The five-axis UMC-500 from Norwich-based Haas Automation Ltd (www.haas.co.uk) offers the same proven performance as the company’s UMC-750 but in a more compact footprint (it is similar in size to a Haas VF-2), making it a cost-effective solution for 3+2 and simultaneous
five-axis machining where workshop space is at a premium.

It features a 40-taper spindle, a 610 x 406 x 406mm work envelope, an integrated dual-axis trunnion table, a 22.4kW (122Nm of cutting torque) 10,000rev/min in-line direct-drive spindle and a servo-driven 30+1 side-mounted tool-changer (50+1 is available as an option).

The trunnion offers +35/-120deg of tilt and 360deg of rotation, while its 400mm-diameter ‘platter’ features standard T-slots and a precision pilot bore.

Haas’s ‘Wireless Intuitive Probing System’ is fitted as standard, and on-screen directions guide users through the process (experienced operators have access to the full power and capabilities of custom probe routines).

Furthermore, ‘Dynamic Work Offsets’ and ‘Tool Centre Point Control’ simplify part set-ups for both 3+2-axis machining and five-axis simultaneous machining and allow users to program the component relative to a work location of their choice, saving valuable time and eliminating multiple visits back to the CAM system to adjust the component location.

In addition to the standard model, Haas has also introduced a Super Speed version — the UMC-500SS — with 30.5m/min rapids and an integrated high-speed dual-axis trunnion table.

This faster machine has a 12,000rev/min inline direct-drive spindle; a 15,000rev/min HSK-A63 spindle is also available.

Furthermore, this machine’s high-speed trunnion table offers a 179deg/sec feed rate.

Both machines are equipped with through-spindle coolant and a programmable coolant nozzle, while a steel heavy-duty belt-type chip conveyor removes swarf and “discharges it with minimal coolant carry-out” (the conveyor can be activated via M-code or directly from the control pendant, and there are settings to control the interval and duration of the conveyor cycle for automatic operation).

Furthermore, Haas’s ‘Next Generation Control’ can send e-mail and SMS text notifications to multiple contacts about the operating status of the machine.

In addition, 1GB of memory allows storage of a large number of programs, eliminating the need for an external device to be used to FNC or DNC programs.