21-Tool Drill

The RoboDrill eco is named after its spindle, which returns energy to the machine in the intervals between cutting. Made in Japan, the machining center is ideal for offloading bigger, slower machines and performing secondary options regardless of production volumes.

Methods Machine Tools (Sudbury, MA) introduces the RoboDrill ecoPLUS, a larger-capacity and, when equipped with an optional 24,000 rpm spindle, faster machine. Two models are available:

• The ecoPLUS D21MiB has a working cube of 19.7 in x 15.7 in x 13 in (500 mm x 400 mm x 330 mm). Table size: 25.6 in x 15.7 in (650 mm x 399 mm).
• The ecoPLUS D21LiB offers travels of 27.6 in x 15.7 in x 13 in (700 mm x 400 mm x 330 mm). Table size: 33.5 in x 16.1 in (951 mm x 409 mm).

Both feature precision-enhancing thermal compensation, high response vector (HRV) field-oriented control that uses high-speed digital signal processors (DSPs) and nano-interpolation to improve surface finish, cycle times, and accuracy; and a 21-station tool changer. Both have rapid traverses to 1,890 ipm (41 m/min); accelerations/decelerations to 1.5 G; 0.9-second tool changes (tool-to-tool); rigid tapping to 5,000 rpm; and high-speed reverse tapping (up to 20 times faster than infeed).

Both are equipped with a Fanuc 31i-B Nano CNC with simultaneous 3-axis control. Choose a 14.75 hp (peak) 10,000 rpm or 24,000 rpm direct-drive spindle.

Methods Machine Tools, 65 Union Ave., Sudbury, MA 01776, 978-443-5388, fax: 978-440-9405, www.methodsmachine.com.