Machining Center for Die/Mold Ensures Thermal Stability

The HSM 500 MoldMaster (MM) machining center from GF Machining Solutions is designed to produce die/mold-related components, from 58-Rc steel mold cores to hot pressing dies to sinker-EDM electrodes for intricate mold cavities. The machine is equipped with a 42,000-rpm HSK spindle that uses ceramic hybrid ball bearings with oil-air minimal lubrication, as well as liquid-cooled stator jacket and bearings. This vector-controlled motor spindle quickens acceleration and provides high torque at low speeds, the company says. As a complement to the high-speed spindle, the machine cuts at feed rates ranging to 784.4 ipm and rapid traverse rates as fast as 1,574.8 ipm.

The machining center includes a graphite extraction system, touch probe capability, and absolute optical linear scales with 20-nm step resolution on its X, Y and Z axes for precise machine positioning. Additionally, the machine is designed to minimize any thermal effects on accuracy through its polymer granite base material and liquid-cooled feed and drive motors, spindle motor, and electrical cabinet.

The HSM 500 MM’s pyramid-shaped portal construction promotes stability and rigidity in a compact overall footprint. All machine cross-slides are weight-optimized and fulfill the requirements for highly dynamic machine motion, the company says. As added stability, the polymer granite base material is said to dampen vibration better than standard gray cast iron,.

Equipped with SmartMachine functionalities, the HSM 500 MM supports increased tool life through vibration monitoring, boosts productivity by reducing machine warm-up wait time and shortens cycle times with optimized machine motion. The intelligent thermal control function helps the machine to quickly reach a steady thermal state before beginning machining. For optimized cutting paths and improved part surface finishes, the operator support system enables operators to access the CNC’s internal parameters in order to set specific target data; the system automatically adjusts the machine’s dynamic behavior accordingly.

For the machining of graphite for such components as electrodes for sinker EDMs, the machine uses two powerful suction units and two separate dust bins to evacuate graphite dust.