Three-axis VMCs with excellent cutting performance

DN Solutions’ DNM 4500, 5700 and 6700 (fourth generation) three-axis vertical machining centres (VMCs) from Mills CNC provide component manufacturers with excellent cutting performance, fast processing speeds, guaranteed accuracies and unrivalled machining flexibility. A firm favourite with manufacturers, both large and small, these machines with their rigid design and build, large work envelopes, powerful spindles, generously sized tool changers and choice of control, are favoured by manufacturers in a wide range of industry sectors, including aerospace, defence, automotive, motorsport, oil and gas, power generation and medical.

Visit any UK or Irish component manufacturer and you will no doubt see at least one DN Solutions’ high-performance DNM VMC hard at work, performing everything from roughing out cast iron engine blocks to the super-fine finishing of stainless steel medical components — and everything in-between. Standard-sized DNM 4500, 5700 and 6700 (Fourth-Generation) machines, and their long-bed versions, are equipped with powerful, directly-coupled spindles (18.5kW 12,000-15,000rev/min 118Nm) that deliver increased accuracies and reduced vibration even during heavy-duty operations. Improved thermal compensation capabilities and roller-type LM guides also help maintain part accuracies over extended periods of operation.

All models feature large worktables (up to 1,500 x 670mm on the DNM 6700 for example), with high load capabilities (1,300kg table load on the DNM 6700), making them equally adept at machining large workpieces or multiple smaller parts, quickly and accurately. Fourth-Generation DNM models have good-sized ATCs (up to 60 tools) and boast fast tool-to-tool changeovers (1.2sec), thereby reducing non-cutting times and improving productivity. Further reliability and process efficiency is guaranteed by a new, innovative shutter that protects the ATC from swarf ingress.

Machining flexibility
Furthermore, the machines can be supplied with the latest Fanuc, Siemens or Heidenhain controls with operator and programmer training provided by Mills CNC’s Training Academy. The machine tool supplier can also supply a range of accessories, including 4th- and 5th-axis units to increase DNM machines’ performance and machining flexibility and all models can be integrated with a range of different automation options that include DN Solutions’ AWC (automated workpiece pallet changer) or Mills CNC’s SYNERGi industrial robot systems.

DNM machining centres are a proven and reliable milling solution and are always in demand. Owing to their popularity, large numbers are held in stock at Mills’ Campus facility in Leamington and are regularly showcased at events and exhibitions Mills CNC attends each year.

Tony Dale, Mills CNC’s Group CEO, said: “DNM 4500, 5700 and 6700 machines, available with a choice of control, have always been among our best-selling machine tools, and the recent introduction of the new fourth-generation machines will only increase their appeal. Sales of all-new DNM machines to date have been encouraging, and the DNM 5700 model is worthy of special mention.”

Newhaven-based AEP Precision Engineering, a leading precision engineering specialist, and the CNC machining subsidiary of parent company, Smith Metal Fabrications, has recently invested in a new DNM 5700 equipped with a fourth-axis unit. Components machined on the company’s DNM 5700 are predominantly processed in low volumes and include prototypes and one- and two-offs through to small batch series, and are made from a range of materials that include mild steel, stainless steels (Stainless 316), aluminium, brass, bronze, copper and engineering plastics. A specific job, one of many machined on the new DNM 5700 to date, involved the machining of 20 decorative metal rosettes for a pair of replacement doors for Trafalgar House, London and was a part of a larger, high-profile refurbishment project.

Great investment
David Mayers, Smith Metal Fabrications’ director, said: “The new DNM 5700 machine is proving to be a great investment. The machine delivers everything we expect from it, and the fact that it is backed by Mills’ after-sales service and support, gives us peace of mind.”

Similarly positive vibes can be gleaned from Lancashire-based Custom Metalworks, a new precision engineering specialist start up business in Ormskirk, that invested in a new DNM 5700 equipped with a fifth-axis rotary table, tool and table probing systems and an oil mist extraction unit, last year. The machine has been put through its paces machining a range of performance-critical plastic components for a leading manufacturer of innovative patient positioning products and equipment.

Jack Eckersley, Custom Metalworks’ owner and managing director, said: “I was looking for a machine that delivered fast processing speeds, high accuracies and good surface finishes, and that would enable us to machine large and/or smaller multiple parts in a single set up. The DNM 5700, with its advanced spindle technology, rigid and thermally-stable build, fast rapids and large working envelope offered the ideal solution.”

From OEMs and Tier Ones through to precision sub-contract specialists, DN Solutions’ DNM VMCs supplied in the UK and Ireland by Mills CNC are proving their worth and have cemented their position as the preferred three-axis milling solution for many component manufacturers.