Multiaxis VMC uses fouth axis to reduce part cycle times.
Press Release Summary:
FANUC RoboDrill vertical machining center is available with FANUC DDR/B rotary fourth-axis, which eliminates positioning delays of traditional rotary tables. Capable of 200 rpm speeds, axis can unclamp, rotate 180°, and reclamp in less than 0.3 sec and has 220 lb part-loading and 369 lb-ft torque capacities. Axis offers virtually backlash-free operation; has direct-drive motor with no gears; and, if bumped, can be tuned to original specifications.
Original Press Release:
High-Speed 4th Axis Reduces Part Cycle Times
SUDBURY, MA - The new FANUC DDR/B from Methods Machine Tools is a rotary 4th-axis designed specifically to complement the speed and versatility of the FANUC RoboDrill vertical machining center. By eliminating the positioning delays of traditional rotary tables, it dramatically reduces part cycle times.
A true milling 4th axis, the DDR/B can unclamp, rotate 180°, and reclamp in less than 0.3 seconds. Capable of 200 rpm, it has a part-loading capacity of 220 pounds and 369 foot-pounds of torque, enough to handle even the most difficult applications. Virtually backlash-free, it has a direct-drive motor with no gears to wear out or break. If bumped, it can be easily tuned to original specifications.
With its unique combination of speed, strength, and reliability, the DDR/B is ideal for small-volume shops or OEMs making millions of parts. And, priced at thousands of dollars less than comparable 4th-axis tables, it is an exceptional value.
The RoboDrill VMC, available in three sizes with a 14- or 21-station tool changer and a 10,000 rpm "Big Plus" spindle, provides milling performance unmatched in a 30-taper machine. It also offers high-speed drilling, tapping, deburring, and chamfering; rigid tapping to 8000 rpm; peck tapping for blind holes; and high-speed reverse tapping (up to 20 times faster than infeed). With feedrates to 2362 ipm, rapid traverses to 2125 ipm, accelerations (in the X, Y, and Z axes) to 1.5 G, and 1.6-second tool changes (chip-to-chip), it is typically 30-50% faster than standard machining centers. With precision-enhancing thermal compensation and HRV control, the RoboDrill boasts positioning accuracy of 0.0002" and repeatability of ± 0.000080". Its sophisticated Fanuc 31i-A5 Nano CNC has an optional 1000-block "look-ahead" and a 0.4 ms block-processing speed, ensuring exceptional surface finishes over contours.
Methods Machine Tools, Inc., has been a supplier of precision machine tools and accessories for 50 years. Methods is the exclusive North American source for FANUC RoboDrill vertical machining centers, providing installation, parts, service, and training through a nationwide network of dealers. For more information, contact: John Crean, RoboDrill Product Manager, Methods Machine Tools, Inc., 64 Union Avenue, Sudbury, MA 01776, TEL: (978) 443-5388, FAX: (978) 440-9405, www.methodsmachine.com.
