In the name of research

The faculty of engineering at a leading university in the UK has installed a Hermle C 20 U vertical machining centre with full 5-axis capability and a 40,000rpm spindle to assist in research projects it carries out for aerospace companies.

The medical sector is also serviced and partnerships are being sought in motorsport as a result of the machine's impressive performance producing geometrically complex parts to tight tolerances. Materials processed range from aluminium through many grades of steel to titanium and nickel alloys.

Additionally, the machining centre provides extra capacity for manufacturing bespoke test rigs used for research conducted in various faculties across the campus and in other UK universities, as well as providing a practical resource for postgraduates studying for an MSc or PhD in engineering.

Supplied by Geo Kingsbury Machine Tools, UK agent for the German machine builder, the C 20 U was purchased to increase the size of component that can be machined to 600mm x 450mm x 450mm to tolerances measured in single digit microns, despite the use of fully interpolated 5-axis cycles.

A research coordinator at the university commented that the Hermle was chosen from a variety of different makes and configurations of machining centre, as it offered the best volumetric positioning accuracy, verified during acceptance trials at between one and two microns.

One series of tasks that the machine regularly undertakes is machining of scale models of turbine blades and other aero engine parts for testing. To achieve the required precision during metalcutting and subsequent component inspection, the C 20 U resides in a temperature controlled room alongside a coordinate measuring machine.

The university ordered a well-specified C 20 U at the outset, as machine function is paramount when investing in new plant to ensure that it can carry out the widest possible range of applications. A 40,000rpm spindle was chosen as the machine needs to operate at 20,000 to 30,000rpm for long periods and it has been run at top speed on several occasions.

Swarf management options were included as well as coolant filtration. A Blum LaserControl Micro Compact unit provides non-contact tool setting and monitoring, and a high-speed camera captures real time images from the machining area for subsequent analysis.

Geo Kingsbury
www.gkholdings.com