Niigata Introduces High-Speed Jig Borer Machining Center

Niigata Machine Techno USA Inc.’s HN800-V horizontal machining center (HMC) reportedly offers the performance of a high-speed jig borer at a comparable cost to traditional HMCs.

The HN800-V is built with the rigidity and accuracy necessary to perform ultra-precise contour machining and boring of components with critical tolerances. According to Niigata, it is the world’s first machining center to feature hardened and ground inverted V-shaped slideways. The V-shaped slideway system converts the weight of the column unit into restraining force on the sliding unit. This restraining force reportedly provides superior stability and long-term axis straightness of motion that virtually eliminates pitch and yaw motion. The combination of hand-scraped slideways and hardening-processed slide guides maximize the machine’s durability. The HN800-V reportedly achieves volumetric accuracy of .00005" per foot.

The V-shaped slideways, consisting of anti-abrasion material, also contribute to the high-speed performance of the machine, which can achieve rapid traverse of 50 m/min (1968 in/min). The machine features a solid meehanite cast iron frame with extensive ribbing, which improves stability. A geared high torque spindle, which is constructed with seven sets of wide-spaced,  angular contact and roller bearings, also contributes to precise performance. According to Niigata, the spindle head stock uses a mono-cast (single piece) casting to achieve higher milling capability and greater stability than bolt-together type spindle heads.

The HN800-V’s pallet clamping system uses a stable clamper plate to ensure optimum down force and increased clamping forces of the pallet during extreme cutting conditions. Jets of air discharge from the tapered cones when the pallet is changed to ensure proper clamping and to cleanse seating surfaces.

The HN800-V reportedly offers 1530 mm (60.2") x-axis travels, 1230 mm (48.4") y-axis travels, 1020 mm (40.2") z-axis travels and a b-axis rotary angle of 360,000 positions. Maximum workpiece swing diameter is 1750mm (68.9"), which Niigata claims is the largest work envelope in its class. Maximum workpiece height is 1400mm (55.1").