Absolute Machine Tools, Inc. offers the SV-48H VMC, which is specifically engineered for heavy cutting applications. The machine handles heavy cuts because of a 2-speed gearbox head that provides plenty of torque at low rpm. It delivers 944 ipm rapids and features four square Y-axis boxways and a large fully supported table with zero overhang. The large diameter, pretensioned ballscrews and the large-diameter spindle are ideal for heavy cutting. Mating Turcite-B coated surfaces are hand scraped for exceptional fit and precision, the company says.

The VMC has a 3.35" spindle shaft employing five bearings for unparalleled stiffness and cutting stability. Class 7 steel bearings permit standard spindle speeds of as much as 6,000 rpm. For applications requiring high torque at low rpm, a standard 2-speed geared head gives full power at only 305 rpm. The spindle delivers as must as 10,000 rpm with the addition of optional hybrid ceramic bearings. A 15,000 rpm Weiss integral spindle with HSK-100A tooling is also available for ultra high-speed machining.

Beefy Class 3 ballscrews, measuring 1.57" (40 mm) in diameter, feature a double-nut preloaded design. Ballscrews are also pretensioned to eliminate thermal growth and promote high accuracy and high-speed positioning. High-torque servomotors directly couple to the ballscrews for additional accuracy.