Toolroom milling machine combines the simplicity of a manual mill with the power and flexibility of an easy-to-use CNC system in an affordable machine that offers a competitive advantage.

Prototypes, one-off parts and tooling often require quick turn-around and need modifications mid-stream. Rather than set up and program a machining centre for simple operations, many machinists find it easier - and faster - to do them on a manual mill. The new TM-1 Toolroom Mill from Haas Automation combines the simplicity of a manual mill with the power and flexibility of the easy-to-use Haas CNC system in an affordable machine that gives the user an advantage over competition.

The Toolroom Mill features a 7.5HP (5.6kW) spindle that uses standard 40-taper tooling and spins to 4,000 rev/min.

A push-button tool-release system makes tool changes fast and easy, and a 10-pocket tool changer is available for automatic operation.

All axes feature brushless servo-motors for precise positioning, and a one-piece cast-iron base/column damps vibration and provides rigidity for heavy cuts.

The machine runs on either single- or three-phase power.

For extreme flexibility, the Toolroom Mill operates in three modes.

In full CNC, all axes are controlled by the Haas control via a G-code program.

In manual mode, X and Y-axes are moved via handwheels and the Z-axis is controlled via the jog handle, with the Haas control providing an accurate (displayed to 0.0025mm) digital read-out of position.

In combined manual/CNC mode, the Toolroom Mill provides jog travel limits, motorized feeds and index jogging, again with an accurate, easy-to-read digital display of position.

Unlike knee mills, the Toolroom Mill provides a full 406mm of Z-axis travel, so there is no need to manually raise and lower the table to machine tall parts or adjust for tool length.

With generous travels of 762 x 305 x 508mm, the TM-1 provides plenty of room for machining larger work, yet it takes up very little floor space and is easily moved with a pallet jack.

The large table accommodates multiple vices and/or chucks, as well as 5C indexers and small rotary tables.

The non-enclosed format and standard T slots make clamping oversized and odd-shaped parts 'a breeze' ('easy to do' - Ed).

MACH 2006 witnessed several brand new machines from Haas Automation, the largest CNC machine tool manufacturer in the world.

Haas demonstrated machines and metal cutting technology for aerospace, automotive, medical, mould and die and general machining industries.

More than 25 CNC technology products were on show demonstrating vertical and horizontal machining and turning applications.