The T-Rex spindle, available on four-axis HMC 1250/1600 machines, can deliver 60 kW continuous power and up to 2,600 Nm (1,918 lb ft) torque to produce extreme metal removal rates on large workpieces of hard to machine materials, such as titanium, Inconel, and Carpenter 465. Developed for the machining needs of aerospace, energy and heavy equipment manufacturers, the T-Rex spindle is engineered with 130 mm (5.1 in) ID bearings to handle the 42.3 kN (9,500 lb) cutting thrust capability of the HMC 1250/1600 series horizontal machining centers.
"This cut produced an excellent surface finish with no sign of chatter and virtually no vibration," says Pete Beyer, director of product strategy and development at Fives Giddings & Lewis. "The power of this spindle is so great that it easily handled the full Y-axis thrust of the machine, which can be equipped with higher torque axis motors to produce even higher metal removal rates. This power, coupled with the stiffness and vibration damping of the machine, puts the HMC 1250/1600 in a class by itself for large hard-metal parts."
The HMC 1250/1600 machines differ in size: the former has spindle travels of 2,100 by 1,500 mm in X and Y; the latter 2,700 by 1,800 mm in X and Y (optionally up to 3,300 by 2,100). A 360° rotating table offers the fourth axis. Both models can also be provided with a five-axis high-torque tilt spindle with continuous torque of 1161 Nm (856 lb ft). Other spindle options are available for the HMC series as well, including quill spindles and high speed units up to 24,000 rpm. Machines come standard with linear scale feedback in X, Y and Z axes, providing 8 micron positioning accuracy and 5 micron repeatability per ISO 230-2. Heavy-duty hardened and ground roller guide ways enable a rapid traverse rate of up to 35 m/min.
