Linear developments

Designated the XYZ LR, these machines start at £29,450 to form the first step to VMC ownership from the Devon-based company, while still offering a high specification and performance. The move into linear rail ball bearing slideways will complement the existing box slideway machines offered by XYZ and it comes after extensive research into the latest developments in this motion technology.

“While the use of linear rails has been common for many years, here at XYZ we have resisted their introduction as we felt that the technology, up until now, did not meet our stringent performance criteria, in the same way that box slideways do,” says Nigel Atherton, managing director, XYZ Machine Tools.

“However, with recent advances in linear rail design those concerns have been laid to rest and these machines will allow users to maximise the improvements in digital motion control and modern cutting tool technology while providing a cost advantage to customers by helping them to migrate to CNC machining centre ownership at reduced cost.”

The three-machine range consists of the XYZ 500 LR, XYZ 750 LR and XYZ 1000 LR with the designation relating to X-axis travel. The impressive specification of the LR range includes use of the latest Siemens 828D control, with the option of the ShopMill Advanced software package, a standard 8,000rpm spindle with 10,0000rpm or 12,000rpm spindles as options across the range.

Other generic specifications include feed rates up to 20m/minute in all axes and 12 or 20 position carousel toolchanger as standard, dependant on machine size, with the option of a 24-position arm type on the two larger machines. Table capacity is 250 kg, 500 kg and 800 kg respectively.

The specification of the three machines in the range will be sufficient to cover most applications in a typical machine shop, with the XYZ 750 LR likely to be the most popular choice. This machine has axis travels of 750mm x 440mm x 500mm (XYZ) and is equipped as standard with an 8,000rpm 10hp/7kW, BT40 spindle, and 20 position carousel toolchanger with a maximum 100mm diameter tool capacity.

“At XYZ we are constantly looking to maximise the performance and productivity of our customers and the XYZ LR range is just the latest step along that path. Combined with the recent introduction of the XYZ UMC-5X, gantry-type, 5-axis machine along with other developments to follow later in 2017, we will continue to provide the machines that allow our customers to grow and develop their businesses,” Mr Atherton adds.

XYZ has over 40 XYZ LR machines in build and customers will be able to request demonstrations at any of the company’s five UK showrooms. In addition, open house events will be held on the 26^th and 27^th April at XYZ’s headquarters at Burlescombe and showroom in Nuneaton respectively. Anyone interested in attending can register their interest by contacting their local sales engineer or, by emailing XYZ Machine Tools at sales@xyzmachinetools.com.

XYZ Machine Tools www.xyzmachinetools.com