Brother has launched a new model in its Speedio range of low-inertia machining centres. Featuring an X-axis travel of 1,000mm, the 30-taper S1000X1 made its world debut at JIMTOF 2014, the 27th Japan International Machine Tool Fair held in Tokyo towards the end of last year.

The machine has been developed to appeal to automotive component manufacturers — and others — that need to machine larger components. Alternatively, a number of smaller components can be fixtured for processing in one cycle, reducing the overall number of tool changes per batch and increasing production efficiency.

Smaller models in the Speedio range have movements of 300, 500 or 700mm in X and 400mm in Y; in the latest machine, the Y-axis travel is increased to 500mm. All Speedio machines have a 300mm Z-axis travel.

The rapid-traverse rate is 50m/min for X and Y, and 56m/min for Z. The top cutting feed rate in all axes is 30m/min, and the tool change chip-to-chip time is 1.4sec. Tool change is performed at the same time as the X- and Y-axis movements and the rotation of the indexer (if fitted), thereby reducing idle time. Rigid tapping is undertaken at speeds up to 6,000rev/min.

Machine features include a maximum table load of 400kg, a 10,000rev/min spindle (high-torque and 16,000rev/min units are options), and a 14-tool ATC (optionally 21). The BIG-PLUS face-and-taper interface may be specified, as well as through-spindle coolant.

To ensure efficient swarf management for the machine’s enlarged machining area, the flood coolant delivery rate has been doubled and new telescopic covers have been fitted. Energy-saving measures in the design, including LED lighting and power regeneration from the high-efficiency motors, have reduced power consumption by as much as 80% compared with the manufacturer’s earlier machining centres.

Furthermore, a new control (CNC C00) provides faster processing, more functions and higher accuracy machining — especially in 3-D.