Published 7/15/2022

Precision Machining Technology Review July 2022: IMTS Machining Centers Preview

Production Machining’s IMTS Machining Centers preview showcase includes Expand Machinery, Hardinge, Mikron Corp., DN Solutions, Kyocera Precision Tools and Mitsui Seiki.

Edited by: Angela Osborne

Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media

High-Speed VMC Offers Intuitive Machining, Surfacing

Photo Credit: Expand Machinery

Expand Machinery’s Genmill VFM-2416 five-axis (4+1) is a high-speed machining system with 2,700 block look-ahead for precise part tolerances which is the highest in the industry, the company says. In addition to faster control, manufacturers are also able to benefit from more intuitive 3D surface machining and better finishes. It offers the benefits of a full five-axis machine with reduced setups, shorter tooling, improved quality, faster throughputs and the ability to machine more complex workpieces. It also features a 100-mm zero backlash roller cam tilting rotary table with 360-degree rotary motion and a swing angle of -20-degrees to +120 degrees.

Vertical Machining Center Designed for Flexibility

Photo Credit: Hardinge

Hardinge’s Bridgeport XR1000 VMC is said to be well suited for machining everything from simple workpieces and quality molds/dies to complex prismatic parts. It boasts the latest FANUC Plus control system with a high-resolution 15" touch screen and features the Intelligent Human Machine Interface (iHMI) which is designed to increase ease-of-use, improve operational efficiency and bring more control to the shop floor. Some of the standard features of the Bridgeport XR1000 include 12K Air Oil direct drive spindle, Big Plus CAT 40, 12,000-rpm spindle speed, CT40 or BT40 taper spindles, Big-Plus face taper spindle, a high-retention draw bar, rigid tapping and thermal compensation.

Mikron Multistar CX-24 Offers Versatile Machining for Small Parts

Photo Credit: Mikron

Mikron says its Multistar is a versatile machining system for small precision parts and the transfer machine is well known for its wide range of applications. It is said to work well for parts for injection systems and gas burners, electrical connectors, communications and audio/video as well as medical components and implants. Multistar machines parts made from materials such as steel, nonferrous metals or aluminum, in the diameter range from 0.4 to 35 mm with maximum lengths of up to 65 mm. The high-precision rotary transfer machine has 24 stations. There are also full CNC or mechanically actuated versions. All are said to offer highly accurate manufacturing and repeatability.

Bridge-Type VMC is Built for Cutting Performance, Accuracy

Photo Credit: DN Solutions

DN Solutions’ (formerly Doosan Machine Tools) BVM 5700 is the latest member of its family of vertical machining centers (VMCs). The company says the BVM 5700 is a massive machine, weighing 17,000 lbs with a structure built for cutting performance and accuracy. With its bridge-type construction and single-direction moving table, the company says it enables customers tohandle heavier parts and cut with increased rigidity. Its design and sheer mass also reportedly provide excellent dampening characteristics that offer high-quality 3D machining surface finishes where precision surface finish is demanded. The BVM 5700 is said to shine in production prototype environments.

High-Feed Addition to Milling Series

Photo Credit: Kyocera Precision Tools

Kyocera Precision Tools expands it indexable high-feed milling line with the MFH-MAX to provide chip removal performance in various applications, including automotive parts, difficult-to-cut materials and mold machining. With the ability to take on deeper depths of cut, the MFH-MAX was designed to save time by getting to work and reducing the number of passes needed to machine a workpiece.

Five-Axis Machining Center Accommodates Small Workpieces

Photo Credit: Mitsui Seiki

Mitsui Seiki’s PJ 303X five-axis machining center is said to provide maximum precision and versatility in processing of workpieces up to 230 mm tall and 280 mm in diameter (9" x 11"), and 20 kg (44 lbs.) in weight. Typical applications cover an extensive range of critical parts such as lens molds, medical products, EDM electrodes and fuel cell components. The PJ303X is designed to accurately machine smaller parts rather than large, critical components. Its X-, Y-, and Z-axis travels are 300 mm, 325 mm and 200 mm (11.8", 12.8", 7.9") respectively.