High speed bridge type heavyweight VMC

The Dugard Eagle range of machines is being expanded with a totally new series of high speed bridge-type vertical machining centres (VMC) represented by the XP1600. The Dugard Eagle XP1600 has a table size of 1.9 by 1.3 m with axis strokes of 1,600 mm in X, 1,300 mm in Y and 700 mm in Z and is a heavyweight machine at some 22 tonnes. The table is driven by a large diameter pre-tensioned ballscrew and is supported by roller linear guideways with eight blocks to effectively spread the load to the T-shaped Meehanite cast base. This base is also heavily ribbed to fully support loads up to eight tonnes. A heavy column structure with a cross rail integrated into the bed casting maximises stability and maintains high levels of geometric precision under interrupted type milling applications and heavy duty drilling from solid. Linear scales can also be specified for exact positioning as an option to the standard encoders. The Eagle XP1600’s specification can be tailored to meet user requirements with three spindle options: direct drive, built-in or as a high torque geared unit. The direct drive spindle provides a choice of speeds, 6,000, 10,000 or 15,000 rpm powered by 15 kW, 26 kW and 38 kW motors respectively.