Three years after introducing a series of heavy-duty vertical machining centres, Dugard has launched the LB range of double-column machining centres.
The range gives 2,200-4,200 mm X travel, with optional Y axis travels of 1,200, 1,600 and 2,700 mm. Z travel is 900 mm as standard with 1,100 mm as an option. Two configurations of spindle are available throughout the entire LB range: BT50 6,000 rpm with 2 step gearbox giving 757 Nm torque, or the BT50 10,000 rpm direct drive for high speed applications.
For extra functionality every machine in the range has an optional manual or semi-automatic 90° horizontal milling head for five-face machining.
Spindle overhang has been reduced, increasing rigidity, reducing vibration and, as a result, improving surface finish, cutting performance and accuracy. The X-axis is designed with four linear ways: two inboard ways are roller-type, giving geometry control, while two outboard ball-type ways support the table and minimise deflection. Added to that, the X-, Y- and Z-axis ballscrews are refrigerated by a through-ballscrew coolant system to eliminate inaccuracy caused by thermal displacement. The X-axis also has a feed gearbox, giving high torque performance for heavy duty cutting, as well as a high resolution encoder for high precision accuracy.
The range has a large table capacity (up to 15,000 kg) for a wide range of components and materials can be accommodated. Each machine has Fanuc 0iMD, Heidenhain iTNC 530 or Siemens 828D control options.