Featuring a highly rigid overhead gantry design, a patented backlash elimination system and twin ballscrew drives for the Y axis, Wele Universal Gantry UG-series machines are available with work envelopes of 550 x 700 x 500mm (UG550) and 800 x 950 x 650 (UG800).
Made by Wele Mechatronic — a sister company of Mitsui Seiki and Toyoda Machine Tool — these machines are available in the UK from Hinckley-based 2D CNC Machinery Ltd (
www.2dcnc.co.uk).
Included in the machine specification is Heidenhain linear scale feedback for each axis, and a special Wele-developed high-precision A-axis trunnion offering a movement of +30 to -120deg. This two-axis unit has 6,000Nm of torque to drive the trunnion rotational axis that carries the 800mm-diameter rotary table (C axis).
The unit fitted to the larger machine can accommodate loads up to 1 tonne and rotate at speeds up to 100rev/min; it has a torque rating of 2,300Nm (as an option, both machines can be fitted with a fixed rectangular table, a single C-axis rotary table or a pair of smaller C-axis rotary tables). Each of the main axes has a rapid-traverse rate of 48m/min and an acceleration rate of 5m/sec2.
The standard spindle is rated at 30kW 14,000rev/min (115Nm of torque), and there is the option of a 35kW 22,000rev/min unit. A 30-tool umbrella-type magazine is standard, with a 60-tool capacity unit available as an option; tool exchange can be made with the trunnion in any working position.
A feature of the machine’s design is a moveable roof that accommodates automation for loading or allows overhead cranes to have clear access for the loading and unloading of heavy components. Control is via a Heidenhain iTNC 530; a Fanuc 31iM-A5 is available as an option.