XYZ to debut two brand new machining centre ranges at MACH

Devon-based XYZ Machine Tools, which offers customers a ‘natural route of progression’ from manual through to multi-axis machining and turning centres, is taking two stands at MACH 2022 (Hall 17, Stand 200 and Hall 18, Stand 130). The event is taking place from 4-8 April at the NEC, Birmingham.

Along with a wide range of machines on display, the company will debut two brand new machining centres — the XYZ TMC (toolroom machining centre) series and the RMX 2-OP.

The four machines in the new TMC range are fully equipped three-axis machining centres based on XYZ’s already popular linear rail VMCs. They are available as 500, 750, 1000 and 1600 variants, with the number referencing the machine’s X-axis travel.

Central to the development of the TMC series is the use of the ProtoTrak RMX control system which, the company says, is already proving popular with many toolrooms and low-volume manufacturers throughout the UK.

With its touchscreen interface giving access to many easy-to-use programming tools, the latest ProtoTrak extends the advantages offered by this control for low to medium-size production runs to a machining centre platform while retaining ‘the existing familiarity of the ProtoTrak system’.

Equipped with fully enclosed guarding and a 20-position tool changer (12-position on the XYZ 500 TMC), all models have a 15kW 8,000rev/min spindle (12,000rev/min is available as an option on some machines) and can take ‘toolroom machining to the next level with medium- to large-batch work well within its capabilities’.

The second brand-new machining centre making its debut, the XYZ 2-OP has been ‘brought fully up to date’ with the latest RMX ProtoTrak control.

With a footprint of just 775 x 1,380mm and the ability to be relocated to anywhere in a machine shop to relieve pressure on other machines by carrying out second-operation work, the RMX 2-OP is a ‘highly versatile and flexible machine tool’ that has a work envelope of 355 x 305 x 455mm, a maximum table load of 250kg, and a 2.25kW 10,000rev/min spindle.

Rigid machining platform
Moreover, while the RMX 2-OP may be compact, it weighs in at 1,100kg, it features a bridge-type construction, linear rails and pre-loaded ball screws in all axes — thereby ensuring a rigid machining platform.

The use of the RMX ProtoTrak control simplifies programming of this machine and gives users the option of programming at the machine using conversational programming software or using offline programming and making use of ProtoTrak’s G-code compatibility for more complex 3-D components.

While retaining many features that made ProtoTrak the success it is, the latest RX version adds even more features, such as Enhanced ProtoTrak Assistance (EPA), giving instant access to in-depth help at any point in the programming/operating procedure.

Auto Geometry Engine (AGE) is also a feature of the RMX version. AGE is, in effect, a CAD capability within the control that allows users to overcome issues when data is lacking from drawings by automatically calculating missing dimensions during programming using the touchscreen’s ‘Tap to Guess’ feature.

With the part shown on-screen, simply tapping the screen where the intersection or tangent point is unknown sees the AGE software calculate the missing data.

Another new feature is ‘Adaptive Toolpath’; more commonly found on high-end CAD/CAM systems, this can ‘drastically reduce’ cycle times on complex milling cycles.

Meanwhile, the ‘Look’ feature now runs alongside the program inputs for program verification, along with live updating of program events; it will also show a conventional toolpath and give the user estimated cycle times to ensure the most efficient method has been selected.

For the ultimate program check, a solid 3-D rendered image can be shown using the verify feature. The control also comes with the option of adding a DXF Converter.

A further development is the ability to mix DXF and manual programming during program generation; also, the ability to handle Parasolid 3-D model files, making the machining of more complex 3-dimensional parts straightforward.

Nigel Atherton, XYZ Machine Tools’ managing director, said: “With close to 15,000 ProtoTrak-controlled mills and lathes installed in the UK, extending the use of this versatile, flexible and productivity-enhancing control will be a relatively straightforward step for many toolrooms and low-volume production environments.

“Throughout the past couple of years, we have continued to innovate, and the timing of MACH 2022 couldn’t be better as we can bring these new developments to a wider audience and demonstrate their capabilities, with visitors having the option of putting ProtoTrak through its paces.”