First steps

"The VC630/5AX is an inherently versatile 5-axis machine and has been designed for a diverse range of applications,” explains Mills CNC's managing director, Nick Frampton. “From the heavy-duty machining of difficult and hard to machine materials such as titanium and Inconel through to high speed cutting of aluminium, the VC630/5AX can be relied upon for high accuracy machining, heavy metal removal and fine finishing operations.

“As such the machine is forecast to be a big hit with manufacturers machining complex parts for the aerospace, defence, motorsport, medical and mould tool and die sectors."

The VC630/5AX has a rigid construction comprising a one piece bed and heavy ribbed meehanite casting which exhibits excellent vibration and heat dissipation characteristics. Although the machine has a relatively small footprint it punches well above its weight handling parts with maximum diameters of 730mm by 500mm, and maximum workpiece weights of up to 500kg.

The machine can be supplied with a choice of control – Fanuc 31i-A5 or Heidenhain iTNC 530 – and is equipped with a powerful, high torque built in motor driven 12,000rpm spindle (22kW Fanuc; 32kW Heidenhain) and features the dual contact 'Big Plus' face and taper configuration for increased rigidity and reliability, providing users with improved part accuracy, good surface finishes and enhanced contouring capability

Axis travels on the machine are 650mm x 765mm x 520mm (XYZ) with corresponding traverse rates of 40m/minute, 40m/minute and 36m/minute. The machine's 5-axis capability is delivered through the use of an A and C axis enabling users to machine parts (simultaneous 5-axis or via 3+2 operations) by using the VC630/5AX's trunnion with +30°/-120° of movement, and rotary table configuration with continuous 360° of movement in the C axis in 0.0001° increments. Rapid rates in the machine's A axis and C axis are 20rpm and 30rpm respectively.

The VC630/5AX is equipped with a 60 station, bi-directional, double arm ATC (BT 40), and the machine's tool change time is one second. Other standard features on the machine include its large capacity 360 litre coolant tank, internal screw conveyor and automatic retractable top door for easy workpiece load/unload. Machine tool options include a 20,000rpm spindle and coolant through spindle (20 or 70 bar).

“The VC630/5AX will be available to customers from February 2010,” Mr Frampton advises. “Similar to other Doosan multi-axis machines we've launched into the UK and Irish markets over recent years – like the MX series of mill/turn centres – we're extremely confident about the success of the new 5-axis machine. We've already taken enquiries some three months before its availability."

Mills CNC
www.millscnc.co.uk