Horizontal Machining of Transmission Cases and Very Large Parts

The new HF 5500 5-axis horizontal machining center from Heller Machine Tools (Troy, MI) is equipped with a pallet changer and has a work envelope of 900 mm x 950 mm x 900 mm, with a maximum pallet load of 750 kg. The 5th axis provides dynamic 5-sided and simultaneous 5-axis machining of the workpiece and the horizontal spindle ensures quick tool changes and short idle times for substantial productivity advantages. Three linear axes in X, Y and Z are equipped with absolute measuring systems and two direct-driven dynamic rotary axes in A and B are integrated into a swivel rotary table. The high speed of the A and B rotary axes is achieved through minimized mass moment of inertia and the use of direct drives. These powerful dynamics can be increased further with an optional “Speed-Dynamics Package” that provides 10 percent shorter chip-to-chip times. A high speed NC tool changer with lift-and-swivel principle further reduces idle times.

Contrary to comparable machine tools on the market, this machine uses a counter bearing combined with a YRT bearing for high rigidity when handling high loads. The machine is highly flexible, equipped with either a table design or a pallet changer. A wide choice of spindles suit different applications. The standard version is equipped with a powerful SC63 SpeedCutting motor spindle with HSK-A63 (18,000 rpm, 100 Nm), making it ideal for the machining of light metals. The optional PC63 PowerCutting spindle unit (12,000 rpm, 201 Nm) provides the necessary torque for high performance cutting of cast iron and steel. Motor spindles with HSK-A100 are available as options. The SC 100 spindle unit (12,000 rpm, 201 Nm) increases stability of tools and high speeds for universal application, whereas the PC 100 spindle unit (10,000 rpm, 354 Nm) offers high torque for use with large and heavy tools.

The HF 5500 provides large workpiece interference contours that is contrary to conventional 5-axis machining centers. This design concept is not only based on single-part clamping, but also provides the possibility of multiple clamping or the clamping of very large components (e.g. transmission cases using ‘window-type’ fixtures). To provide sufficient space in the work area, the workpiece interference contour of model HF 5500 was increased in height by 800 mm and in diameter by 900 mm. Despite the large interference contour, there are hardly any limitations as far as the degrees of freedom are concerned. The machine enables swivel movements of the rotary table through 150 deg (30 deg to -120 deg) and, with

The system leaves nothing to be desired regarding the disposal of short- or long-chipping materials, which is guaranteed through free chip fall during horizontal machining, steep side walls and stainless steel slat coverings, as well as the centrally-arranged open chip conveyor. The new Heller Operation Interface has a new operating panel with 24 in screen technology and touch controls, quick access technology in the control, and XTENDS optional expansion applications to support the user. An optional work area camera, for example, optimally supports setting and monitoring functions during the CNC process.

Heller Machine Tools, 1225 Equity Drive, Troy, MI 48084, 248-288-5000, www.heller.biz.