VMC Precisely Machines Large Blisks

Mitsui Seiki’s Vertex 100 five-axis VMC is designed for precision milling of large parts, such as blisks for aircraft engines. The VMC can machine workpieces as large as 1,250 mm in diameter and 850 mm tall. XYZ-axis travels are 1,000 mm, 900 mm, and 750 mm, respectively. Maximum swing diameter is 1,480 mm.

The machine is available with spindle taper sizes ranging from CAT 40 to HSK-A100. Spindle speed options include 15,000 rpm, 25,000 rpm and 30,000 rpm. A 60-station ATC accommodates tools as large as 300 mm long and 125 mm in diameter (on CAT40/HSK A 63) or 160 mm in diameter (on CAT 50/ HSK A 100).

The machine’s tilt/rotary table, supported by a cast iron base, provides rotation speeds as high as 100 rpm. The table’s C-axis motors are direct drive, while the A-axis motors are tandem direct drive. The machine can support workpieces up to 1250 mm (49.25") in diameter.

The X and Z axes are driven by single ballscrews, with dual ball screws on the Y axis. The linear axes are capable of 1 G acceleration and deceleration. The machine’s Fanuc control features a 375-mm (14.75") LCD human-machine interface.

The machine features a cast iron bed and a “box-in-box” design. Machine geometry results in positioning accuracy in the X, Y, and Z axes of 0.001 mm (0.000040"), ±6 arc seconds in the A axis, and ±4 arc seconds in the C axis.

Hand-scraped guideways contribute to precision. A thermal compensation system facilitates size consistency, and glass scales provide a minimum resolution of 0.001 mm.