Doubled up high-speed multi-axis machining – MACH 2022

On show for the first time on Hurco’s stand will be the BX60i 3-axis, double-column, portal machining centre that maintains dynamic stability and accuracy despite having large X- and Y- axis travels. The next model down in size, the BX50i made its debut at MACH 2018.

Ideal for producing large mould tools or aerospace components, the BX60i has a 1,600 x 1,300 x 700mm working volume, more than twice as large as that of its smaller counterpart. Positional accuracy is maintained via linear scales. Standard features include an 18,000rpm HSK63A 35kW spindle, 20 bar coolant through the spindle and 36m/minute rapids.

In addition to the highly popular VM10i, which combines a compact footprint with the capacity and performance of a big 3-axis machining centre, there will be a VMX30Di with 762 x 508 x 610mm travels and direct-drive 15,000rpm spindle, while a large VMX60Ti with high-torque 237Nm spindle will complete the line-up.

The Max5 control will be evident on all Hurco machines and visitors will have the opportunity to see the latest software developments, including solid model import that now includes surfaces.

5-axis machining

One Hurco 5-axis machining centre on show will be the VMX42SRTi, a bestselling model, the latest version of which has directly-encoded torque motors driving both the B-axis spindle and flush C-axis rotary table. Linear scales and 20 bar coolant through the spindle are now standard features on the SRTi as well as on the 4-axis SWi swivel-head models.

The SRTi range of 5-axis VMCs is popular because these B-axis models can be used as a 3-axis machine that exploits the full working volume. That is in addition to impressive 5-axis machining capabilities, a 600mm diameter rotary table with 500kg load capacity and a 40-taper, 12,000rpm motor spindle with upgrades available to 16,000, 18,000 or 24,000rpm. Furthermore, the VMX60SRTi has benefitted from a redesign of the machine frame, improving geometric stability and sliding cover efficiency.

In addition to a smaller Hurco VMX42SRTi B-axis machine, the compact VMX30UDi 5-axis trunnion-type, direct-drive, 15,000rpm model with 200kg load capacity will be demonstrated. A compact, entry-level, 5-axis VM10Ui and a VMX60Ti 3-axis machine equipped with a Kitagawa TT182 rotary-tilt table will also feature.

There will be a total of five machines with 5-axis capability cutting metal, including a RXP500DSC. Built by Roeders in Germany, the machining centre is of trunnion configuration and is capable of super-high accuracy and of producing a mirror-like surface finish.

Such production centres are frequently deployed for rotary die manufacture, micro-machining, bottle mould manufacture and jig grinding. An applications engineer from Germany will be available on the stand to discuss specific applications. Hurco has represented this manufacturer in the UK and the Republic of Ireland for 18 years.

Automation solutions

The addition of automation to Hurco machines is well established and relatively simple. On the stand at MACH, the two most popular will be shown. There will be a Hurco ProCobot Profeeder assisting the production of parts on a VM20i 3-axis machining centre and an Erowa Robot Compact 80 feeding the new VMX30UDi VMC.

The ProCobot picks and places components, with the app running directly on the control, making plug and play for automation a reality. Conversational engraving using true-type fonts and surface wrapping will be demonstrated.

The Erowa cell, on the other hand, transfers the workholding as well as the part. The choice of system is dependent upon the application. Both solutions lend themselves well to Hurco’s typical customers, which tend to undertake small to medium batch runs.

Hurco
www.hurco.co.uk
Hall 20, Stand 510