Gantry-Type Milling Machine Minimizes Cycle Times

Soraluce’s PXG-W gantry-type multitasking milling machine is said to reduce the number of clamps required and minimize cycle times and potential errors on large-sized workpieces. The machining center has a working volume of 1,000 m³ and is designed to meet the machining requirements of the energy, marine and CHP motor industries.

The versatile machine is capable of handling milling and turning operations, as well as boring, drilling and threading. It features seven milling heads and three turning accessories, and an on-board magazine accommodating 180 tools.

The machine’s work area is split into two sub-areas. The surface of the main sub-area is for machining prismatic parts. It is equipped with floor plates measuring 12 × 6 m and has a load capacity of 25 tons/m². The second sub-area comprises a 6-m-diameter turning table with a hydrostatic mounting and capacity of 150 tons. The turning table is equipped with sensors so that a function built into the CNC can help re-balance the weight of parts with asymmetric geometries.

The multitasking center is equipped with a Siemens 840D SL CNC with the ability to handle both milling and turning operations, reducing the number of setups. There are two operator platforms, each with its own control panel, enabling the operator to select the best position for each operation.

A cast iron base and linear guides on the X, Y and Z axes are said to promote geometric stability and reduce maintenance. Soraluce’s Vertical Ram Balance (VRB) system helps to ensure precision by offsetting the rolling caused by the torsion of the cross-beam and the differential bending of the columns when the ram travels along the cross (Y) axis of the machine. A thermal monitoring system checks for changes in structural components via a function built into the CNC and applies thermal compensation algorithms. The company’s Dynamic Active Stabiliser (DAS) helps to damp vibration, reducing the risk of chatter or instability during machining.