Sheffield-based TW Ward CNC Machinery Ltd (www.wardcnc.com) has added the high-speed Axile range of overhead-travelling-gantry five-axis vertical machining centres to its range of multi-axis single-set-up manufacturing solutions.

The Axile range is manufactured by Buffalo Machinery in Taiwan, and Ward CNC is now the exclusive distributor in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Managing director Simon Whitworth said: “Our customers now have access to a machine with a proven overseas track record in sectors that include aerospace, where it is efficiently machining turbine blades and other complex workpieces.

“Crucially, the machine will allow UK companies to enjoy similar success at an attractive price-to-capability ratio.”

The G8 model, which can be seen being put through its paces in the Ward CNC showroom, features a Kessler 800mm-diameter table for workpieces weighing up to 1,300 kg, and a work envelope of 670 x 820 x 600mm.

A positioning accuracy of 0.008mm and a repeatability of 0.004mm are provided via direct servo-driven double roller-type linear guideways and linear measurement feedback scales on the X, Y and Z axes.

In addition, the Y axis has twin left-hand/right-hand linear guideways, while the Z axis features a three-guideway design for enhanced rigidity and cutting performance.

The maximum feed rate in X, Y and Z is 60m/min. Oil-cooled rotary torque motors drive the C axis, and there is a dual torque-motor drive on the swivelling A axis (±5sec of arc rotary scale feedback).

The 360deg C axis offers 100rev/min positioning speed, while the A axis (±120deg) has a positioning speed of 80rev/min. Hydraulic brakes are incorporated in every element to enhance cutting capability when static.

Furthermore, 24 temperature sensors are located throughout the machine to provide feedback on the operational thermal status to the CNC system.

Two Kessler HSK A63 synchronous-motor spindle options are available. These incorporate air/oil lubrication and are: a 39kW 15,000rev/min (187Nm of torque) unit; and a 35kW 20,000rev/min (130Nm of torque) unit.

Through-spindle coolant at 20 bar is standard, with options for much higher pressures. Also available are programmable coolant pressure, cartridge- and paper-band filtration, and additional coolant management features.

Twin automatic tool-exchange carousels with 32/64, 48/96 or 60/120 tools are mounted in the machine behind the spindle. Furthermore, two laser-based tool-setting options are available: U-type table-mounted for high accuracy; or wall-to-wall type with automatic covers for enhanced protection.

There is a choice of CNC systems for the Axile G8: Heidenhain iTNC 530 or TNC 640; Siemens 840D; or Fanuc 31iMB5. Moreover, ‘smart technology’ control functionality is embedded in the machine’s Industry 4.0 strategies.

Standard control features include dynamic collision monitoring, tool centre-point management, tilted working plane, collision avoidance, five-axis transformation, spindle vibration supervision and metal removal rate optimisation. The latest Axile G6 also offers a full factory automation capability.