Machining Centers suit high and low volume applications.
Press Release Summary:
Model HW63A box way, horizontal machining center incorporates double ball screws on all axes for demanding job shop applications. With X, Y, Z envelope of 1,000 x 800 x 800 mm, machine targets high-speed and precision applications. Model VU65A-SH is a 5-axis contouring machine featuring vertical swivel head for handling complex parts such as turbine blades, auto cylinder heads, and intricate molds. X, Y, Z travel range is 1,280 x 650 x 610 mm.
Original Press Release:
Mitsui Seiki to Introduce Horizontal and Vertical Machining Centers at IMTS 2004
(Franklin Lakes, NJ - June 2004) Mitsui Seiki will launch two new machining centers at IMTS 2004, Chicago, September 8 - 15 in booth A-8018. One is the "HW63A" box way, horizontal machining center for high speed and precision applications aimed at the high precision job shop and sophisticated component manufacturing markets. Another is the "VU65A-SH" which is a vertical spindle, swivel head, 5-axis machining center suitable for a range of complex parts for aerospace, gear, cam, and automotive head porting applications. The company will also demo its HU63A-5X, the most popular model in Mitsui's line of trunnion table machining centers. Further, the recently introduced linear motor machine, the "VL30-5X" vertical machining center aimed at mold, electrode, and compressor blade components, will also be in action at IMTS.
The HW63A, with its box way construction, is designed for exceptional rigidity and stiffness, and it is targeted at high precision job shops. "Mitsui is primarily known for very high-end, ultra-precise machine tools for aerospace, automotive and other complex, tough-material parts," says Scott Walker, president of Mitsui Seiki USA, Inc. "This machine is a well-constructed traditional Mitsui Seiki machine and incorporates double ball screws on all axes for high speed performance and superior positioning for the most demanding job shop applications." Its X, Y, Z envelope is 1000 mm x 800 mm x 800 mm.
The VU65A-SH is a full 5-axis contouring machine. It features a vertical, swivel head to address a variety of low volume applications such as turbine blades, auto cylinder heads, intricate molds, and other high precision complex parts. Its travel range in X, Y, Z is 1280 mm x 650 mm x 610 mm.
The HU63A-5X will be machining at IMTS 2004 without the "skin" to show the improvements that have been made to the machine recently. The trunnion system has been redesigned for easier workpiece access. It has also been revamped to fit into a more compact package, allowing for reduced guarding and less interference from the castings. Further, the A-axis drive (trunnion) has a larger range of motion and higher torque for improved heavy cutting applications. Its envelope is 950 mm diameter parts x 900 mm height parts in the trunnion envelope. "This is our best-selling horizontal machining center, hands down," says Walker. "The trunnion design is the most flexible for a host of applications, and its superior geometric and positioning accuracy to microns, provides consistent long term machining accuracy."
The VL30-5X will be machining mold inserts at IMTS 2004. This 5-axis, vertical machine uses linear motors rather than ballscrews for increased acceleration/deceleration rates, which contribute to overall contouring accuracy. Plus, mechanical backlash, vibration, and noise are eliminated with linear motors. The VL30 uses a counteracting type linear motor that involves a high-powered coil on the X-axis and magnet on the Y-axis, constantly pulling against each other - a design that greatly increases responsiveness. "It's a highly engineered machine that was built as a solution for mold and die manufacturers to increase productivity and reduce the high cost of hand polishing and fitting mold inserts," says Walker. "The surface finish on parts made in the VL30 is excellent." Its X, Y, Z range is 200 mm x 300 mm x 200 mm. Up to 50,000 rpm spindles are offered.
For more information, visit Mitsui Seiki at IMTS, booth A-8018. Mitsui Seiki and Toyoda Machinery are sharing booth space at IMTS as a result of the two companies' engineering alliance.
