Published 8/1/2007

Machining Center With Expansive Work Envelope

Edited by: MMS Editorial Team

Kitamura's Mycenter-HX1000i HMC is designed to produce large, close-tolerance parts from tough materials. Its guideways are equipped with twin ballscrews and twin servomotors that provide feed rates as fast as 1,417 ipm. Featuring linear scale feedback on all axes, the machine achieves accuracy of ±0.000079" full stroke and repeatability of ±0.000039". XYZ axis travels are 80.31" × 51.97" × 53.94", and the machine can accommodate workpieces measuring 80.71" in diameter and 61.02" in height.

The 40-hp A/C spindle motor features a four-speed geared head that enables the machine to reach full power at 235 rpm with output maximum torque of 897.5 foot-pounds. With a dual-contact design, the 8,000-rpm spindle improves rigidity, surface finish and cutting accuracy while prolonging tool life, the company says. A 12,000-rpm spindle is optional.

The 180-degree rotating pallet-change system is designed to provide accessibility for loading and unloading workpieces. Table size is 39.37" × 39.37" to accommodate large parts. The 1-degree indexer can be positively positioned to within ±1 arcsecond by a curvic coupling. A full fourth axis is optional.

To minimize tool-change time, the machine uses the company's fixed-pot ATC system, in which each tool is always returned to the same pot while the next tool is kept ready in a "stand-by" tool pot. Tool-to-tool time is 3 seconds and chip-to-chip time is 7 seconds. The standard ATC can hold 150 tools, while an optional 200-tool capacity ATC is also available.

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