A bespoke six-axis table-type horizontal borer with a 7.7m X axis and a 150mm spindle with an extension of 730mm (plus a ram travel of 700mm) has been built by Fermat for Liebherr, to produce deep features in large cast-iron and steel components.

Designated WFT 15 R, it is available in the UK from Hinckley-based 2D CNC Machinery Ltd (www.2dcnc.com).

Fermat’s WFT 15 R has four linear axes (X, Y, Z and W), plus two rotary axes (B and C). Each axis movement has been fitted with Heidenhain linear scales to ensure high levels of accuracy and repeatability.

To optimise the accuracy of the 7.7m X axis, Fermat engineers have used a rack-and-pinion drive with two motors in a ‘master and slave ’relationship. These are mounted each side of the table, which carries a 2.5 x 5m rotary table that
can support loads up to 25 tonnes.

The WFT 15 R is the latest addition to Fermat’s modular range of universal-, floor- and table-type horizontal boring mills.

The machine’s column, which is designed to offer maximum rigidity, carries Fermat’s own design of ‘stepless’ universal milling head, with a spindle power of 51kW (up to 2,600Nm of torque) and thermal monitoring.

In standard specification, WFT 15-series machines are available with X-axis travels from 1,500 to 5,000mm, Y-axis travels from 1,700 to 3,500mm, and Z-axis travels from 1,200 to 3,600mm.

Heidenhain, Fanuc or Siemens control systems can be specified. A wide range of options is also available, such
as pallet systems, automatic tool changers that include robotic systems with up to 90 tool positions, and a series of universal micro-indexing milling and facing heads.