Five-Axis VMC Handles Large Aircraft Components

Mitsui Seiki’s Vertex 100 five-axis vertical machining center is a high-speed, high-precision machine that can mill larger parts such as blisks for aircraft engines. It can machine workpieces as large as 1,250 mm in diameter and 850 mm tall. Its X-, Y- and Z-axis strokes measure 1000, 900 and 750 mm, respectively. Maximum swing diameter is 1,480 mm.

The VMC is available with multiple spindle options, with taper sizes ranging from CAT 40 to HSK-A100 and with speeds of 15,000, 25,000 and 30,000 rpm. A 60-tool automatic toolchanger handles maximum tool lengths of 300 mm and maximum tool diameters of 125 mm (CAT40/HSK A 63) or 160 mm (CAT 50/ HSK A 100), increasing flexibility for job shop applications. Larger-capacity toolchangers are also available. 

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The machine’s tilt/rotary table, supported by the rigid cast iron base, provides high precision and rotation speed ranging to 100 rpm. The table’s C-axis motors are direct-drive, and the A axis has tandem direct-drive motors. The machine can machine workpieces as large as 1,250 mm (49.25") in diameter.

The X  and Z axes of the Vertex 100 are driven by single ballscrews, with dual ballscrews on the Y axis. The linear axes provide 1-G acceleration and deceleration.

The FANUC control features a 375-mm (14.75") LCD human-machine interface.

In addition to providing a large work envelope, the VMC has features that increase accuracy and consistency. The machine features a cast iron bed and a “box-in-box” design that increases rigidity, stiffness and agility. The machine’s geometry results in positioning accuracy in the X, Y, and Z axes of 0.001 mm (0.000040"), ±6 arc sec. in the A axis, and ±4 arc sec. in the C axis.