Large, 5-Axis Machining Centre Mills and Turns in One Set-up

A new, multi-function machining centre, called UniSpeed 5, has been developed by the German manufacturer, SHW, for producing complex components weighing up to six tonnes in a single visit to the machine. Available in the UK through sole agent, Geo Kingsbury Machine Tools, the travelling-column machine has a working volume of X: 2,000 mm x Y: 1,300 mm x Z: 1,300 mm and a fully automatic, universal head that provides two further CNC axes.

Having 64,800 programmable positions, the milling head delivers full force in all positions and the control system automatically compensates for tool position as the head rotates. Direct drive reduces wear and eliminates heat generation in gears, and the 36 kW drive motor is cooled to prevent growth. Spindle speed range is 22 to 6,000 rpm and 50-taper (optionally HSK 100) tools are automatically supplied from a 48-station magazine.

Despite weighing 40 tonnes, the UniSpeed 5 needs no special foundations as it has a rigid, composite base, thereby reducing installation costs. The Hydropol composite material is a special concrete that has about 30 times higher damping capacity than cast iron, resulting in improved surface quality, more precise manufacturing tolerances and longer tool life. The proven configuration from SHW offers additional flexibility by providing a 1,600 mm diameter, rotating table for in-cycle turning at up to 250 rpm, with constant surface speed capability.

High productivity is important for a large machine to ensure return on investment, so the UniSpeed 5 has been endowed with surprising agility, evidenced by acceleration at 2 m/s2 up to 30 m/min rapid traverse in all orthogonal axes. A Heidenhain iTNC 530 or Siemens 840 D CNC system provides the control.

The new SHW UniSpeed 5 multi-function machine tool from Geo Kingsbury allows 5-axis milling and turning in a single set-up.