Developed especially to undertake heavy-duty cutting applications on hard metal, cast iron and super-alloy workpieces, the OKK MCH5000R horizontal machining centre from Hinckley-based 2D CNC Machinery Ltd (www.2dcnc.co.uk) accommodates workpieces that fit within a cylinder 850mm in diameter x 1,000mm high. Axis travels are 800mm in X, 700mm in Y and 880mm in Z.

The machine has a 22kW 50-taper spindle with a three-step gear drive and 1,250 Nm of torque to accommodate high-power metal removal. Capable of speeds from 20 to 6,000rev/min, the spindle is supported by a highly rigid column with Z-axis guideway and box ways for effective vibration damping.

With the main body weighing in at 20 tonnes, the machine features a heavy construction designed to reduce any deformation caused by varying loads on the table. Moreover, both the X and Z axes feature a ‘hybrid face’ on the guideway, with ‘aerostatic’ bearing pads that reduce friction resistance.

Meanwhile, the Y axis features a twin drive that eliminates the need for a counterbalance and enhances axis response. Rapid traverse rates are 30m/min.

The X, Y and Z axes are positioned via temperature-controlled core-chilled ballscrews with double anchoring to suppress elongation. As a result, fine-feed routines and circular machining accuracy are maximised, says 2D CNC.

Instead of having a conventional worm-gear drive to the table, the MCH5000R features a highly rigid speed-reduction unit that offers minimal backlash and a high resistance to overload conditions, while a hybrid guide and large taper-roller bearing allow the table to support workpieces up to 800kg. Either a six- or eight-station 500 x 500mm pallet system can be specified.

A slide-type automatic tool changer offers variable speeds to help when replacing large tools; these can be up to 270mm in diameter, 500mm long and weigh up to 25kg.

The standard magazine accommodates 40 tools; there are options for capacities of 60, 80, 116, 120 and 176 tools. Control is via a Fanuc 31i B5.