This new introduction to the XYZ range brings with it a wide range of design features, while adding functionality and performance at a very competitive price point.
Weighing in at over 9 tonnes, the XYZ UMC-5X features a compact, gantry-style, design that maximises the front loading working area while maintaining a relatively small footprint. Its construction makes use of solid meehanite castings to create a rigid platform that allows high-speed, precise machining of complex shapes and forms across a wide variety of materials.
The design results from extensive use of Ansys simulation and finite element analysis techniques, a combination that delivers a machine with maximum stability and reduced vibration even under heavy, highly dynamic, cutting conditions.
Performance of the XYZ UMC-5X is enhanced with a choice of spindles, ranging from 12,000/15,000rpm in-line direct drive variants through to high-power, high-speed, 18,000/24,000rpm core-cooled motorised units. All spindle options are equipped with a high pressure through spindle coolant system.
The C-axis torque-driven table is 600mm diameter and, can take components weighing up to 600kg yet remains highly mobile with maximum rotational speed of 90rpm, this is combined with feedrates of 36m/min in X, Y and Z axes with agility aided by the acceleration of 7m/sec. The tilting A-axis, which has a tilt range of ±120°, with full rotation in under 2.5 seconds, has a feedrate of 16.6rpm with the A and C axes also benefitting from absolute angle encoders, while linear scales are standard in X Y & Z.
To give customers added choice, XYZ will offer the machine with the Siemens 840DSL control as standard or, as an option, the Heidenhain iTNC530 HSCI, both of these high-performance controls have fast block processing capabilities suited to simultaneous 5-axis machining, they also benefit from having Smart Machining Technology (SMT) integrated to further improve machine performance. The four key elements of SMT are Tool-Tip Positioning Control, Spindle Vibration Supervision, Metal removal Rate Optimisation and Axial Accuracy Control.
Tool Tip Positioning provides real-time monitoring of any spindle thermal growth using an embedded measurement system, data collected is fed back to the control and offsets are adjusted in real-time, this generates improvements in accuracy of between 5-6 times compared to when the system isn’t employed. Similarly, Spindle Vibration Supervision uses embedded motion sensors to monitor spindle condition and reacts accordingly to different levels of vibration, level one being a notification to the operator, level two automatically reduces cutting data, while level three will stop the machine to prevent damage. Metal Removal Rate Optimisation also makes use of characteristics of the machine, cutting tool, workpiece and control to maximise the cutting condition. The system automatically uses this information to enhance cutting data with improvements of up to 14.3% in metal removal possible and surface finish improved by up to 61.5%. Axial Accuracy Control (ACC) helps combat overall thermal growth in the machine thanks to integrated thermal sensors that constantly monitor the machine’s temperature. ACC is automatically activated with temperature fluctuations to overcome thermal deformation and improve consistency and accuracy.
“We have looked long and hard to find what we feel is the right solution to 5-axis machining and, in the UMC-5X, I believe XYZ Machine Tools has a machine to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers, from those just starting out in the 5-axis arena, to those already well-versed in this technology,” stated XYZ managing director, Nigel Atherton. “The machine is a perfect fit with our existing range in that it combines excellent value for money with extremely high specifications, which we know will make it attractive to XYZ customers.”
As with all other machines in the XYZ range there will be stock held at the company’s Burlescombe headquarters, with seven machines of differing specifications due to arrive early 2017. This initial shipment of seven machines, including five with the Siemens control and two with the Heidenhain system, will be ready for customer deliveries from March 2017. A series of launch events will be held for the XYZ UMC-5X. To register to attend please contact XYZ on 01823 674200 or e-mail sales@xyzmachinetools.
