Compact five-axis simultaneous machining

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 20, 2000

The compact entry-level Mikron UCP 600 universal machining centre meets all the demands of exacting component machining including hardened steel, graphite or normal production materials

For single cycle component, small batch or higher volume component production, the compact entry-level Mikron UCP 600 universal machining centre meets all the demands of exacting component machining including hardened steel, graphite or normal production materials.

The machine provides up to a five-axis simultaneous machining capability in a floor space of just 4 m2.

Available from Mikron Machining Technology of Birmingham, the UCP 600 features a highly stable cast base design, using a polymer concrete capable of absorbing vibration up to six times better than cast iron.

This base element is the starting point for the universal machine's stability and ability to create higher profile accuracy, a better surface finish with longer tool life.

The UCP 600 also features, what has become the recognised toolmaker's standard, the powerful digital Heidenhain TNC 426 or 430 CNC system, with 1.5 GB hard disc memory and matched digital axis drive motors.

Advanced spindle motor options, a three axis angle table, a rotary tilt table for simultaneous five-axis machining and a rotary tilting table with pallet interface maximise the flexibility of the modular concept machine.

Driven by AC motors with hydraulic clamping, the rotary tilt table has a tilting range of + 122? to - 15?.

Maximum table load is 200 kg and both the 280 mm diameter standard table rotary table top and the optional 400 mm diameter pallet interface table top, can be rotated at up to 30 m/min and a tilting speed of 20 m/min with high accuracy direct scale measurement as standard.

The wide ranging abilities of the UCP 600 can be extended even further by replacing the rotary tilt table with a fixed work table, which is easily achieved using a special lifting mechanism.

This transforms the five-axis machining centre into a three-axis machine with an 850 mm by 530 mm work surface and a maximum table load of 400 kg.

With travels of 530 mm in X, 450 mm in Y and 450 mm in Z, and linear scale positioning, the Mikron UCP 600 universal machining centre has a compact two-axis cross-slide which runs on widely space ball-bearing linear guides.

This design helps to absorb any high machining forces and provides zero backlash for accurate drilling and milling, within a positional accuracy of 10 micron.

Productivity on the UCP 600 is ensured with rapid traverse rates of 22 m/min and maximum feed rates of 15 m/min in all linear axes.

This is further enhanced by a number of ergonomic design features.

These include a large safety door, which provides a clear corner opening for loading and an unobstructed view of the working area with easy access to it.

As standard, this machine has the latest Mikron Step-Tec motor spindle technology, with a 15 kW Vector controlled drive providing high torque at low revs without power drop-off during acceleration up to the 12,000 revs/min top speed.

This spindle has an ISO 40 spindle taper and hybrid sealed for life ceramic bearings.

Further spindle motor options, for machining a wide range of materials using high speed cutting strategies, include a 20,000 revs/min unit with a HSK 63 spindle taper and an ultra-high speed 42,000 revs/min unit with a HSK 40 taper.

Both have oil mist lubrication and are fully temperature controlled.

The 30 tool magazine or 36 tool version supplied with the high speed 42,000 revs/min HSK 40E spindle uses a central pick up system and is totally integrated within the machine base.

This is hidden by a sliding door to prevent swarf and coolant contamination yet provides good side access for tool changing.

Laser tool length measurement is available as an option along with 18 bar coolant, oil mist coolant spray and graphite dust extraction.