling Centre From Starragheckert Uk Redefines Rigidity For 5-Axis Machining

The SHW UniSpeed 5 milling centre has been developed around the ‘Hydropol' a self-contained polymer concrete filled ribbed steel fabricated structure in order to create the high levels of rigidity and stiffness of the machine frame. It has a 40 tonne polymer concrete bed that forms the inherent structural integrity of the machine and eliminates the need for expensive special foundations when it is installed or resited on the shopfloor.

Now available from StarragHeckert UK of Brackley, the universal style UniSpeed 5 has many attributes of a machining centre with the power and rigidity of a milling machine. It is able to apply high dynamics to any machining cycle while providing full five-axis cutting to all sides of a component. It is ideal for production or mould and die type machining cycles, through the latest Heidenhain iTNC530 contouring control or Siemens 840 CNC unit, accepting table loads of up to six tonnes and a working envelope within a 2,000 mm by 1,300 mm by 1,300 mm.

The machine comprises two composite material filled side frames and bridge with high orders of inherent stability and the ability to absorb vibration. The column travels in the X-axis relative to the machine table on pre-stressed roller guides with the lower guides positioned to the rear of the bed and upper guides above the cross frame of the gantry which totally eliminates any tendency for tilt or misalignment. And, such is the rigidity of the frame that all three linear axes can travel at up to 30 m/min with an acceleration of 2.0 m/sec2.

In its basic configuration it uses a 1,600 mm diameter CNC rotary table although a horizontal table can be specified as an option. All round machining can be completed through the orthogonal universal milling head which has two rotary 360 (degrees) axes, as well as + 90 (degrees) of movement programmable to some 64,800 positions where repeatability is + 0.002 mm. The frequency controlled 36 kW at 40 per cent duty, liquid cooled AC drive has a speed range between 22 and 6,000 revs/min. Taper is SK50 as standard with HSK 100 available as an option.

In order to meet customer requirements for high speed machining, the milling head can be fitted with an 11 kW integrated 30,000 revs/min high speed spindle. Also available is an NC-Fork Head for five-axis applications or for machining difficult to reach features and complex contours on a component. The head incorporates an infinitely adjustable A-axis giving + 93 (degrees) to –103 (degrees) and has a continuous 360 (degrees) rotation.

Tools can be automatically exchanged via a 48 tool storage pick-up style magazine and heavy roughing and light high speed finishing can be accomplished within the same cycle or setting by utilising an optional spindle head changer.

Source: StarragHeckert UK Ltd