New 5-axis machining centre from Taiwan

WH-Lead 1002-1
WH-Lead 1002-1

Taiwanese machine tool builder Leadwell CNC machines has introduced a new model, BC-600, at the smaller capacity end of its BC-series of 5-axis machining centres.

On all four models, the rotary axes are provided by a ±110-degree B-axis spindle and an integrated C-axis rotary table, both of which may be interpolated with X, Y and Z to allow full 5-axis production.

The competitively priced, highly specified machines, which are fitted with scales in the linear and rotary axes as standard, are available in the UK and Ireland through recently appointed sole sales and service agent WH-Lead, which is moving into its new Towcester facility this month (April 2020). The first batch of Leadwell machines for stock and demonstration will start arriving from early May.

A notable feature of the 12-tonne BC-600 is its generous working envelope for the nominal 4.7 by 3.8m footprint. Travels in X and Y are 1,100mm and 610mm respectively, while in the Z-axis components 610mm tall can be machined with the spindle in the vertical orientation, rising to 790mm with the spindle horizontal. Cutting feed rate is up to 10m/min, while rapids are 36m/min in X and Y, 30m/min in Z for short idle times and high productivity.

The flush, 600mm diameter rotary table accepts workpieces weighing up to 400kg, but the full 1,280 x 610mm fixed table is able to accommodate 1,400kg components for 3- or 4-axis machining.

The C-axis uses a direct drive motor to provide high torque and rigidity and to avoid the backlash normally associated with worm gear drives. Maximum standard rotational speed of the C-axis table is 120rpm but there is an optional 800 rpm version to provide turning capability.

The tilting spindle, which can be positioned to within 20 seconds of arc, is driven at up to 15,000rpm (optionally 10,000 or 12,000rpm) by an 18.5kW motor. It is replenished automatically with 40-taper or HSK-T63 cutters from a 40-station tool magazine. The spindle's rigidity, coupled with the wide machine column and base and the use of linear roller guideways in the orthogonal axes with dual-nut, 40mm diameter ballscrews in X and Y, result in the ability to undertake rigorous metalcutting.

A broad spectrum of cuts can therefore be taken, from roughing of tough superalloys to fine finishing of any material, ensuring that single set-up production, which is the rationale for 5-axis machining, can be realised.

Controls available are Heidenhain TNC640 with 21GB of programme storage, a DCM function to minimise the risk of a collision during 5-axis cycles and KinematicsOpt geometry error compensation; or Siemens 840D with either full 5-axis or 4 +1 interpolation; or Fanuc 0MiF, which is available only with 4 + 1 capability.

The BC range is completed by models BC-700, -800 and -960, the largest of which has an installed weight of 18.6 tonnes, an 800 mm diameter table and a working envelope of 2,040mm by 1,000mm by 820 (min) / 948 mm (max) in Z.

www.wh-lead.co.uk

Company

WH-Lead Limited

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