On show for the first time in the UK, after its launch at the Milan EMO exhibition last October, is the Sahos Bram full 5-axis, gantry-type machining centre designed for high-speed milling of complex components from aluminium and other materials. Size ranges go from either 3,000 or 4,000 mm in X, 1,500 or 2,200 mm in Y and a choice of 800, 1,200 and 1,600 mm in Z. Spindle speed is up to 24,000 rpm, power range is from 12 to 29 kW and torque from 15 to 46 Nm.
New also to the UK will be the Arion bridge-type, moving table machining centre built by Zayer in Vitoria-Gasteiz, northern Spain. The modular machine is aimed primarily at the general subcontracting market and the mould and die sector. A particular benefit of the machine, despite its installed weight of up to 50 tonnes, is ease of installation, as foundations do not have to be dug. Holding workpieces weighing up to 10 tonnes, the machine’s working envelope is 3,000 or 4,000 mm in X, 2,600 mm (optionally 3,100 mm) in Y and a 1,100 mm Z-axis. A patented 30 ° automatic spindle head with continuous rotation is standard, the spindle being rated at 24 kW/6,000 rpm/752 Nm.
Finally, the Belgian firm Mubea produces multi-purpose, 4- and 5-axis CNC centres for high-speed machining and sawing-to-length of extruded aluminium and steel profiles up to 60 metres long. Typical applications may be found in rolling stock manufacture.
