GF AgieCharmilles to Spotlight Streamlined Five-Axis Machining at TECMA 2013


High-performance MIKRON HPM 450U machining center ideal for aerospace applications

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. - At TECMA 2013, taking place March 5-8 at the Expo
Bancomer Sante Fe in Mexico City, GF AgieCharmilles will demonstrate the unique
machining advantages of its high-performance MIKRON HPM 450U five-axis milling
solution in Stand No. 210. The machine boasts a new torque rotary/tilt table for
unencumbered, interference-free five-axis machining and offers highly efficient spindle
options well suited for all machining applications from aerospace to moldmaking.

According to Gisbert Ledvon, director of business development for GF AgieCharmilles in
North America, the MIKRON HPM 450U is a powerful solution for universal, automated
production as it perfectly combines dynamics and stability. It easily adapts to suit a
variety of customer requirements, offering impressive machining from simple drilling to
complex five-sided and simultaneous five-axis machining processes.

The MIKRON HPM 450U features a sturdy and compact design with a large work
envelope. Maximum X-Y traverse paths measure 600 mm (23.62") and 437 mm (17.2")
respectively, with a Z-axis that provides a 450 mm (17.72") clearance between the table
surface and spindle nose. Furthermore, the machine has a fast rotary table speed of
140 rpm and an ample tilting range of -120/+45.

The machine's high-performance Step-Tec spindle is available in a 12,000-rpm version
with an ISO 40 taper for conventional tooling technologies and programs or in a 20,000-
rpm version with an HSK-A63 taper for machining a wide variety of materials. Both
versions offer a vector control for full torque in lower speed ranges, a highly stable
ceramic hybrid spindle bearing and spindle casing cooling using a controlled internal
coolant system that maintains consistent temperatures throughout the entire work
process.

Thanks to its various tool magazine sizes, the MIKRON HPM 450U accommodates
everything from single-piece production to the mass production of complex workpieces.
An internal tool changer, which integrates into the machine's base, has a storage
capacity of up to 60 tools. An external circular magazine increases that capacity to 220 tools. Coupling the external magazine with an optional automatic pallet-changing
magazine creates a flexible manufacturing cell capable of unmanned, lights-out
production.

The MIKRON HPM 450U's impressive ergonomic design includes a protective enclosure
with large windows to ensure an optimal view of the machining process. To effectively
handle the large amount of chips created in high-performance machining, the MIKRON
HPM 450U offers full chip control via a 350 mm (13.8") wide scrap material conveyor, an
edge filter positioned inside the internal coolant system to separate the smallest of
chips from the coolant, and overload protection with an automatic return function to
lessen the effects of any possible chip buildup.

The latest generation Heidenhain iTNC 530 digital control system makes the MIKRON
HPM 450U a user-friendly machining center. The system includes an Ethernet
connection for fast CAM data flow, simple dialog-controlled programming as well as
parallel programming and free definable sub-programming.

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

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