VMC for Conventional, Ultrasonic Machining

Absolute Machine Tools presents Tongtai’s iVU-5, a VMC that offers conventional machining operations as well as rotary, ultrasonic-assisted machining of advanced materials. The machine is available in three- and five-axis models.

Rotary ultrasonic machining combines high-speed spindle rotation with high-frequency vertical vibration of the cutting tool. The diamond tool impacts the material with high contact speed, reducing cutting force and producing ultra-fine finishes. The process is said to improve cutting efficiency by as many as five times faster than conventional machining. Ultrasonic machining is applicable in micro-hole drilling and machining of glass, sapphire, silicon carbide, quartz, ceramic, hardened steel, high nickel alloys and non-ferrous materials.

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The iVU-5 offers XYZ axis travels of 20" × 15.7"× 13.8" (500 × 400 × 350 mm) and features a Meehanite cast iron frame and roller-type linear slideways for rigidity and fast, precise movement. The 1" (25-mm) diameter ballscrews are class 3 with a double nut, pre-loaded design, enabling a standard rapid traverse rate of 1,890 ipm in all axes with acceleration of 1.2 G. The machine is equipped with a 30-tool, arm-type ATC that changes tools in 0.8 sec. and features a 1.3 sec. chip-to-chip time. The 3-hp, 20,000-rpm direct-drive spindle comes standard in dual contact Big Plus 30-taper (BBT-30) interface. A spindle chiller is also standard.

For ultrasonic operation, the system is equipped with automatic frequency search and lock via M codes. The auto tuning range is 15 to 45 kHz and the amplitude range is one to 10 microns. The machine’s standard features are designed to promote successful ultrasonic machining and a longer machine life, the company says.

The three-axis machine is equipped with Siemens 828D control with 10.4" TFT with ShopMill and Advanced Surface software. The five-axis version is equipped with Siemens 840D control with 17" IPC, the Sinumerik MDynamics Technology package for five-axis milling.