Heller's F-Series HMC Machines Aerospace Alloys

Capable of simultaneous, five-axis machining, Heller’s F series HMCs offer three spindle options for a variety of cutting conditions and part configurations. Users can machine smaller, lighter parts made of titanium or other tough material, or aluminum parts that require high-speed machining. The HMC is designed to deliver high torque at low speeds during milling and complex contouring operations.

The F2000 with swivel head features a working area that measures 800 × 800 × 1,000 in the X, Y and Z axes. It can accommodate a 630-mm pallet and 3,080-lb workpiece. The swivel-head provides a fifth axis to cut in both the horizontal and vertical position as well as any spatial angle. According to the company, this is useful for aerospace applications. The five-axis kinematics provided by the tool in the X, Y, C and A axes, as well as the Z and B axes provided by the workpiece, enable high precision, versatility and high dynamics, the company says.

According to the company, the most flexible, robust and efficient way to machine five faces on a five-axis machine is to equip the work head with one of the axes. Using a B-axis table in combination with a universal or tilting work head enables increased table loads, working envelops and accessibility. The HMC also includes an HSK63 spindle taper and 242 Nm of torque to increase performance.

The machine’s three spindles include the PCU 63, SCU 63 and SCT 63. The PCU 63 spindle is designed for high-performance cutting at speeds as fast as 10,000 rpm, power ranging to 44 kW and torque ranging to 244 Nm. The SCU 63 and SCT 63 tilt spindles turn at speeds ranging to 16,000 rpm with 40 kW of power and 80 Nm of torque. The SCT 63 is an A-axis head designed to increase flexibility in cutting complex shapes, and the PCU 63 and SCU 63 are C-axis heads.

The two swivel-head units are designed for complete machining of cubic parts in a single setup, and the tilting head is ideal for machining contoured surfaces, the company says.