Double Column Bridge-Type Machine

In Booth S-8319, Hurco Companies, Inc. (Indianapolis, IN) will unveil their BX40i double-column (bridge-type) CNC machine. The stability of the double-column design and the overall weight of the machine (20,062 lb) provide exceptional accuracy and outstanding surface finish capabilities. While designed specifically for the mold market and aerospace industry, the BX40i meets the needs of any high speed machining application that requires tighter tolerances while allowing the machine to operate at optimum spindle speeds due to the machine design.

With the double-column design, there is less tool deflection and less vibration compared to a single column CNC machine and less thermal deformation due to the fact that the heat only affects the bridge structure in a straight line instead of occurring on both the X- and Y-axis. Another advantage is the fact that the spindle is closer to the mass of the machine on a double-column machine, which provides increased rigidity. Additionally, the BX40i is built with size 45 roller rails on all axes and linear scales are standard. The BX40i differs from other bridge-type CNC machines due to its integrated control powered by WinMax® control software and the patented motion system called UltiMotion®. The flexibility of this control makes machinists more productive and job shops more profitable because it supports multiple programming methods, including: conversational programming that minimizes idle time that occurs when waiting for the CAD/CAM station, industry standard NC programming, and a Hurco-specific feature called NC/Conversational Merge that optimizes efficiency even further.

UltiMotion is the sophisticated motion control software system that was invented to determine the optimal trajectory to run the tool and achieve programmed feed rates more consistently, reducing cycle time by as much as 30 percent or more, depending on the complexity of the part, while improving surface finish quality. With UltiMotion, cornering velocity is 2.5 times faster than conventional motion and machine jerk is reduced by at least 50 percent. Instead of fixed look-ahead, UltiMotion includes dynamic look ahead that is smart enough to adapt as required by the tool path. UltiMotion is different than the smoothing features offered by CAD/CAM software and improves upon even excellent CAM output because it provides better handling of the machine mechanics and dynamics. All Hurco CNC machining centers are equipped with UltiMotion.

BX40i specifications:
Table Size:             41.3 in x 27.6 in
Table Load:            2,204 lb
XYZ Travels:          27.6 in x 40.2 in x 19.7 in
XYZ Rapids:           1,535 ipm (Direct Drive Ballscrews)
Spindle Taper:        HSK 63A
Spindle RPM:         18,000 (motorized)
Spindle HP:            47
Spindle Torque:      88 ft-lb @ 2,800 rpm
ATC Stations:         30
Machine Weight:     20,062 lb

Also on exhibit will be the new HTM30i open bed CNC mill and its new 3D print head adapter that connects to Hurco CNC mills for accelerated prototyping; the new 5-axis CNC machining center VC600i; and popular models from the other product lines, including: the 5-axis VMX42SWi CNC machining center, the 3-axis VMX6030i, the trunnion style 5-axis VM10Ui, the high speed 3-axis VMX24HSi CNC machine, the general performance 3-axis VM20i, the TMX10MYSi slant-bed lathe with live tooling and subspindle, and the general purpose TM6i slant-bed lathe.

Hurco will also bring the spirit of Indianapolis – home to the single largest one-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500 – to the show. They created a scaled-down version of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, complete with a blimp and leaderboard, where visitors can race RC IndyCars. Attendees can check www.hurco.com/imts to see what hours open racing will take place and/or to register for a spot to race competitively. Prizes will also be announced on the website. “In addition to sponsoring IndyCar team Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) with drivers Ed Carpenter and Josef Newgarden, their team uses our CNC machines at their machine shop. Since both racing and machining rely on speed, power, and precision to succeed, we thought a race to profitability theme would be a fun way to showcase how our CNC machines make our customers more profitable,” said Maggie Smith, the marketing manager of Hurco.

Hurco Companies, Inc., One Technology Way, PO Box 68180, Indianapolis, IN 46268, 800-634-2416, [email protected], www.hurco.com.