GF AgieCharmilles to Demonstrate Cost-Effective 5-Axis Milling at AeroDef


New HEM 500U brings performance and value to aerospace and defense applications

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.- At the AeroDef Manufacturing Conference and Exhibition, taking place March 19 - 21 at the Long Beach Convention Center inCalifornia, GF AgieCharmilles will showcase its new MIKRON HEM 500U high efficiency milling machine in booth 238. The machine provides high-performance, high-value 5-axis capabilities to manufacturers focused on efficient, accurate and reliable partsproduction, including aerospace and defense work.

According to Gisbert Ledvon, director of business development for GF AgieCharmilles in
North America, the company successfully achieved its price/performance goals with the
HEM 500U thanks to its highly experienced and forward-thinking design and engineering teams. "This machine proves it's possible to maintain our deeply rooted expertise in
5-axis machining at a new lower pricing level in this market segment."

Ideal for cutting parts out of aluminum, alloys and steel, the HEM 500U features a highly dynamic 12,000-rpm ISO-B40 spindle and 30-tool magazine that provides a 2-second
chip-to-chip time for high-speed continuous milling operations and increased spindle
uptime. Additionally, a 20,000-rpm spindle and 60-tool changer are available.

A trunnion table measuring 19.7" (500 mm) in diameter and accommodating workpiece
weights up to 440 lbs. (200 kg) tilts +50 mm/-110 mm in the B-axis and rotates 360
degrees in C for 3 + 2 machining as well as 5-side positioning. Axis travels in X, Y and Zmeasure 19.7" (500 mm), 17.7" (450 mm) and 15.7" (400 mm), respectively, while a
distance of 5.9" (150 mm) between the machine spindle nose and rotary table surface
allows for ample maneuverability around workpieces.

The highly robust HEM 500U works well under a variety of working conditions. Its C-frame structure supports a cross-sledge for the transversal X- and Y- movements. All three linear axes are located on a sturdy block that houses the B-axis. The vertical Zmovement,which contains the inline spindle, mounts to the rigid Y-axis column.

The HEM 500U relies on a new Heidenhain iTNC 530 control for quick and reliable
machining. This versatile, workshop-oriented control for 5 (3+2) axis machining
features an integrated digital drive control with integrated inverter, enabling it to
produce a highly accurate workpiece contour while machining at high velocity. The HEM
500U also comes equipped with smart machining modules that provide advanced levels
of monitoring critical to the production of aerospace and defense parts.

Featuring a small footprint, the HEM 500U is ideal for tight setup areas in small job
shops and large production plants. The attention to the ergonomics of the machine's
design allows for easy access to workpieces. Its highly accessible structure makes it
possible to load and unload workpieces using a forklift as opposed to a crane.

In developing the MIKRON HEM 500U and the entire High Efficiency Machining (HEM)
Series, which also includes the HEM 800, HEM 1000 and the HEM 1200, GF AgieCharmilles sought to redefine the performance and quality standards in the vertical machining center category by creating cost-effective solutions that place the company's best technologies into modern, reliable and ergonomic designs.

About GF AgieCharmilles
GF AgieCharmilles is the North American leading supplier of laser texturing solutions,
wire EDM, CNC and manual diesinking systems and high speed/high performance 3- and 5-axis milling machines. For more information on the company's products and services, contact Gisbert Ledvon, GF AgieCharmilles, 560 Bond St., Lincolnshire, IL 60069-4224, Tel: 1-800-CTC-1EDM. Gisbert.Ledvon@us.gfac.com, Fax: 847-913-5340, or visit http://www.gfac.com/us.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Gisbert Ledvon
Director of Business Development
847.913.5300

dgs Marketing Engineers®
Chuck Bates

317.813.2230

All Topics