Mollart & Fanuc partner to launch upgraded vertical drilling machine at EMO

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Mollart Engineering has partnered with Fanuc UK to develop a new version of its specialist VDM vertical micro drilling machine, which will be launched at EMO 2017.

The new multi-axis VDMF machine is a complete upgrade on its predecessor, having been equipped with Fanuc drives, motors and CNC control.

The new machine is also equipped with a W-axis and a two-axis coordinate table for prismatic parts drilling or, alternatively, on-board loading options. The machine comes equipped with the option of either two or four spindles.

The original VDM machine was originally developed in Germany by a company that was subsequently acquired by Mollart Engineering.With the original team due to retire, the decision was made to partner with Fanuc to develop an upgraded version, replacing the original PLC control and drives with new Fanuc drives, motors and CNC.

Explains Mollart Engineering sales director Ian Pettit: “When we first acquired the VDM it was clear that the machine had enormous qualities, but needed significant upgrades to the drives and CNC in order for it to reach its full potential in the marketplace.

“We’ve worked with Fanuc for more than 25 years and they were the natural partners to help us develop the machine. We believe that, together, we have now developed a best-in-class precision micro-drilling machine that is easy to programme, highly productive and can be easily retrofitted with robotic automation. Most importantly, the VDMF has a highly competitive price point for a machine of this quality.”

Adds Fanuc UK sales and marketing director Andrew Armstrong,: “Our partnership with Mollart is well-established and we were delighted to be invited to partner with it on the upgrading of its micro-drilling machine. The inclusion of Fanuc CNC in particular has made the VDMF much more efficient and easy to programme, compared to its predecessor. Fanuc CNC is the most popular CNC in the world, which means that programmers will feel comfortable with the programming language and its capabilities – all of which help to deliver a more efficient production environment.”

Mollart Engineering and Fanuc UK will be available at EMO 2017 in Hall 16, Stand B05 and Hall 25, Stand A 75 respectively.