Pendulum method allows simultaneous 3-axis and 5-axis production on a single machine tool

Pendulum production methods allow 3-axis and 5-axis machining to be performed on the same bed of a single machine tool using the latest version of the Hedelius RS Kombi moving column, vertical machining centre. Described as a ‘machining island’ the RS60, 80, 100 and 125 Kombi range uses Rota Swing technology to enable higher productivity pendulum machining cycles to tackle the machining of, say, each of the six faces of a component or, two totally different parts to be produced simultaneously by loading one side of the table while the other is machining.. Rota Swing technology has been developed by Hedelius for both production and mould and die sectors whereby both 3-axis and up to 5-axis simultaneous operations can be performed on the same bed. For example, initial clamping on the 3-axis flat portion of the bed can enable the machining of the datum face of a component on one side of the table. It is then relocated from the datum created and the other five faces machined, using the ultra-rigid trunnion fourth and fifth C-axis unit with hydraulic clamping mounted at the opposite end of the machine bed. The Hedelius Rota Swing machines are available in four sizes with tables from 775 by 620 mm to 2,550 by 1,000 mm and Y-axis travels between 620 and 1,250 mm. The Z-axis travels are between 520 and 770 mm, spindle tapers are SK50, HSK63 or HSK100 and spindle powers of up to 66 kW with torque levels of 690 Nm and speeds of 16,000 rpm available. Rapid traverse rates in each axis are 45 m/min on the RS60 and RS80 and 30 m/min on the RS100 and RS125. Swivel range available is +10 to -90 deg across the range and up to 70 tools can be held in the moving tool magazine enabling tool changes to be made at any position of the X-axis.