Vertical Machining Centers feature high stiffness.
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Press Release Summary:
Series XP3, Models 610, 760, 1000, and 1500 range in XYZ work envelope size from 24 x 20 x 24 in. to 60 x 26 x 24 in. They feature cast iron construction, dual-ball linear guides, and 45 mm ballscrews. SKF spindle offers radial stiffness of 60 lbf/0.00004 in. and axial stiffness of 70 lbf/0.00004 in. All models include chip conveyors, through-spindle coolant at 300 psi, and thermal compensation. User can choose Fanuc 18i MB or Heidenhain iTNC530 control system.
Original Press Release:
Bridgeport Introduces New, Robust "XP3" VMCs at IMTS 2004
(Chicago, IL - September 8 - 15) Bridgeport Machines, Ltd. is exhibiting its latest generation of vertical machining centers at IMTS 2004, the XP3 line, in booth A-8058. Four models in the series, the 610, 760, 1000, and 1500, are differentiated by size, spindle speeds, spindle power, taper sizes, and acceleration rates. They range in X, Y, Z work envelope size from 24" x 20" x 24" to 60" x 26" x 24" and weigh from 12,000 to 21,000 lbs.
The major innovations to this line are the construction characteristics. For example, the machine geometries are typically held to half the tolerances of the ISO standards. The company uses heavily-ribbed cast iron construction throughout, providing excellent stiffness and overall rigidity. Wide-spaced guideways with minimal overhangs, dual-ball linear guides, and oversized 45mm ballscrews also contribute to higher overall stiffness and excellent distribution of cutting forces. A low center of gravity assists with vibration reduction. Critical surfaces and alignments are hand-scraped to ensure longevity and accuracies. The toolchanger is mounted on a separate shoulder to avoid stress on the column.
Further, the exclusive, German-built SKF spindle is twice as stiff as those on competitively classed machines. Its radial stiffness is 60 lbf./0.00004", axial stiffness is 70 lbf./0.00004". Showing off these attributes at IMTS, the 760 XP3 model is displayed without guarding to reveal the highly engineered construction features and key components. Another interesting note about this model is that it has a 30" x 24" x 24" working envelope. For this size VMC, it is unique that there is 24" of Y-axis travel. Most competitors offer 16" to 20" in Y when there is 30" in X.
All models are loaded with standard features that are options on most other machines in this class, including chip conveyors, through-spindle coolant at 300 psi, spindle coolers, and thermal compensation systems. The lining of the chip guards is stainless steel to improve chip and coolant flow and reduce paint chipping. Customers may choose either a GE Fanuc 18i MB or Heidenhain iTNC530 system at no additional charge. Both are advanced control systems and also include Bridgeport's enhanced "FastOp" package containing time-saving, one-button macro operations.
A 50 taper spindle is available on the largest model of this series, the 1500 XP3 HPD. This machine comes with its own two-speed gearbox and achieves 7,500 RPM and 557 ft. lbs. of torque from its 40 HP spindle. This robust spindle provides radial stiffness of 228 lbf./0.00004" and axial stiffness of 128 lbf./0.00004". The machine has a 30-position toolchanger and a rapid traverse of 1,260 IPM.
For more information, visit IMTS 2004 booth A-8058, or contact Bridgeport Machines at 203-929-5570, or visit the company's web site at www.bpt.com.
