European debut for US tools at MACH 2002

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Apr 26, 2002

With over 27,000 machines installed all around the world, the American builder Fadal is a major player on the vertical machining centre front.

With over 27,000 machines installed all around the world, the American builder Fadal is a major player on the vertical machining centre front.

And the company's very latest development, the new EMC (Economy) VMC, is being shown for the first time in Europe by Yamazen (UK) at MACH 2002 on Stand 4618 in Hall 4.

The Fadal EMC (Economy) vertical machining centre combines a small price tag with an impressive cutting performance compared to other 'mini' type models on the market.

With a footprint of only 1.9 x 1.95m, this compact machine can fit into small spaces on the shop floor yet it has a working envelope of 508 x 406 x 355mm and is powered by a 12hp motor which provides spindle speeds up to 7500rev/min.

As standard, the machine has a 16-station ATC, axis positioning to +/-0.005mm and a 749 x 406mm worktable which can handle parts weighing up to 454kg.

Rapid traverse rates are 17.8m/min.

Making its UK debut at the show, the stylish and affordable Fadal EMC can be specified with a range of optional extras.

These include: rigid tapping, expanded memory levels, digitising package, fourth rotary CNC axis, tool setting probe, tool load compensation and tool breakage detection.

Further up the capability scale, Yamazen is also showing the Fadal VMC 4525.

This Performance Line machine is fully digital controlled and features a larger base and column and wide pitching of the substantial 'box ways' to aid rigidity and provide good dampening.

Axis travels are 1143 x 635 x 607mm, and a 1369 x 635mm work table can handle workpieces weighing up to 1928kg.

A twin-arm ATC can accommodate 24 tools.

Another machining centre being introduced by Yamazen is the Kiwa KNH-426 high speed horizontal.

This Japanese-built 400mm� pallet machine is being supplied as standard in this country with a 20,000rev/min spindle, six-station pallet pool, 120-station ATC, advanced spindle core cooling system and a special mechanical tool locking arrangement.

Combined with rapid traverse rates of 60m/min and an affordable price tag, the Kiwa stands out from other horizontals in its class.

Power is from a 22kW motor and this compact machine has a working envelope of 600 x 610 x 665mm while each of the six pallets can handle a maximum load of 400kg.

Control is from a Fanuc 18i-M system.

Completing the machining centre line-up is the Mitsubishi M-H5B high speed horizontal machining centre.

With axis travels of 650 x 650 x 650mm, this twin 500mm� pallet machine has a spindle speed of 12,000rev/min spindle, rapid traverses of 40m/min, a 60-station ATC, a Fanuc 18i M control and is powered by a built-in 22kW AC spindle motor.

While on the turning front, Yamazen is featuring the Samsung PL20A CNC lathe.

Designed for heavy-duty cutting, this model has a 10-station tool turret, 450mm swing over the bed, a 5.5/7.5kW motor and a top spindle speed of 6000rev/min.

It can handle parts up to 525mm long and has a bar capacity of 52mm.