Stable base supports complex mould machining

The YCM FP Series high performance vertical machining centres range is designed to meet the demands of the mould and die industry. Three machine sizes are available, the FP55A Linear is the smallest in the series and uses direct drive linear motor technology to provide ultra high performance levels, the FP66A and larger FP100A use conventional axis positioning technology. The linear motor technology used to drive the X- and Y-axis of the FP55A Linear offers backlash-free and frictionless movements to attain accurate positioning even under extremely high axial acceleration and deceleration. The FP55A is capable of achieving 0.1 micron movements with 60 m/min rapid feed and 1 G acceleration. A powerful 11 kW IDD Plus spindle design on the FP55A, which features a patented cooling design to reduce any thermal effects and helical disc springs for optimum spindle balance, has a BT30 spindle taper and cuts at up to 30,000 rpm. As standard, both the FP66A and FP100A are equipped with 24 kW, 16,000 rpm IDD Plus spindles with BBT40 spindle taper for rigid face and taper contact. Optimal structural design minimises stresses and deformation in complex geometrical structures. This results in low vibration under high speed machining conditions, which results in excellent contour finishing (vital for the accurate machining of free form mould cavities) as well as extended spindle and tool life. The resulting thermally symmetrical structure design also effectively restrains the incremental thermal effect of heat built up during extended machining operations.