Colchester-Harrison Storm VMC is first of new breed

The Storm VMC 1020 vertical machining centre is a mid-range machine featuring the latest high specification Fanuc OiMC control with Manual Guide for milling. The new machine range, which supersedes the Richmond range, is based upon a heavy duty construction and features a capacity providing ‘that little bit extra’ against comparable machines for use in the subcontract and mould making industry. Weighing in at five tonnes, this rigid Meehanite casting constructed machine with optional linear rail (L) version or hardened and ground ways (S) version, has a positioning accuracy of five microns and a repeatability of + 0.0025 mm. The x-axis is 1,020 mm the y-axis 510 mm and z-axis is 560 mm while the 11 kW, 8,000 rpm spindle with a ZF gearbox high torque drive, has options of 10,000 or 12,000 rpm spindle speeds to provide the perfect mid-range sub-contract machining centre. Rapid traverse rate is 36 m/min. The machine's table size is 1,200 by 500 mm with a 1,200 kg load capability for heavy duty or multiple fixturing and to accommodate the fourth-axis package option. As standard, the machine carries a 16-position tool magazine, with options of a 20-position Geneva mechanism, 24 position twin-arm tool change or 32 position chain-type magazine with a twin-arm system. Maximum tool diameter is 150 mm by 300 mm long and weighing up to 6 Kg with BT or CAT 40 taper. Rigid tapping is standard. The Fanuc OiMC control with Manual Guide conversational system is loaded with more than 200 standard operating features to ensure quick and simple programming with the support of powerful 3D graphic simulation. The 128K part program storage is supplemented by PCMCIA porting on the front of the control panel that will accept memory cards from program storage and retrieval as well as DNC. Heidenhain iTNC530 control is available as an option.