Victor Taichung's UK sales arm, Victor CNC, says its A series machines are built for rapid Z-axis acceleration of up to 0.75 G and encompass XYZ capacities of 720-1,300, 480-780 and Z 660-700 mm. Feedrates are up to 48 m/min in all axes, minimising non-cutting time while maximising spindle utilisation.
Heavy-duty Meehanite castings from Victor Taichung's own licensed foundry are used throughout the A series. Extremely rigid and robust columns, featuring a heavily ribbed design, support the machines' fast Z-axis acceleration. An advanced Y-axis design, with a span of 800 mm, results in excellent stiffness and ensures minimum overhang distortion of the X-axis. Damping guideways of optimum stiffness are used throughout, while each of the Victor A series VMCs' ballscrew holders are cast directly into the machine for even greater rigidity and strength. This feature ensures a constant support for the ballscrews over the entire life of the machines. Large diameter ballscrews and roller-type linear guides further ensure high structural stiffness throughout machining operations. Direct-coupled servo motors eliminate the potential for motor backlash and noise caused by misalignment.
Each of the Victor A series models boasts twin-arm automatic toolchangers with bi-directional random selection from a 24-tool magazine. The range's chip-to-chip tool changeover time is approximately 5.5 sec. For more complex applications, the A series tool capacity can be optionally increased to 32 or 40 tools. Heavy cutting capability is supported by a SK-40/BT-40 tooling system linked with a stronger 14 mm dia tool pull stud.
Two types of spindle motors meet the power requirement for milling steel and speed requirement for milling aluminium. Victor's A series employs a direct-coupled spindle (DCS) with a high torque spindle motor. The use of DCS enhances component surface finish by avoiding the vibration that often results from the use of belts. A spindle speed of 12,000 rpm with a high torque output accommodates both heavy cutting at low rpm and high speed machining. Oil-air lubrication served by an efficient filtration system is used for cooling the range's spindle bearings and supplying sufficient lubrication to maximise spindle bearing life. An air curtain has also been added to the A series to give the spindle an extra layer of protection.
CNC rotary tables can be easily installed across the A series, further improving the machines' application range and enabling simultaneous 4-axis machining to be accomplished in a single set-up. 4th/5th axis CNC rotary or tilting tables can also be easily installed.
Coolants at 150 litres/min help flush swarf away from the bottom guarding, minimising chip built-up for smooth and continuous machining. Two screw type removers (four for the Vc-A130) push swarf continuously to the front of the machine and into the chip conveyor, while a large coolant tank minimises heat build-up for higher machining accuracy. A dual layer machine base design reduces the potential for coolant leakage, ensuring a clean and safe working environment.