MAG U6 Series 5-axis gantry mill W-axis raises the bar for heavy-duty manufacturing of tall parts
2 mins read
An adjustable cross rail on the MAG U6 series allows parts up to 7.5 m high to be machined. It also increases stiffness and improves flexibility with five-sided and 5-axis productivity for large part manufacturers.
The U6 series MAG has robust construction for heavy duty cuts in large parts in steel, titanium, crusty forgings or aluminium. The 5-axis gantry mill can now be configured with a massive cross rail (Y-axis) up to 9 m while the adjustable W-axis optimises machine stiffness and provides up to 5 m of vertical travel to complement the up to 2.5 m Z-axis ram. The combination of W, Z and Y-axes offers a height and width range up to 7.5 by 9 m to accommodate machining in the extreme limits of the work zone, or provide clearance to manoeuvre over extremely large workpieces. The heavy duty Z-axis ram, with 650 by 750 mm rectangular cross section, supports multiple head configurations and spindle power options, while linear feedrates up to 20 m/min enable fast response in heavy cuts on hard metals. The U6 design allows the cross rail to be positioned close to the part for machining with minimal ram extension and maximum stiffness for extreme accuracy. As options, the U6 is offered with a choice of 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 m rams depending on the user's processing needs.
The MAG U6 universal machining centre, available in bridge-type and rail-type platforms, is adaptable to accommodate a wide range of part size and shape requirements. The U6B bridge-type gantry uses a stationary support and optional X-axis pallet shuttle system that moves the part to co-ordinates on precision linear guideways with rack-and-pinion drives for smooth, precise movement at high thrust levels. Available with a broad range of table and pallet shuttle systems, the U6 bridge-type can be equipped for single or multi-pallet operation to maximise cutting time during part load/unload. The U6R rail-type offers unlimited X-axis travel, and is expandable to fit the application.
The U6 can be fitted with high torque or high speed spindles, up to 74.5 kW and up to 24,000 rpm; choice of tapers, and vertical, horizontal or 5-axis head configurations.
Automatic head change takes less than two minutes, and 5-axis and horizontal heads feature continuous C-axis to keep the spindle in cut without running out of C-axis travel or waiting for unwind. Custom head configurations are also available. Heads store themselves in their own cradle within a separate headstand located just outside the work zone for easy access. Automatic head change can be integrated with a tool storage module to provide auto-positioning changes and minimise cycle time for changing tools or exchanging heads. Tool magazines are expandable, with options for storage for up to 120 tools on the bridge/moving table machine and 63 tools on the rail machine.
The MAG U6 offers repeatability of 0.038 mm in the X axis, 0.008 mm the Y and Z axes, and 14 arc second accuracy in C-axis. Feedrates up to 20 m/min optimise processing efficiencies on large part surfaces.
Standard module options include choice of Fanuc or Siemens controls, a bridge/moving table or rail/moving gantry platform, single or dual spindles, automatic tool change and automatic head change.
