Moving-Column HMC Features Built-In Rotary Table

Absolute Machine Tools will display Johnford’s AHC-1600, a new HMC that is applicable in many industries, particularly aerospace. The HMC features a combination 63" × 32" flat table with a 32" (800 mm) 0.001-degree full B-axis built-in rotary table. With standard accessories, the HMC weighs 44,000 lbs and has a base made of Meehanite cast iron.

The AHC-1600 design features a moving column for the Z-axis and a moving table for the X-axis only, which is said to offer high rigidity, better accuracy and full support of the table over the complete X-axis travel. The moving-column design also eliminates the need for outriggers or outboard supportive ways to support high table loads. The X-axis is fully supported by the base with no table overhang. X-axis longitudinal travel is 63", Y-axis vertical travel is 50" and Z-axis column travel is 40". The machine also features optional X-axis longitudinal travels of 72", 79" and 118".

The machine features precision-ground and induction-hardened box ways in the X, Y and Z axes. All mating surfaces are coated with Turcite-B and hand scraped for fit. It has large 2" diameter, pre-tensioned ballscrews and powerful servomotors to provide accurate positioning, according to the company.

A standard 6000-rpm, 50-taper spindle is said to improve performance throughout the rpm range. The company says the 35-hp spindle motor with two-speed gear drive promotes increased cutting performance at varying spindle speeds. The spindle and gearbox are oil-cooled for minimal thermal growth.

Standard features include a stand-alone, 40-tool arm type ATC that is separated from the machine for easy maintenance; a high-volume coolant system; full machine enclosure guarding to contain chips and coolant; and a chip removal system consisting of four screw-type conveyors: two parallel with the Z-axis and two parallel with the X-axis.