Versatile 5-Face Bridgeport VMCs for the Job Shop

Hardinge Inc. (Elmira, NY) released two all-new Bridgeport 5-Face (4+1) Vertical Machining Centers: the GX 250 5F and GXR 320 5F. These new 4+1 axis vertical machining centers are high-quality machine tools designed to achieve maximum capacity and performance in the job shop, OEM, aerospace, medical, electronic, defense, automotive and power generation industries, as well as many other manufacturing sectors.

Manufactured to the highest industry standards, both machines are packed with features to meet and exceed the requirements of the demanding metal-cutting market at an industry-leading price. Two machine sizes are available and come standard with a sophisticated, yet user-friendly, Fanuc 0i-D control for 4+1 machining.

4+1 refers to the use of four simultaneous axes plus one axis that is used for positioning only. 4+1 or 5-face machining is a step up from 3-axis machining where just 1 or 2 sides of the part are machined per setup. 4+1 machining allows the part to be machined on 5 faces in one single set up. The part remains in one fixture instead of being moved from one fixture or vise to another, drastically reducing setup time while improving accuracy.

The GX 250 5F (4+1) with travels of 11.8 in x 15.6 in x 16.9 in (X,Y,Z) provides fast rapid traverse of 1181 ipm on X, Y and Z axes and features a powerful 20 hp, 15,000 rpm direct-drive spindle motor with 70.4 ft-lb of torque and a 30 tool swing-arm automatic tool changer. The larger GXR 320 5F (4+1) with travels of 20 in x 24 in x 20 in (X,Y,Z) provides very fast rapid traverse of 1,693 ipm on X and Y axes and 1,417 ipm on the Z axis. The machine features a powerful 25 hp, 12,000 rpm direct-drive spindle with 86.3 ft-lb of torque and a 48-tool swing-arm automatic tool changer.

A demonstration of the 5-axis vertical machining capabilities of a Hardinge Bridgeport GX 250.

Bridgeport 5-Face (4+1) Machining Centers feature an integrated 5-axis robust rotary table supported by large bearings to allow heavy horizontal and vertical cutting loads with smooth and accurate rotation at all times. Bridgeport incorporates heavy-duty linear guideways and oversized double-nut ballscrews that are pre-tensioned to provide superior accuracy and repeatability.

The linear way modules consist of slide members (guide trucks) and linear rails to provide a large load rating, stable accuracy, high rigidity and low friction. The wide spacing between all axes rails provides optimum stiffness for the overall machine structure. Oversized 45 mm (1.77 in) ballscrews are featured in the GXR 320 5F, while 32 mm (1.26 in) ballscrews are incorporated in the GX 250 5F. All of these robust features are designed into a small cost-effective footprint.

Bridgeport 5-Face (4+1) Machining Centers are designed with an optimum work envelope to machine small to medium parts. Machines with larger work envelopes use a larger rotary table, increasing the size of the machine, increasing the overall cost. Bridgeport offers a smaller footprint machine for 5-face machining that is ideal for the medical and dental market and that complements the automotive, aerospace and other industries as well.

Both machines come packed with standard features including a BIG-PLUS spindle, oil chiller, chip conveyor, coolant flush system, preparation for through spindle coolant (with rotary union), coolant wash down gun, tri-color stack light and many standard control features.

“These new machining centers offer a high degree of sophistication and functionality in a small footprint at an attractive price,” states Andy McNamara, the director of sales and marketing in North America. “Like all Bridgeport machining centers, these machines reflect our commitment to quality and performance without compromise.”

Hardinge also offers a full 5-axis VMC for machining complex contoured parts such as impellers and turbines where five simultaneous axis movements are required.

Hardinge, Inc., One Hardinge Drive, Elmira, NY 14902, 800-843-8801, Fax: 607-734-8819, www.hardinge.com.