Available through 2D CNC Machinery Ltd, Hinckley (www.2dcnc.co.uk), is the latest addition to the Reiden RX series of five-axis milling and turning machining centres. The RX12 incorporates Reiden’s patented double-drive spindle technology (DDT); it also features a bed and column structure based on Hydropol, a concrete and steel composite that can be fully recycled.

The machine has axis travels of 1,300mm in X, 1,450mm in Y and 1,000mm in Z, with rapid-traverse rates of 50m/min. The A-axis movement for the spindle is 0-90deg for horizontal and vertical cutter positions, while the 1,200mm-diameter rotary table offers a swing of 1,200mm and rotates at up to 400rev/min.

The DDT spindle, which has a through-tool coolant supply and can swivel between the horizontal and vertical planes in less than 1sec, features two separate motors that are built into the same housing and are connected by a bevel-gear drive coupling.

According to the machine program and cutting requirements, hydraulic power is used to engage the higher-torque motor, while the head has pneumatic clamping to hold position when used for turning cycles in conjunction with the direct-drive rotary table (this has automatic imbalance detection and counterweights to minimise vibration).

A selection of conventional spindle options is available, along with tool magazines with 65, 73, 173,191 or 273 stations. Control is via Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens 840D sI. If required, a pallet system can be specified with options of two or five pallets, each measuring 1,200 x 1,000mm. A linear storage system is also available.