Nikken opts for Doosan to support machining trials

The DNM installed has a 4th axis interface already in place, so-4-axis machining demonstrations can be carried out. For 4/5-axis machining demonstrations, a Nikken Alpha 21 control with a Macro B Programme will be used in conjunction with the DNM's 4-axis control. Nikken's high-performance tooling solutions (toolholders) will also be promoted on the DNM machine. Because the DNM 500 has a dual-contact spindle design, Nikken will demonstrate its class-leading face and taper tooling on the machine (2-Lock and 3-Lock Systems). For standard, 3-axis machining demonstrations, Nikken will use Microloc workholding solutions. For 4- and 5-axis machining (3+2 and simultaneous 5-axis), Nikken's own range of 5-axis workholding equipment will be demonstrated. Other products that will be promoted on/with the DNM 500 will be: the range of Elbo Controlli tool pre-setters which, via a DNC link, will allow tool data (length and gauge etc.), to be communicated directly from the pre-setter to the DNM's Fanuc control system; VisiCAM software (from Vero), and, in the future, a Nachi MR 20 7-axis robot for workpiece loading and unloading. Said Steve Eckersall, Nikken's senior technical engineer, who carried out the machine tool research project: "We identified a number of key attributes that the machine would need to have and these included: a rigid construction and build quality for heavy-duty and high stock removal machining; a dual-contact spindle design and configuration (to help us promote our range of high-precision face and taper tooling); a large and easily-accessible working envelope (to help promote our rotary tables and workholding and workhandling solutions, and the aesthetic look and feel of the machine. All of these criteria were best met by the Mills CNC/Doosan offering." Nikken's managing director, Tony Bowkett, said: "We have invested considerable resources over the last few months in re-vamping our showroom and training facilities here in the UK. "With the installation of the DNM 500 we now have a new machine tool that not only does the business – it also looks the part." Nick Frampton, managing director, Mills CNC, added "We are delighted that Nikken selected the Doosan DNM 500 machine – and are more than confident that it will live up to their expectations. "We will be working closely with Nikken in the future to develop and strengthen our relationships still further, and will be creating and launching a number of unique, jointly-implemented initiatives to help UK precision manufacturers acquire our technologies as a route to improving their competitiveness."