The four machines boast X-, Y- and Z-axis travels from 1,700 by 1,250 by 1,850 mm (on the HEC 1000) up to 3,400 by 2,800 by 2,250 mm (HEC 1800).
They feature a combination of water-cooled main drive motors and ballscrews, plus a temperature-controlled structure, a natural granite machine bed and thermal compensation of the linear and rotary axes.
The use of an innovative ‘jacket’ creates a machine base that is thermally insulated against ambient temperatures and internal heat sources, and a temperature control system guarantees to keep all structural components at a constant temperature – thus eliminating the chance of fluctuations between foundation and machine base and bed.
In addition, the granite bed offers similar static and dynamic properties to that of a steel version but none of the thermal disadvantages – it has a 50% lower co-efficient of linear expansion - nor magnetic or corrosion issues. Also, the use of water-cooled motors and ballscrews ensures uniform heat control and, in terms of the ballscrews, excellent heat dissipation.
Finally, routines in the machines’ CNC system include functionality that corrects any tool centre point displacements.
