Moore ultra-fast 5-axis machine slashes impeller machining costs
1 min read
In its first application ever, the Moore FSP 300x ultra-fast 5-axis CNC machining centre has produced a machined turbocharger impeller for the same price as for less fuel-efficient cast impellers – and 90 per cent less than machined impellers made any other way.
This feat has been achieved by Turbocam Automated Production Systems (TAPS), Barrington, New Hampshire, USA, which runs four of the machines 24/7, producing a variety of impellers ranging from 2 to 6 inches in diameter. Through lean manufacturing and advanced 5-axis machining practices with the Moores, TAPS has slashed the price for a typical machined impeller by 90 per cent, matching cast impeller prices.
On a 10-inch aluminum impeller, TAPS removes 50 per cent of material from a 19 lb aluminum forging in just 2 hours and 55 minutes. Volumetric accuracy over the entire part is held to 0.001 inch and surface finish quality stands at 125 mico-inches. No hand finishing is needed.
The Moore FSP 300x CNC machine is built from the ground up for true ultra-high-speed 5-axis machining. Unique in its class, the machine boasts a fixed position horizontal spindle and 'table on table' rotary design to improve stability, toolpath response and chip clearance.
Using Siemens Simumerik 840D control delivers fast positioning, high feed and acceleration rates on all axes, indeed, TAPS has tuned the Moore machines to operate at 25-50 per cent higher loop gains than leading European competitors, reducing following error to virtually zero.
