VMCs Equipped with High-Speed Processing Control

The FANUC D21 RoboDrill series of vertical machining centers from Methods Machine Tools features a FANUC 31iB control for FSSB high-speed processing. The control offers an ergonomic display and streamlined electronics to reduce the number of components. Efficient troubleshooting and maintenance capabilities enable users to analyze systems on the machine and receive notifications if drives or electronics require adjustment. According to the company, the control improves performance, especially for multi-axis and five-axis applications.

The VMCs are available in four variations: the D21SiA (short bed), D21MiA (medium bed), D21LiA (long bed) and D21LiA (long bed) with a dual pallet changer. Spindles range from 10,000 to 24,000 rpm with the option to utilize tool-changeable air spindles ranging to 90,000 rpm. The machining centers provide torque ranging to 73 foot-pounds, rigid tapping ranging to 5,000 rpm (8,000 rpm optional). Rapid traverse rates range to 2,125 ipm, while feed rates range to 1,181 ipm (2,362 ipm optional). Accelerations in the X, Y and Z axes range to 1.5 G. A high-performance rotary ATC accommodates 14 or 21 tools, and can index as many as 5 million cycles without requiring maintenance, the company says. The VMCs can be customized to the application, including configurations for three- to five-axis applications with fully integrated robotic automation.