Methods Machine Tools Introduces Its Own Line of VMCs

Methods Machine Tools Inc. (Sudbury, MA) is offering four 3-axis vertical machining centers (VMCs) and a 5-axis bridge-type machining center made by Taiwanese tool builder Litz Hitech. Equipped with Fanuc controls, they provide an accurate and reliable mid-range machining solution.

The machines are fully inspected to meet strict quality and design specifications and comply with ISO/ASME standards. Laser and ball bar testing ensure their performance and accuracy.

Four 3-axis VMCs – the MV 800H, MV 1000H, MV 1100H, and MV 1600H – feature a 15,000-rpm, 30-hp Big Kaiser Big-Plus 40-taper direct-drive spindle with oil-air lubrication and spindle oil chiller to provide power, speed, superior surface finishing, long spindle life, and thermal stability. Automatic tool changers range from 24 tools to 40 tools depending on machine. Controls: Fanuc 0iMF with 10.4-inch screen, manual guide I, AICC II, 2-mps block processing time (BPT), and 200-block lookahead.

• The MV 800H and MV 1000H have 1.378-inch (3-5mm) roller guideways in the X- and Y-axis with 2,362-ipm rapids.
• The MV 1100H is larger, with 1.77-inch (45-mm) roller guideways in the X- and Y-axis and 1,890-ipm rapid rate; its Z-axis box ways are 3 inches wider.
• Designed to cut large, diverse, and complex parts, the 41,888-pound MV 1600H has a 21.85-inch distance between Z-axis box ways and offers 2.17-inch (55-mm) roller guideways in the X- and Y-axis with 1,417-ipm rapid rates.

Rigid box-way construction in the Z-axis using Turcite B ensures cutting performance and accuracy. Turcite B technology was developed to provide machines with rigidity, low friction coefficient, reduced vibration, damping characteristics without stick-slip and high wear resistance for long life. Three thermocouples enable the software to compensate for actual thermal growth.

Methods’ MB 650U 5-axis bridge-type machining center is designed for simultaneous machining of complex parts while reducing the need for multiple setups. Control: Fanuc 31iMB5 with 15-inch TFT screen including a data server, manual guide I, AICC II, 1 MB of NC memory, 0.4-mps BPT, 600-block lookahead, collision detection (built-in 3D interference check), fast package III, ethernet, and 2GB CF card.

Equipped with standard linear scales on the X-, Y-, Z-axes, rotary scales on the B- and C-axes, and thermal compensation that results in stable, high-precision part production, the machine has a 15,000-rpm, 25-hp Big Kaiser Big-lus 40-taper direct-drive spindle with oil-air lubrication and spindle oil chiller. The machine includes a calibration ball, TCP software, and probe system for setting and calibrating precise tool center point. A laser tool-measurement system detects wear, damage, and breakage, reducing non-productive time and enabling automated operation.

“We’re confident our Methods Machining Centers will exceed expectations for quality, reliability, accuracy and longevity at a competitive price,” says Product Manager Jeff Ervay. “To meet the needs of our customers, we’re continuing the development of the Methods product line with additional models in the future.”

www.methodsmachine.com