Meteor HMC Produces Aluminum Automotive Components

Through its partner PCI, Absolute Machine Tools offers a series of single- and twin-spindle, four- or five-axis Meteor horizontal machining centers designed to produce a range of aluminum automobile components, including internal combustion engine parts, such as gearbox housings and cylinder blocks, as well as electric motor housings and battery tray components for hybrid and electric vehicles. The machines produce structural and suspension components including steering arms and knuckles in addition to aluminum parts for many automotive applications, according to the company.

Adjustable distance between the two independent spindles on the twin-spindle TS630V machine is said to enable more flexibility. Users can program the machining centers to process two identical parts, perform different operations on the same part, or machine two completely different parts simultaneously. The machines measure 165" × 94" × 135" (4195 × 2390 ×3419 mm) and 215" × 116" × 135" (5480 × 2950 × 3419 mm) when combined with the optional pallet changer.

Spindle distance adjustment ranges from 21.4" to 71" (545-1805 mm). X-axis travel ranges from 24.8" to 51.1" (630-1300 mm), with Y-axis and Z-axis travels as much as 24.8" (630 mm). Part size capacity is 31.4" (800 mm) rotation diameter and 50.1" (1275 mm) length.

On single-spindle 630 machines, X-, Y-, Z-axis travels as much as 24.8" (630 mm) and capacity is 31.4" (800 mm) rotation diameter and 37.8" (960 mm) length. The single-spindle 1800 machine features extended X-axis travel of 71" (1805 mm) and can process parts as long as 50.1" (1275 mm).