The German machine tool manufacturer Zimmermann has extended the working range of its FZ33 Compact portal milling machine; the Y axis now travels up to 4,000mm and the Z axis up to 1,500mm.

Available in the UK from Gosport-based Geo Kingsbury Machine Tools Ltd (www.geokingsbury.com), this machine is aimed at small- and medium-size components required for the aerospace and automotive industries, as well as tool and mould makers. It is said to be suitable for machining a range of materials, including aluminium, steel and cast iron.

The FZ33 Compact features a cast-iron base with integrated table. Mounted on this base are side walls filled with an ‘engineered’ concrete, thereby allowing the machine to be installed without special foundations.

As an option, Zimmermann’s VH30 milling head is now offered with a more powerful spindle; the maximum power was previously 60kW and the torque 95Nm, but 70kW and a torque of 167Nm are now available.

The company also provides an HSK-A100 tool-holder. For tooling, there are 50- and 60-pocket chain-type tool-changers, as well as a ‘hinged changer’ variant.

The company says that, in spite of a larger working area, the footprint of the FZ33 Compact is smaller than previous models. Furthermore, the operator’s platform can be moved aside, allowing the machine to be loaded more easily — by using a stacker truck, for example.