XYZ launches new TMC machine range – with ProtoTRAK

At three dedicated events, which took place during November at its Huddersfield, Nuneaton and Devon facilities, XYZ Machine Tools unveiled four brand new machine tools as part of its TMC range. Centred around XYZ’s renowned and hugely popular ProtoTRAK RMX control, these cost-effective machines represent even better value if purchased before the Government’s Super Deduction Scheme expires on 31^st March 2023. Dave Tudor reports.

Straight off the bat, let’s establish who the TMC range is mainly targeted at. TMC is an acronym for Toolroom Machining Centre and fundamentally the four machines that make up the new series – XYZ 500 TMC, XYZ 750 TMC, XYZ 1000 TMC, and XYZ 1600 TMC – are for customers that perhaps already own an XYZ bed mill equipped with a ProtoTRAK CNC, but would like to harness the power and simplicity of ProtoTRAK in an enclosed VMC format.

Or put another way, if you take the machine hardware and architecture from XYZ’s LR (linear rail) range of 3-axis VMCs and introduce RMX ProtoTRAK into the mix, essentially you have the new TMC series. The different model numbers of the four machines represent their respective X-axis travels.

Also, if you have an older an old ProtoTRAK machine, you can save programs and use them in the new TMC series models.

While the open architecture of a bed or turret mill remains popular in terms of their inherent ease of access and operation, with TMC machines, the lure of ProtoTRAK familiarity coupled with an enclosed VMC design and automatic tool changing, not to mention enhanced health and safety/cleanliness benefits through not having swarf or cutting fluid finding their way onto the floor, is hard to resist.

“We believe that the TMC range will especially – but certainly not exclusively – appeal to existing ProtoTRAK bed mill users,” explains Nigel Atherton, XYZ Machine Tools’ managing director. “These are customers that are familiar with the control but perhaps experience limitations because of the manual tool change. The incorporation of a tool changer with the TMC series negates that limitation while still taking advantage of all the benefits ProtoTRAK is renowned for. The machines can be used manually via the handwheels or in full CNC mode for serious production.”    

Pivotal and popular 

ProtoTRAK has been absolutely pivotal to XYZ Machine Tools’ phenomenal success since it was first introduced nearly 30 years ago and today it remains as popular as ever. Its touchscreen interface and many easy-to-use programming tools make the control ideal for low to medium production.

Combining that with a fully enclosed machining envelope and either a 12 or 20 station automatic toolchanger make the XYZ TMC the ideal machine for businesses to step up productivity in their low to medium volume activities. All models have a 15hp (11kW) spindle motor producing 8,000rpm (12,000rpm optional) spindle speeds.

The use of the ProtoTRAK control brings many advantages, which will be appreciated by existing ProtoTRAK users, such as the TRAKing feature, which uses handwheel movement to prove the program. The faster you wind, the faster it machines. Stop or reverse the handwheel and the machine does the same. Again, for those familiar with XYZ’s ProtoTRAK bed mills the TMC series machines are fitted as standard with a remote handwheel to move all axes.

Electronic handwheels that can slide to the front of the vision panel are optional. With this option users can work the machine as if it were a bed mill, using the DRO facility for manual machining while having the security of the fully enclosed guarding to keep swarf and coolant within the machining environment.

The RMX ProtoTRAK control also simplifies programming to deliver maximum efficiency, with users having the option of programming at the machine using its conversational programming software or, using offline programming making use of ProtoTRAK’s G-code compatibility for more complex 3D components.

While retaining many features that made ProtoTRAK the success it is, the latest RX (RMX for milling, RLX for turning) version adds even more features, including Enhanced ProtoTRAK Assistance (EPA), giving instant access to in-depth help at any point in the programming/operating procedure.

Feature rich

Auto Geometry Engine (AGE) is also a specific feature of the ProtoTRAK RMX control. AGE is effectively a CAD capability within the control allowing users to overcome issues when data is lacking from drawings by automatically calculating missing dimensions during programming.

Touchscreen capability takes AGE to a new level, with the new Tap to Guess feature. With the part shown on-screen, simply tapping where the intersection or tangent point is unknown, the AGE software calculates the dimension data. AGE can be used in both profiles and pockets and is capable of machining pockets with an unlimited number of islands located inside their boundaries.

The Adaptive Toolpath feature can drastically reduce cycle times on complex milling cycles, a feature more commonly found on high-end CAD/CAM systems. The ‘look’ feature now runs alongside the program inputs for program verification and along with live updating of program events, it will also show a conventional toolpath and give the user estimated cycle times to ensure the most efficient method has been selected. For the ultimate program check a solid 3D rendered image can be shown using the verify feature. 

The control also comes with the option of adding a DXF Converter which benefits from the touchscreen technology to deliver substantial advantages, as importing a DXF file is completely streamlined, eliminating the need for supplementary software and the requirement for a mouse to be connected. A further development is the ability to mix DXF and manual programming during program generation, giving the user total flexibility, all of which is facilitated by the touchscreen.

“With over 15,000 ProtoTRAK controlled mills and lathes installed in the UK extending the use of this versatile, flexible and productivity enhancing control will be a relatively straightforward step for many toolroom, low volume production environments,” says Mr Atherton. “Throughout the past one to two years we have continued to innovate, and these new developments will bring ProtoTRAK and XYZ Machine Tools to a wider audience.”

Super Deduction Scheme

In these challenging economic times, some businesses are understandably going to be a little nervous about making investments but if funds will stretch, taking the plunge on a brand spanking new XYZ TMC (or any other piece of qualifying capital equipment for that matter) before 31^st March 2023 and taking advantage of the Government’s Super Deduction Scheme really does make sound business sense.

In this context, the bottom line is the fact that it means a 130% first year tax relief against the purchase of a NEW machine (note this is new equipment, not used). So, to use a simple example:

• A company spends £50,000 on a new machine tool
• It deducts £65,000 (£50,000 x 130%) using the Super Deduction Scheme
• Company receives a tax saving of 19% (corporation tax rate) x £65,000 = £12,350

If you decided not to invest the £50,000 in capital equipment, you would pay £9,500 tax anyway on the £50,000 profit – so why not save almost 25% on a new machine purchase courtesy of HMRC!

“Time is running out on this,” Mr Atherton adds, “but if a company is looking to invest anyway, it really is a no-brainer. The proviso is that whether purchased outright or via HP agreement, the machine must be delivered and paid for by 31^st March 2023. The good news for interested parties however is that we have extensive stocks of TMC machines and other models at our Devon headquarters.”

XYZ will be debuting the brand new TMC range of ProtoTRAK controlled machining centres at the forthcoming Southern Manufacturing and Electronics show taking place at Farnborough from 7-9 February 2023 on stands H260 and G260. 

XYZ Machine Tools
www.xyzmachinetools.com