Coventry-based Fanuc UK Ltd (www.fanuc.eu) has launched its latest RoboDrill series, which the company says is the strongest and quickest range of vertical machining centres on the market.

The a-DiB5 series represents automated VMC technology for milling, drilling and tapping applications; it also incorporates a network interface, preventative maintenance and machine-learning capabilities — plus Fanuc CNC, drives and servos.

Six re-designed models are included in the range — in small, medium and large sizes — along with a choice of standard or advanced functionality. Each a-DiB5 is designed for minimal maintenance, “thanks to a robust build quality, a low number of parts and a turret capable of handling tools weighing up to 4kg”.

Also featured are a cast cross table, a BBT30 spindle (with speeds between 10,000 and 24,000rev/min) and multiple swarf evacuation options.

Cut-to-cut times of 1.5sec can be achieved by the standard models, and 1.3sec by the advanced model. Fanuc says the latter offers the quickest tool-change time on the market, taking 0.7sec to change between up to 21 different tools.

The RoboDrill a-DiB5 series uses Industry 4.0-compatible software for 24hr unmanned machining. Communication is available with Fanuc robots, while preventative maintenance and AI capabilities warn of — and in some cases prevent — issues before they occur.

The facilitating technology here is Linki, Fanuc’s production management software; this allows the capture of productions data, operations results, status monitoring and diagnostics.

RoboDrill machines can be connected to a central server, along with other Fanuc CNC products, thereby enabling the real-time monitoring of a local or remote factory.