The German manufacturer Spinner has introduced a vertical machining centre that features a relatively small footprint of 3,550 x 2,750mm despite having a work envelope of 1,650 x 820 x 820mm.
Its compactness is the result of a novel method for protecting the 1,800 x 820mm table’s X- and Y-axis guideways from swarf and coolant ingress; it uses a single wiper system that obviates the need for telescopic covers.
Designated VC1650, the three-axis machine joins the smaller VC1150 model introduced two years ago. Both are available in the UK and Ireland through sole sales and service agent Whitehouse Machine Tools Ltd, Kenilworth (
www.wmtcnc.com).
Another notable characteristic is the 14.5-tonne FEM-optimised cast structure, which provides a high level of rigidity and vibration damping for elevated cutting performance and high standards of surface finish on machined components, says Spinner.
Further advantages are that tool life is extended and accuracy of machining is enhanced, assisted by optimal chip evacuation via a conveyor at the front of the machine (this ensures a negligible transmission of heat to the structure).
The distance from the operator to the front of the table, which accepts components weighing up to 2 tonnes, has been reduced to 200mm for convenient workpiece loading and unloading without strain.
Operator convenience is extended further by the ability to adjust the control panel height and keyboard angle.
Rapid linear traverse in the X, Y and Z axes is 48m/min, while available options include: a 32- or 60-tool magazine; a choice of Siemens 840D SolutionLine, Heidenhain TNC620/TNC640 or Fanuc 32iMB control systems; and an SK40, SK50 or HSK63 spindle with speeds from 8,000 to 18,000rev/min and power/torque up to 62kW/343Nm.
Further equipment that can be supplied include a rotary table, coolant mist extraction, high-pressure coolant delivery (at 22 or 70 bar), hydraulic workpiece clamping, workpiece and tool measurement, glass scales, and various tooling packages.