Double-Column VMC Designed for Rigidity

Chevalier’s range of FVM double-column vertical machining centers features oversized columns; wide boxway spacing on a slanted Y axis; and a close, symmetrical Z-axis design for a rigid, stable structure. According to the company, the VMC range is well-suited for repeatable mass production of large and heavy workpieces, such as those required by the aerospace, power generation, oil exploration and die-mold industries.

The machining centers are available with worktables ranging from 86.6" × 70.8" to 240" × 135" and accommodate loads ranging to 44,000 lbs. The slanted Y and Z axes increase the slideway surface and distribute the load in the area. Oversized wide boxways are Turcite-B-coated and hand-scraped to ensure lubrication and smooth movement while reducing drag and resisting wear. The four linear roller ways of the X axis support the table and reduce stick-slip problems, Chevalier says. All axes feature high-precision, double-nut, pretensioned ballscrews. Optional oil circulation in the 80-mm ballscrews eliminates thermal building and ballscrew deformation while helping to maintain accuracy and repeatability.

The 50-taper, cartridge-type spindle turns at speeds ranging to 6,000 rpm and generates torque ranging to 449 foot-pounds. The spindle is available in 30- or 35-hp versions and is driven by a two-speed gearbox for high torque output during heavy cutting. The VMC also features high-volume coolant washdown, a high-capacity coolant tank, and chip channels on each side of the X-axis table with individual chip augers. It is equipped with a 40-arm toolchanger or a 60-arm toolchanger as an option.