In the spotlight at Manufacturing Solutions – Ireland

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of DN Solutions’ and Zayer machine tools in the UK and Ireland, and the provider of best-in-class CNC training courses (Fanuc, Siemens and Heidenhain) through its CNC Training Academy operation in Leamington Spa, is setting out to impress visitors attending this year’s Manufacturing Solutions – Ireland show, which is taking place 11-12 June (Stand T1/T22). The company, which already has a significant and growing market share in the Irish machine tool market, intends to strengthen its position still further by showcasing one of its latest multi-axis machines.

The new second-generation DN Solutions’ DVF 5000 simultaneous five-axis machining centre will be making its show debut and, in addition to the machine’s many impressive features and innovations, will be showcased with the new Siemens’ Sinumerik One CNC control and its ‘digital twin’ technology. The new generation fiv-axis machining centres will, according to Tony Dale, Mills CNC’s Group CEO: “take the market by storm, and make ‘one-hit’ machining a reality for many component manufacturers”.

The new DVF 5000s are faster, more accurate and flexible than the previous-generation DVF 5000 models and are equipped with directly-coupled, oil-cooled 15,000-20,000rev/min spindles, strategically-located thermal compensation sensors and large 630mm diameter rotary tilting tables. They feature fast 42m/min rapids on their X, Y and Z axes, generously-sized tool changers — up to 120 tools — with fast tool changeover times and roller-type LM guideways too.

The first-generation DVF 5000 models were launched by Mills CNC into the UK and Irish markets back in 2018, and quickly became the five-axis machine tool of choice for many component manufacturers. The machine tool supplier is confident that the second generation machines will prove equally as popular as their predecessors.

Sets new standards
The Sinumerik One is Siemens’ latest, future-proofed CNC system designed for high-productivity machine tools like the new DN Solutions’ DVF 5000 five-axis machining centres, although they can also be supplied with Fanuc or Heidenhain controls. Bringing together the real and virtual machining worlds, the Sinumerik One CNC control optimises PLC and CNC performance, and sets new standards in machining speeds, process efficiencies and flexibility.

The open-architecture control combines an advanced CNC, iHMI, PLC, closed loop control and communication tasks within a single PPU. Key features include: advanced 3-D simulation including collision protection; 3000 block look-ahead capability for fast and smooth contouring; quick data transfer for increased productivity and efficiency; a user-friendly dialogue that widens the CNC’s universal appeal; and a 15in touchscreen with a scratch-resistant surface for easy and secure programming and operation.

The Sinumerik One also allows users to take advantage of its innovative digital twin technology enabling them to access, via the ‘Run my Virtual Machine’ feature, to simulate and verify part programs — optimising a program’s accuracy, speed and safety, in advance — before the program is used on the shopfloor. The digital twin feature also provides a proven, best-in-class digital training tool that allows operators and programmers to be ‘virtually trained’ on all aspects of the Sinumerik One control without a ‘physical’ machine tool being present.

Mr Dale, Mills CNC’s Group CEO, concluded: “Ireland is an important market for Mills CNC, and we are delighted to be showcasing advanced ground-breaking technologies on our stand at this year’s Manufacturing Solutions - Ireland trade show. Our new DVF 5000 simultaneous five-axis machine will, I am sure, draw in the crowds, and the Sinumerik One digital twin technology, being presented by staff from our CNC Training Academy, will be equally well-received.”