Expand GenMill VMC's Frame Damps Vibration

Expand Machinery designed its GenMill 4024 for optimum productivity across its 40.5" × 23.6" × 25.6" travels. The company says the rigidity of the machine’s Meehanite processed cast-iron frame provides a high-strength cutting platform with superior vibration damping and efficient metal removal rates, while the 12,000-rpm, 25-hp direct-drive in-line #40 taper spindle features rigid-tapping and includes a thermostatically controlled spindle-oil cooler. Expand Machinery also says the dual-contact, precision-ground spindle provides enhanced rigidity, concentricity and cutting capability along with excellent tool life and length repeatability. The roller bearing guideways are said to provide nearly twice the rigidity of ball bearing guideways, enhancing cutting performance. The 1,417-ipm rapid rates, 1.7-second tool-to-tool change time and 30-tool twin-arm automatic tool changer reduce cycle times, and an included 300-psi through-tool coolant system provides efficient chip removal and extended tool life.

The machine’s Mitsubishi M830 control is said to provide a superior surface finish. The control processes 270,000 blocks per minute with 2,700 block look-ahead by using a fiber-optic backplane and a custom RISC processor. Standard mid-program restart capability increases ease-of-use, while a 32GB solid-state data-server provides part program storage. The system ships with a three-year control, motor and drive warranty from Mitsubishi.

The GenMill CNC line-up of vertical milling machine is available in nine sizes, starting at 24" × 16" and going up to 100" × 39". Auto power shut-off and fourth- and fifth-axis prewire are standard features throughout Expand’s VMC machine series.