Bridge Mill Series Eliminates X-Axis Pitch/Yaw
The Johnford DMC-series double-column, moving-table bridge mill, available from Absolute Machine Tools, uses a one-piece Meehanite cast iron bridge/column assembly designed to take up less floor space than comparable C-frame VMCs.
The Johnford DMC-series double-column, moving-table bridge mill, available from Absolute Machine Tools, uses a one-piece Meehanite cast iron bridge/column assembly designed to take up less floor space than comparable C-frame VMCs. The series offers both moving-table and sliding-column (fixed-table) versions ranging from 36" × 36" × 30" to 60 × 20 ft. of travel.
These bridge mills have a long base casting with complete support of the table over the full 51" of Y-axis travel, accommodating large loads. The Y and Z axes hold fixed loads at all times while the X axis carries the only dynamic load, allowing for tight machining and tight tolerances during high-speed machining operations. The lack of table overhang eliminates X-axis pitch and yaw, and the minimized spindle centerline-to-column distance offers further rigidity. The machine’s heavily ribbed, cast iron construction also provides long tool life and part surface finish.
The combination of twin screw-type conveyors and a caterpillar conveyor ensures complete chip removal with little manual cleaning.
The large DMC 4000 series multi-axis machines can handle 44,000 lbs of table load with an X-axis travel of 118" to 236"; Y-axis travel of 110.2" to 189"; Z-axis travel of 31.5" to 42"; and W-axis travel of 39.4" to 78.7" on a fixed-column moving table. A variety of other machines are available in the DMC line as well.
Related Content
-
Additive/Subtractive Hybrid CNC Machine Tools Continue to Make Gains (Includes Video)
The hybrid machine tool is an idea that continues to advance. Two important developments of recent years expand the possibilities for this platform.
-
SMEC America Showcasing Machines' Reliability and Rigidity
SMEC America is running demonstrations on its machines both old and new at its IMTS booth, with engineers on hand to help answer questions.
-
What to Do When Five-Axis Machining Is Off the Table
For Fischer USA, 3+2 machining with a high-precision rotary table adds flexibility without the cost of a full five-axis machine.