Driving force

Two recently introduced milling machines from Nicolás Correa are leveraging the benefits of the latest generation of rack and pinion drive technology from Redex.

Choosing the advanced Redex drive train is a way to enhance dynamic performance for users of the new Fox-M gantry-type CNC milling machine, and the Fenix travelling column CNC milling machine.

The Fox-M represents a new and innovative concept of gantry-type machine which combines traditional roughing capacity with the speed and precision of high-performance machining. It features an innovative system which controls the temperature generated in the vertical axis of the machine.

While a high dynamic capacity of 25-30m/minute in X and Y are supported by V-shaped linear guideways, the Z axis features a water-cooled box type guideway, allowing up to 30m/minute speeds and ensuring an optimum damping capacity even when the ram is fully extended.

A Fox M machine was present on Nicolás Correa's stand at the last AMB exhibition in Stuttgart, where it was arguably the biggest machine at the show. Seven models are available, spanning X-axis traverse distances of 5.000 to 14.000mm. The 6.000rpm spindle is available with two different spindle motors: 37kW/1,298Nm or 52kW/1,375Nm. Both options are offered with either ISO-50 Big Plus or HSK-100 taper.

Moreover, the UDX milling head is also available in this model, featuring 10,000rpm with 30kW/620Nm, mechanically transmitted through bevel gears; claimed by Correa to be unique in the world.

One of the main differentiators with Correa Fox M milling machines is the head technology. For instance, the company´s UAD universal and OAD orthogonal indexing milling heads feature patented technology allowing rotation every 0.02°. And the Correa 2-axis ´twist-type´ contouring head can be supplied alternatively supplied to those seeking 5-axis machining solutions. This type of head features high performance electro-spindle or spindle geared transmission.

Typical applications for the Fox M include construction machinery components, railway parts, machine tool components and wind energy frames.

The Fenix is another recent addition to Nicolás Correa portfolio, introducing a new concept of travelling column machine with lateral ram. Highly robust, the Fenix is based on a system of L-guided RAM technology, with high precision enabled through a mechanical system of ram droop correction.

A flexible machine ideal for both roughing and finishing operations, Fenix is available with X-axis travels of 4,000 to 25,000mm. The 6.000rpm UAD milling head features 33kW/990Nm. Both UAD and 2-axis contouring heads are available for applications that include artillery guns, wind energy hubs, heat exchangers and large rotors.

A common denominator of both the Fox M and Fenix machines is that they leverage the benefits of the latest Redex planetary drivetrain technology in the rack and pinion X-axis drive, especially the latest developments that reduce vibration and noise while improving precision and service life.

This development is an example of how Redex continues to focus its efforts in the most challenging areas, for instance evolving the planetary gear train to reduce vibration, noise and transmission errors.

That’s one of the reasons why Javier Hernando, technical director at Nicolás Correa, has confirmed that using Redex rack and pinion drives for linear axes has improved the vibration and accuracy performance of the X-axes on Fox-M and Fenix models – a solution which provides users of these machines with excellent output torsional stiffness, high output radial stiffness and tilting moment, higher input speeds, optimal preload, and superior acceleration and torque density.

Moving forward, Redex gearbox solutions will be at heart of many future machine tool developments from Nicolás Correa. Indeed Redex’s objective is to meet all the needs of machine tool builders that are looking for latest advances in rack and pinion drives, planetary servo-reducers, spindle drive gearboxes.

The company’s expertise also extends to differential drives, right-angle bevel gearboxes, multi-speed gearboxes and a host of associated products.

Redex has three manufacturing plants in France and Germany) with a consolidated turnover of nearly €70 million. It employs 400 people throughout the world. Global activity is supported through a wide network of subsidiaries and agents, including three service centres located in North America, Asia and Europe.

Nicolás Correa is represented in the UK by Chorley, Lancashire-based DTS UK.

DTS UK www.dtsuk.co.uk

Nicolás Correa www.nicolascorrea.com

Redex www.machine-tool-drives.com

Company

DTS UK

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