Article From: 4/9/2009 Production Machining
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This automated, five-axis, high-speed machining center designed for small-part manufacturing. The M8 is a five-axis trunnion machining center that can access five sides of a part, and complete the part in a single setup. According to the company, the machine is especially useful for producing medical components, aerospace parts and electro-mechanical parts. A robotic interface is offered as well as a pick and place system for automated manufacturing.
The high-speed machining center features a steel bridge reinforced with polymer concrete for superior stability and support for heavier spindles, the company says. Spindle options include a 2-kW (2 ¾-hp), water-chilled 60,000 rpm spindle and a 3-kW, 40,000-rpm, HSK-E 25 spindle. Automatic tool change options include as much as a 30-tool "station-style" rack with a tool-length sensor for the 2kW spindle and a 10 tool changer for the 3-kW spindle. A stabilized gantry, integrated pneumatically covered tool magazine, LCD flat panel display, polycarbonate side windows and a removable chip cart on wheels are only a few extra features. The M8’s vibration-dampening concrete polymer machine table can be ordered with a 36” knock out as a free option. The Microsoft Windows-based controller works with virtually any CAD/CAM software and offers Ethernet networking capability, as well as remote monitoring and control, allowing the machine to seamlessly integrate into any manufacturing environment.
