KME CNC offers a fifth-axis trunnion to complement the Multi-5 Axis tombstone. The trunnion can convert a three-axis VMC into a full production five-axis VMC. It is equipped with an independent direct-drive system with three drives on the standard model. The drives can be run simultaneously or independently for multiple parts. The trunnion offers an 800- × 250-mm stance and will fit in most VMCs, the company says. It delivers a maximum 477 foot-pounds (647 Nm) of torque on each of the C drives, and 900 foot-pounds (1,220 Nm) of torque on the B drive.
Moving to five-axis machining enabled this shop to dramatically reduce setup time and increase lights-out capacity, but success relied on the right combination of workholding and automation.
