New Lathes, Machining Centres and Control Software from Hurco |
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Hurco Companies, Inc.
1 Technology Way, P.O. Box 68180
Indianapolis, IN, 46268-0180
USA
 
Press release date: February 20, 2008
Turning New lathes with driven tooling will be launched, designated TMM8 and TMM10, to complement the company's existing turning machine range. The latter model will be on show. In addition to having standard 2-axis turning capability, the machines are able to incorporate live cutters in each of the 12 VDI tool positions. Driven tool power and speed are up to 7 kW (peak) and 5,000 rpm respectively to enable milling operations and off-centre drilling on turned parts.
Both machines are well specified, but the main feature is the easy-to-program WinMax lathe control. It allows simple conversational commands to be used, which together with the clear graphical display of the component and toolpath as it is programmed, makes the machines attractive propositions for small-volume and even one-off manufacture.
The Hurco lathe range has proved popular with employers since its introduction. Although the control can handle the company's ISNC code and macro programming as standard, there is no need to employ people with old-fashioned G-code skills. Anyone with a little turning knowledge quickly and easily becomes a competent operator.
The smaller capacity TM6 lathe without driven tooling will also be on the stand.
Prismatic machining Another UK debut will be made by the new Hurco VM1P vertical machining centre, a high-speed version of the entry-level VM1, which will also be shown together with the larger VM3, VMX30 and VMX50.
The VM1P boasts a compact footprint, 12,000 rpm spindle, 660 x 357 x 357 mm travels, fast rapids and a toolchange time of less than one second. Hurco believes it will appeal to manufacturers who need a fast production machine for medium to high volumes, but still want all the benefits of the WinMax conversational control.
Shown for the first time at a major UK exhibition will be the VMX42SR, a new configuration of 5-axis vertical machining centre. It is based on the manufacturer's 3-axis machine of the same frame size and incorporates a thermally stabilised head with motor spindle that swivels about the B-axis. The fifth CNC axis is provided by a horizontal rotary table.
The configuration keeps the footprint as compact as possible for a 5-axis machine at 3.55 m x 2.18 m. Typical applications are machining of moulds and dies, aerospace components, medical components and impellers. The 24 kW spindle has a maximum speed of 12,000 rpm. Component weight is up to 500 kg and rapid traverse is 35 m/min in the X and Y axes and 30 m/min in Z. Repeatability is ± 4 microns.
The machine is shipped with a special version of Hurco's new WinMax control software and graphics that supports 5-axis simultaneous interpolation and simplifies programming for 5-sided machining. For example, tool centre point management allows a user to cut the same part anywhere on the 610 mm diameter table without having to repost the program. A high level of shop floor versatility and productivity is afforded by both G-Code and conversational programming.
The latest RXP 500 DS machining centre from Riders will complete Hurco's machining centre line-up. It is a high-speed, 5-axis machine model from the German manufacturer, for which Hurco Europe acts as sole agent in the UK and Ireland.
Control system Demonstrated for the first time at a major UK exhibition will be the WinMax control. Developed to cut set-up times when programming Hurco machines on the shop floor, and to improve the surface finish of components, the control software has a new, Windows-based interface and is now standard on the controls fitted to the company's machining centres and lathes.
Existing users will notice the sharp, colour rendered graphics, but this upgrade is far more than a face-lift. The software has more than 25 new and patented features to maximise efficiency and productivity in job shops. Swept Surface benefits mouldmakers in particular, as it offers a simplified approach to programming and machining complex 3-D parts. NC/Conversational Merge enables G-code programs to be called up in the middle of a conversational routine. A further feature is Advanced Verification Graphics with Solid 3-D Rendering.
With the Select Surface Finish Quality feature, the machinist controls component quality and run time by adjusting an on-screen slider bar, automatically adjusting the program to meet surface finish quality requirements. Big advances have been made in contouring speeds and data smoothing, meaning that parts can be cut in shorter cycle times and with improved surface finish.
Additionally, Hurco WinMax includes an upgrade to the flat panel screens on machining centres fitted with dual-screen controls, both supporting touch-screen navigation.
Contact: David Waghorn Managing Director High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 3SN Tel: 01494 442222 Fax: 01494 443350 E-mail: sales@hurco.co.uk Web site: www.hurco.co.uk
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