Published 09/26/2025

YCM Alliance Five-Axis VMC Enhances Machining Performance

YCM’s RX65+ VMC is engineered for speed, rigidity and accuracy in demanding applications.

Edited by: Chris Pasion

Managing Editor, Modern Machine Shop | Production Machining

Source: YCM Alliance

The YCM Alliance, part of YCM Technology USA Inc., has introduced the RX65+ five-axis VMC designed for speed, rigidity and accuracy. Engineered with advanced structural, spindle and control technologies, the RX65+ offers manufacturers a reliable platform for precision machining across industries such as aerospace, medical, die and mold, automotive and high-performance job shops.

The RX65+ offers 24.40" × 20.47" × 18.11" linear axis travel, with 220 degrees of motion in the B-axis and a full 360 degrees in the C-axis. Its robust ram-type structure and trunnion rotary table enable fast, accurate machining of complex parts while minimizing setups. Built on rugged Meehanite castings poured in YCM’s own foundry, the machine promotes stiffness, vibration dampening and long-term thermal stability.

To further improve rigidity, fixed, pre-tensioned, double nut ball screws and roller guideways are featured across all axes. This configuration enhances machining performance, surface finish and service life when compared to conventional linear ball-type systems. Hand-scraped joints maximize alignment and geometry, reducing reliance on electronic compensation while providing superior accuracy.

At the core of the RX65+ is a high-precision 18,000-rpm spindle with an HSK63A taper. Built with air-oil lubrication, vibration sensors and an integrated spindle chiller, the system provides the thermal stability and stiffness required for demanding applications. Manufacturers can cut tough materials with fine finishes, while supporting high-pressure 1,000-psi coolant-through-spindle for optimal chip evacuation.

To meet strict machining tolerances, the RX65+ integrates linear scales in X, Y and Z axes, and rotary scales in B and C axes. This fully closed-loop feedback system continuously measures axis positioning, minimizing thermal and mechanical error while supporting repeatable high-accuracy machining.

A direct-drive trunnion rotary table provides a B-axis tilt range of +110/-110 degrees and full C-axis rotation. With a maximum part diameter of 650 mm (25.59") and a height of 450 mm (17.71"), the trunnion design reduces the need for multiple setups and improves efficiency.

The RX65+ is delivered with a Blum kinematics package that includes the TC52 spindle probe, LC50 laser tool setter, calibration ball and Blum Axis Set software. Operators can easily calibrate and reset all five axes when needed. The integrated Blum Kinematicsperfect software simplifies rotary axis pivot point calibration and alignment checks, supporting consistent multiaxis performance.

Supporting efficient workflow, the machine comes equipped with a 40/60 tool cam-type automatic tool changer (ATC), providing 1.8-second tool-to-tool times with heavy tool and big tool functionality. An automatic ATC door reduces chip and coolant contamination, while inverter-driven cam-box motors allow quick recovery in the event of mishaps.

To maintain uptime and part quality, the RX65+ incorporates multiple coolant management systems. A spindle coolant ring with adjustable lock nozzles, air blast, washdown gun and air gun work together for effective chip evacuation. A specialized shower coolant system with up to 10 nozzles supports thorough flushing of chips into the Jorgensen chip conveyor with Ecofilter, reducing maintenance while improving machine uptime.

The RX65+ is powered by the Heidenhain TNC7 control, a benchmark for simultaneous five-axis machining. Offering 0.5-m/s block processing time, 1000-block lookahead and intuitive real-world setup tools, the TNC7 enables operators to achieve improved surface finishes and accuracy, particularly in die and mold applications. With modern connectivity options including Ethernet, USB and RS-232C, the system supports integration into smart factory environments.