HMC Performs Turning, Monitors for Precise Clamping

Heller’s CP 4000 horizontal machining centers accomplish horizontal, vertical and tilted turning using A and B axes with high dynamics and chip removal rates. Suitable for a range of applications, the five-axis turn-mill is equipped with PCU 63 swivel head unit and HSK-T 63 spindle taper. The machine’s X-, Y- and Z- axies travels measure 800 × 800 × 1,045 mm. With 44 kW of power, 242 Nm of torque and speeds ranging to 10,000 rpm, the spindle enables the turn-mill to perform complex turning operations while maintaining precise control of speed, acceleration and variable adjustment to achieve workpiece-specific precision and surface finish, the company says.

For turning operations, the HMC uses a fifth axis provided by the tool. Vertical and horizontal turning operations of outer and inner contours can be accomplished with the C axis and optional A and B axes. When the workpiece must be rotated against the tool, the rotary table with direct torque drive delivers the required power at speeds as fast as 1,000 rpm.

To identify imbalances on the workpiece or the rotary table, the company developed a machine function which uses internal drive signals to identify even slight imbalances on the workpiece, enabling precise centric clamping. A specially-defined user interface supports the operator in correcting imbalances. For turning tools, Heller offers a tool measurement system using tactile sensors. The machine is equipped with a Siemens Sinumerik 840 DSL control.