6-Axis Machining Center Offers PKM Technology

ICON Technologies, a division of Hydromat, offers the ICON Tripod 700S Powerflex, which is a modular six-axis machining center PKM (parallel kinematics machine).

PKM technology means that the motions in X, Y and Z are performed by three parallel axes that gives stiffness and accuracy with maintained flexibility and cutting area. It combines the flexibility and envelope of a robot, but with the accuracy and stiffness of traditional machine tools, the company says. The Tripod Powerflex does not notice any differences between a perpendicular hole or surface compared with a compound angle, and is therefore suitable for all complex machining.

The Tripod Powerflex design tends to reduce absolute positioning and orienting errors. The Tripod’s PKM design results in high structural stiffness and the capability of performing extremely high-speed motions, according to the company. The inertia of its mobile parts is reduced so it can perform these movements with higher accelerations.

The work envelope of the model 700S is 800 mm × 800 mm × 400 mm with other Tripod models. The 300S, 500S and 900S have smaller or larger cutting areas available. Each machine can be configured exactly as required for an application; the correct combination of tripod size, tool spindle and tool changer. Each technology module is available in various designs with the required motor spindle for a particular set of requirements.

The Tripod Powerflex models feature 40- or 80-pocket toolchangers. The rotary table is a large 800 mm and features a zero point clamping system.