A series of new CNC milling machines also offer a range of innovative high-speed spindle and machining head options.
Ward CNC of Sheffield, the exclusive UK agent for Soraluce of Spain's range of milling machines, has announced a series of new machines as well as a range of innovative high-speed spindle and machining head options from the world-leading manufacturer. The four new machines - which include two high-speed, up to 30,000 revs/min electro-spindle models - are headed by the FS-8000 floor-type machine that features a novel concept of three-head machining/auto-changing to complement its X, Y and Z axes specification of 8000mm by 1600mm (optionally 2800mm) by 1250mm (optionally 1500mm). The three heads - automatic indexing, orthogonal and horizontal - are automatically moved into/from the working area via a newly-developed head changing unit.

Each head has different levels of capabilities to suit a variety of tasks, for example: * The 30kW, 4,500 revs/min automatic indexing head has a torque rating of 855Nm and two indexing joints - one vertical to the spindle centreline and another at 45 degrees, capable of positioning in both rotating planes at 0.001 degree increments.

* The34 kW, 18,000 revs/min orthogonal head is rated at 102Nm and, again, has two indexing joints and similar positioning capabilities.

* The 30kW, 3,000 revs/min horizontal head can rotate in the vertical plane at 0.001 degree increments.

While a choice of control systems are offered on the FS-8000 - including Heidenhain, Siemens, Fidia and Selca - Soraluce's new high-speed SV-8000 HSC travelling column, fixed-table milling machine features Heidenhain TNC430M CNC as standard and digital drives to achieve rapid feed rates of 25m/min across its X,Y and Z axes of 7000mm by 1600mm (optionally 2000 mm) by 1200 mm.

This machine can utilise a 27/30kW, 4,000/6,000 revs/min orthogonal head rated at 570Nm and having two indexing joints - vertical and horizontal to spindle centreline.

This is capable of positioning to 1 degree in both planes (360 by 210, or 360 by 210,000 positions).

Two new bed-type mills have also been announced, models TA-20 and the high-speed TR-35 HSC.

With X, Y and Z axes specifications of 2000mm by 800mm by 800mm, the TA-20 has a feed range of 20 to 10000mm/min and a speed range of 20 to 3000mm/min.

It features Heidenhain TNC 410M CNC and digital drives, and the 21.5kW spindle produces 3,000 revs/min.

With rapid feed rates of 25,000 mm/min and a feed range of 5 to 15,000 mm/min, the new high-speed TR-35 HSC is a 3500mm by 1000mm (optionally 1600mm) by 1200mm X, Y, Z capacity machine, again with digital drives and featuring the Heidenhain TNC 426M control.

The machine is fitted with a 28kW, 4,000 revs/min spindle motor and can have an 800Nm automatic indexing head which has two indexing joints - one vertical and the other at 45 degrees to the spindle centreline and capable of 2.5 degrees positioning in both rotating planes.

As expected of machines developed under the auspices of the Danobat Group's IDEKO research and development, the new machines combine high-quality build and technologically advanced features for unmatched heavy-duty milling performance.

Their characteristic build qualities of stability and rigidity are based on their heavy-duty cast iron construction.

Soraluce CNC milling machines are available in three variants - TL, TR and TF travelling table types; SL, SP and SM travelling column, bed types; and FP, FS and FR travelling column floor types.

Capacities range from 1500mm to 16m plus in the X axis, from 1000mm to 3600mm in Y and up to 1500mm in Z.

As well as a wide range of options that includes automatic toolchangers for up to 120 tools, the machines' five- and six-axis capabilities can be extended by the use of high-speed electro-spindles (15,000 to 30,000 revs/min) and by a series of machining heads.

Automatic heads are available in 28, 30 or 37kW versions, rated at between 1070Nm and 1530Nm and up to 2,000 to 4,000 revs/min with various positioning options.

Orthogonal heads are available in 28, 30 and 37kW versions with Nm ratings between 800 to 1410 and capable of 4,000 revs/min.

Fixed horizontal heads of 28, 30 and 37kW are rated at 1070 to 1530Nm and capable of 2,000 to 4,000 revs/min.