Next generation of Sodick technology

Introduced to the UK in the spring, the new Sodick UX450L high-end machining centre from Warwick-based Sodi-Tech EDM Ltd has already made a major impact with manufacturers. The high-speed machining centre with linear drives has a 10-year guarantee on positional accuracy — and UK machine shops are already benefitting from its outstanding performance.

As pioneers in linear drive technology, Sodick created the world’s first independently developed linear drives incorporated into mass-produced machine tools. Over 25 years later, the next generation of Sodick technology is pushing the limits of what is possible with the arrival of the new UX450L.

The robustly built Sodick has a gantry structure, Z-axis cast cooling that minimises thermal displacement and a low centre of gravity that all combine to deliver excellent stability and rigidity. Furthermore, the proprietary cooling system minimises thermal displacement and guarantees unprecedented levels of precision and stability for exceptional machining results.

High-speed machining
Conor Plaskitt, technical sales manager at Sodi-Tech EDM, said: “We are very well known for EDM but not so much for high-speed machining. However, the two work together very well. For a typical copper or graphite electrode manufacturer, the Sodick UX450L is ideal. If you look at processes where spark erosion isn’t always necessary, the UX450L is the perfect machine.

“It is ideal for hard milling where manufacturers want ‘mirror-like’ surface finishes and very tight tolerances. The machine has a high-speed 40,000rev/min spindle and as Sodick is a world leader with its linear motor technology, the ability of the machine kinematics and axis movements to start and stop very quickly with pinpoint precision is exceptional.”

From a specification perspective, the Sodick UX450L has X, Y and Z-axis travels of 450 x 350 x 200mm with a spacious 600 x 400mm work table. It also features a 16-position automatic tool change facility and linear glass scale feedback on the X, Y and Z-axis linear motors that are all temperature controlled.

Looking at parts that can be manufactured on this high-end machine to eliminate time-consuming processes on alternate machine tools, Mr Plaskitt continued: “The machine is perfect for complex components that need very high surface finishes, such as mould tooling. The UX450L can achieve such high-quality surface finishes that it eliminates the requirement for time-consuming grinding or secondary polishing. Likewise, the machine can replace jig grinding applications - another skill that is gradually being lost.”

Focusing on the control panel in particular, he added: “With any Sodick product, we have a Sodick PLC on the front end, so it is a Sodick control in terms of programming. It has full conversational programming and we have also just enhanced our tool measurement methods.”

Intuitive interaction
The LN4X NC unit has been designed for intuitive interaction through its 19in touch screen control panel. This is enhanced by the simple program creation function software that prompts the operator to input simple data parameters on the screen for immediate machine uptime. Other features include the sleep mode function that minimises power consumption by recognising idle times such as program stops, coolant stops, axis movement stops and more.

The LN4X NC unit is supported by the SEPTune machining support system that delivers simple and smooth operation with just four steps to the machining operations. To streamline productivity, Sodick has introduced its MotionExpert-S simulation software and the EF-Tune machining feed rate software. With MotionExpert-S providing collision detection and EF-Tune analysing programs and recommending optimised feed rates and cutting conditions – the UX450L presents the most user-friendly, intuitive and productive interface on the market.

With a Blum tool measurement system that works in tandem with a Renishaw touch sensor, the Sodick UX450L demonstrates precision and repeatability which are the envy of the industry. As Conor adds: “Traditionally, we used to use a laser but with a spot diameter on the laser, manufacturers are limited to the size diameter of cutting tool that you can go down to.

“We use an optical system which means we can go down to a 0.2mm diameter cutting tool with absolutely no problem and still measure to a couple of microns. The camera we have on the machine will not only check the form of the cutter but also the run-out. The shrink fit toolholders are good for 2µm, but we can counteract that by using the camera system.”

Discussing how the UX450L is unique in the field of machining centres, Conor adds: “This is not your run-of-the-mill machining centre. This machine sits at the very top tier of the machining centre pyramid. This makes it perfect for high-end medical and mould and die applications as well as other niche areas that demand such levels of precision.”