U5 Machining Center Aids Search for Extraterrestrial Life
Share:
Mirror for Kepler space telescope machined on MAG five-axis U5 universal machining center. Space craft on three-year mission to search galaxy for Earth-like planets.
MAG Cincinnati's bridge-type U5 machining center demonstrated its accuracy and versatility by helping to produce the 1.4 m (4.5 ft) glass mirror for the recently-launched Kepler telescope. The three-year mission of the Kepler Telescope is to search the nearby region of the Milky Way - referred to as the "habitable" zone - looking for planets capable of supporting life. Used by the Brashear Unit of L-3 Communications, Inc. in Pittsburgh, the U5 is ideal for machining the telescope mirror. The five-axis/five-side machine, with automatic interchangeable head capability, offers industry-leading rigidity and accuracy and provides superior precision on large, critical parts with repeatability accuracies of 0.038 mm (0.0015 in) X axis, 0.008 mm (0.00032 in) Y-Z axes, and 14 arc second accuracy in C axis. According to Mike Sess, applications engineer for MAG, "using the U5 to cut glass for a telescope is a unique application that shows the versatility of the machine."
U5 machining centers are ideal for large monolithic part processing and are used in the aerospace, wind energy, oilfield and off-road and heavy equipment industries.
About MAG Industrial Automation Systems
MAG Industrial Automation Systems is a leading machine tool and systems company serving the durable-goods industry worldwide with complete manufacturing solutions. The company offers a wide range of technologies, including process development, automated assembly, turning, milling, automotive powertrain production, composites processing, maintenance, automation and controls, and core components. With manufacturing operations on five continents, MAG ranks as a leader in the global metalworking capital equipment market.
For more information about MAG Industrial Automation Systems or its companies, visit: www.mag-ias.com
