Engis 3-axis FPM-3X permits bore finishing after stacking for improved quality

The Engis FPM-3X single-pass bore finishing machine – designed particularly for manufacturers of small batches of large, multiple-bore components – overcomes this problem by allowing bore finishing after valve stacking. This improves overall cylindricity and roundness and thus the quality of the valve body, resulting in better valve performance. Most stack valves are between 100 and 300 mm and to straighten a 'banana shaped' bore requires diamond tools that are longer than the entire bore. Most machining centres offer insufficient stroke length and insufficient depth between part and spindle. These restrictions have been overcome by the Engis FPM-3X which can finish stacked valve body bores to a cylindricity of 2 microns and a diameter of ±1 micron, including components with multiple bores of different diameters. In other applications, the Engis single-pass process can produce bore geometries to within 0.5 micron of required bore size by increasing the number of tool passes and reducing diamond size. To locate the bore precisely under the BT-40 spindle, the FPM-3X uses a wireless Renishaw CNC probe to establish bore location and this positioning information is automatically translated into G-Code co-ordinates. The Engis FPM-3X also features full CNC controls with a Z-stroke of 750 mm, an X-stroke of 1,066 mm and a Y-stroke of 100 mm and a slide base can accommodate parts up to 1,360 kg. An 8-13 pocket automatic tool changer allows the machine to complete bores from rough to finish without operator involvement. Additional options include a 208L coolant system, with double cartridge filtration, magnetic separator addition for filtration, full perimeter guarding, and packages for automation, gauging and standard and custom fixturing