Mikron MILL E 700UThe market, so it seems, is jam-packed with different manufacturers’ five-axis machine tool offerings — all purporting to provide unrivalled performance, flexibility and value. It is a confusing and frustrating situation for component manufacturers and precision mould, tool and die makers looking to invest in the ‘right machine’ for their machine shops and toolrooms that can meet their immediate and future machining requirements.
United Machining, previously GF Machining Solutions, has a rich pedigree in milling and five-axis machining technology in particular. The company’s Mikron brand is synonymous with quality, accuracy and high-productivity, and its Mikron MILL E 500U/700U machine tool range that superseded the popular and proven HEM U series, has taken the market by storm — especially with aerospace, automotive and power generation component manufacturers.
Both machines have a rigid and stable C-frame construction made from cast iron and boast large guideways, double side-supported (direct-drive) rotary tilting tables (-65/+120deg/n x 360deg) that can take up to a 450kg maximum load and direct-drive high-performance and high-torque STEPTEC spindle options (BT40 20kW/12,000rev/min and HSK-A63 36kW/20,000rev/min).
Thermally-stable spindlesThe machines’ thermally-stable spindles keep their accuracy, and are designed for all eventualities, from heavy duty roughing and high and fast removal rates, through to super-fine finishing. Available with either the latest Heidenhain or Fanuc controls, both machines feature impressively large tool magazines (30–215 tools), enabling the machine to handle small batches without having to be stopped for frequent re-tooling operations. Increased productivity can be realised via a range of automation options that include integrated workpiece pallet and clamping systems (such as Delphin, MTS, Dynafix or UPC).
Like all new United Machining machines, Mikron MILL E 500U/700U machining centres benefit from the company’s ‘My rConnect’ (Remote Assist) digital services platform that connects the machines, directly and securely, to United Machining experts for fast and efficient service support, trouble-shooting and machine optimisation to reduce downtime and production processing interruptions.