Reiden hybrid spindle machines perform two different machining strategies in a single cycle

Both geometrical accuracy and productivity benefit as the two processes can be carried out in the same setting and operational machining cycle, explains Reiden's UK agent, 2D CNC. Reiden DDT machines can thus be given a more universal role on the same part in, say, mould and die work, or produce a variety of components in totally different materials such as alloy steels, cast iron and aluminium. In the DDT configuration the two separate motors are built into the same spindle housing connected via a bevel gear coupling. According to the machine program, hydraulic power is used to engage or disengage the 291 Nm higher torque drive system, which enables the unused drive to freewheel. The hybrid bearing system is hydraulically preloaded to support the higher torque and the spindle head is water cooled through a labyrinth of passages. The spindle arrangement also provides through-the-tool coolant supply. The Reiden RX10 5-axis universal machining centre has a static mass of 16 tonnes with mineral castings for the bed and column. This, combined with minimised moving parts, supports maintenance of both thermal and mechanical stability over the 1,000 by 1,100 by 810 mm XYZ working strokes. Rapid feedrate is 40 m/min with an acceleration of 7 m/sec2. Exact positioning is achieved by means of direct measuring scales on each axis. This is supplemented by two linear measuring scales alongside the twin synchronised master and slave drives in the vertical Z-axis cross beam. These employ Heidenhain torque motors and ballscrew assemblies to power the vertical slide and position the DDT spindle assembly. The C-axis is able to revolve at up to 20 rpm and is available in 1,000 mm diameter or with flattened corner dimensions of 1,000 by 800 mm. Components up to 1,350 mm diameter and weighing up to 1,000 kg can be rotated within the guarding. Control is by Heidenhan iTNC 530 with Siemens 840D as an option. There are 'shelf–style' tool magazine options of 73, 173 or 273 positions and the double gripper tool change takes just four seconds. Further options include laser tool setting and tool breakage control, quick change pallet systems and linear storage systems.