Vertical Machining Center features linear motors.
Press Release Summary:
Model VL30-5X uses linear motors, rather than ballscrews, for increased acceleration and deceleration rates and overall contouring accuracy. It offers cutting feed rate up to 1,574 ipm with 1G acceleration/deceleration rate. X, Y, Z axes range is 200 x 300 x 200 mm. Up to 50,000 rpm spindles are offered. Machine provides 50 rpm in A-axis and 100 rpm in B-axis.
Original Press Release:
Mitsui Seiki Demonstrates 5-Axis Linear Motor Machining Center at IMTS 2004
(Chicago, IL - September 8 - 15, 2004) Mitsui Seiki's VL30-5X is machining a high-precision aerospace impeller at IMTS 2004, in booth A-8018. This 5-axis, vertical machine uses linear motors, rather than ballscrews, for increased acceleration and deceleration rates and improved overall contouring accuracy. Mechanical backlash, vibration, and noise are eliminated with linear motors. Its X, Y, Z axes range is 200 mm x 300 mm x 200 mm. Up to 50,000 rpm spindles are offered. It offers 50 rpm in the A-axis and 100 rpm in B-axis.
The VL30-5X uses a counteracting type linear motor that involves a high-powered coil and a permanent magnet on the X, Y, and Z axes. The coil and magnet are constantly pulling against each other - a design that greatly increases responsiveness.
"It's a highly engineered machine that was built as a solution for a variety of applications for mold and die and aerospace manufacturers to increase productivity and reduce the high cost of hand polishing, balancing, and other secondary operations," says Scott Walker, President of Mitsui Seiki USA. "The surface finish on parts made in the VL30 is excellent, and compared to ballscrew machines there's at least a 30 percent improvement in productivity"
According to the company, molds and dies can be produced up to five times faster than on EDM equipment. Graphite electrodes can be cut up to twice as fast. All while the VL30 holds 1 micron accuracy on all axes. The VL30 delivers a cutting feed rate up to 1,574 ipm with a very quick, 1G acceleration/deceleration rate. The 5-axis tilting trunnion table configuration is also ideal for turbine applications.
Additional accuracy-related features include a precision glass scale feedback system which detects 0.1 micron increments. Like all of Mitsui's machines, the VL30-5X's geometric accuracy is stellar; VDI 3441 bi-directional accuracy is less than 2 microns in all axes. Its foundation is a high-grade, gas emulsified, cast iron bed and the head is a special alloy for column weight reduction and high stiffness characteristics. All axes incorporate cross-roller guideways that are mounted to hand-scraped surfaces to ensure accuracy, reduce wear and volumetric tolerance degradation.
For more information, visit Mitsui Seiki at IMTS, booth A-8018, or contact Mitsui Seiki USA, Inc., (201) 337-1300, or on the web at www.mitsuiseiki.com.
