Vertical machining centre offers five side capability

Simultaneous 5-axis tool positioning and combined multiple operations, incorporating up to five sides of a component, into a single cycle can be achieved with the latest Dugard Eagle X-5 vertical machining centre. As a result, high levels of geometric relationship between different features of a component will be maintained and, by combining operations, shorter production lead times can be achieved. The Dugard Eagle X-5 5-axis VMC is controlled by the high specification Heidenhain iTNC 530 control and there is a choice of options to suit different machining scenarios and customer needs. For instance, while the standard spindle is 10,000 rpm via a belt drive it can also accommodate high speed 18,000 and 24,000 rpm units. The fully supported combined saddle and table casting sits on an exceptionally rigid bed casting to provide maximum stability to the direct mounted, trunnion-style rotary and tilt table. This enables the 2-axis unit to accept loads up to 600 kg and has high torque linear technology drive motors integrated within the rotary and tilting axes. Travels are 500 by 600 by 465 mm in XYZ, respectively, while the A-axis can be tilted between +95 to –95 deg. The fully programmable 360 deg C-axis can be positioned or rotated at up to 100 rpm to accommodate light turning applications integrated with 5-axis milling and drilling cycles. Rapid traverse rates are 40 m/min in each axis to an accuracy of +0.005 mm and repeatability is within five microns.