DIY machining centres give users increased control

The mechanical elements of FlatCom are precision engineered to robust designs to ensure exceptional rigidity and minimal vibration.

Unimatic's FlatCom is a module-based series of components which can be assembled to create a bespoke machining centre exactly matching individual users' requirements.

The mechanical elements of FlatCom are precision engineered to robust designs to ensure exceptional rigidity and minimal vibration.

This allows accurate machining over the entire travel of every axis.

Unimatic's Managing Director Martin Stevens explains the concept behind the FlatCom system: "The core of every machine is the base unit".

"Onto these one can add the machining/motion axes, drive modules, tools, protection covers and other mechanical elements".

"A plug and go control panel add the brain to the brawn and finally a CNC control station is mounted to the machine via a swivel arm".

"It's not so different from flat pack furniture really, but it is so well made and robust that Isel the system's manufacturer guarantees performance for five years".

"The base and many of the structural elements of FlatCom are based on anodised extruded aluminium profiles, which combine high stiffness with low weight".

There are five base designs and the profiles for the motion axes offer travel from 300 to 1300mm.

The profile for the critical Z-axis incorporates a T-slot with a 25mm pitch to allow mounting of a range of attachments for printing and engaving, milling and drilling, dispensing and glue laying, screw fixing, pasting casting, last and water cutting, soldering and welding, sawing, cutting, measuring and testing.

The motion axes are based on stepper or servo driven ballscrews, with preloaded linear bearings and anti-backlash fittings.

They can offer a high-speed machining with a repeatable accuracy of 0.01mm, comparable with other machining centres.

Integral limit switches prot4ect the axis against overreaching user defined dimensional limits.

Options available for the FlatCom include a DVD drive, 2, 5 and 10mm pitch ball threaded spindles, special milling and engraving spindles, a tool changing station, cooling systems, and a vacuum clamping table.

Stevens said "FlatCom has been developed and is manufactured by Isel, so the build quality and long-term performance can be assumed to be world class".

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