The five-axis VMC with turning capability that uses a rotary table on an integrated swivelling trunnion is a proven configuration offered by many machine tool manufacturers — mainly in BT40 and BT50 variants or their HSK equivalents. The Japanese firm Brother has now launched a similarly designed BT30 machine that offers fast, simultaneous axis movements, accommodates parts weighing up to 40 kg and has a 200 x 440 x 305mm working volume. The sole UK agent is Kenilworth-based Whitehouse Machine Tools Ltd
(www.wmtcnc.com).
The machine has a 10,000rev/min 18.9kW (40Nm) spindle, the option of high-pressure through-spindle coolant, roller drive for the C-axis table, +5/-95deg trunnion swivel (A-axis), 50m/min rapids in all linear axes, and 0.9sec tool change from the 22-position magazine (1.4sec chip-to-chip).
With a static tool in the spindle, parts on the table (4.2kW rotary direct drive with 55Nm of torque) can be turned at up to 2,000rev/min. Moreover, turning can take place with the table either vertical or horizontal. Also new is the C00 control with built-in PLC; compared with previous systems, this offers faster processing, more functions and greater accuracy — especially for 3-D applications. Features include short-cut keys for rapid screen selection, program data download via Ethernet at high speed, and convenient
production monitoring — both on-screen and remotely.
Brother has also minimised every conceivable element of non-productive time. For example, not only are the non-cutting motions fast, they also take place simultaneously in X, Y, Z, A and C, together with the tool change. The spindle motor’s servo drive system gives a 0.2sec start/stop time, and the table goes from zero to the 2,000rev/min maximum in less than 0.3sec. The M140X1 also offers synchronised tapping with a peripheral speed of 377m/min.
A video of this machine producing an alternator casing can be seen in the video gallery on Machinery Market’s Web site
(www.machinery-market.co.uk/videos).