Grob Systems Five-Axis Range for Complex, Compact Machining

Grob Systems Inc. is demonstrating a range of five-axis machining applications at its booths co-located with YG-1 Tool Co. and Allied Machine & Engineering.

Grob machining centers, which are compatible with Industry 4.0 principles, include advanced automation solutions for increased productivity. The company says that having the machining center and automation come from the same builder offers customers streamlined service and support to keep the entire cell running at long-term high efficiency. Grob machines also feature a distinctive machine concept, including a horizontal spindle position that permits the longest possible Z-travel path and optimum chip fall.

At the YG-1 Tool Co. booth, the Grob G150 five-axis universal machining center (UMC) integrated with the GRC-R12 robot cell is under power. The G150 provides high-precision, complex machining in a compact size with a small work envelope. Featuring direct and absolute position encoders in all axes and a machine cooling process, the machining center is designed to optimize contouring accuracy. Pairing the G150 with the compact GRC-R12 robot cell can increase productivity further by offering what is said to be a flexible, customizable and affordable automation solution. The cell has a six-axis FANUC M-10iD/12 robot with 4.7" (1,441 mm) reach, capable of handling a maximum load of 26.5 lbs (12 kg). The GRC-R12 features a pneumatic single- or double-gripper system. The drawer feed system can have up to six drawers that can be unloaded and reloaded while the robot cell and machining center are in operation. Multiple machining demonstrations are being held throughout each day.

Showcased at Allied Machine & Engineering’s booth is the Grob G550T five-axis mill/turn UMC, capable of machining a part by milling and turning in a single setup, which can save time, costs and floor space. The machine is equipped with a Siemens 840D SL control, 14,500 rpm spindle and an HSK-T100 tool interface. Designed for maximum stability and machining performance, the G550T features a mill-turn table with t-slots arranged in a star shape. Three linear and two rotary axes permit five-sided machining, as well as five-axis simultaneous interpolation, with a swivel range of 230 degrees in the A-axis and 360 degrees in the B-axis. The drive design is based on two symmetrically located ball screws, weight compensation in the Y-axis and wear-free torque motors in the A and B axes.

Attendees can see demonstrations including an aerospace hydraulic manifold milled from 4140 steel supported by HyperMill CAM programming from Open Mind Technologies.