Fadal Machining Centers Introduces the VMC 4020 Moldmaking Package
Fadal Machining Centers introduces
the VMC 4020 with Moldmaking Package, including GE Fanuc Series 18iMB5
controller, box way construction, COOL Power refrigerated cooling system and
standard 10,000 RPM spindle with automatic Hi Lo that allows hogging and
roughing of large molds on the same machine and eliminates the need for
dedicated hogging and finishing machine tools, according to the company.
"Box way construction improves cutting tool life, which allows a large mold to be cut with the same tool throughout the lengthy operation," said a company spokesperson. "This improves accurate geometry and surface finish. Because vibration damping properties are inherent in ground and hardened cast-iron box ways, they allow extended machine life and higher horsepower cuts. Additionally, box ways on the column (Z-axis) minimize side deflection inherent in low-cost large machines using linear guides. Box way construction delivers an optimum solution for applications that require high accuracy while machining difficult materials and maintaining tight tolerances."
The Series 18iMB controller featured in Fadal's moldmaking package includes Artificial Intelligence (AI) Contour Control, Machine Condition Selector and two moldmaking selections for accommodating varying amounts of horsepower. AI Contour Control automatically sets acc/dec ramps, feedrates and feed forward parameters by using look-ahead and adapting the part program to the machine tool's performance capabilities. Machine Condition Selector provides R1-10 value selection for velocity and for accuracy. This allows velocity and accuracy to be balanced based on the tool path.
"The Series 18iMB controller eliminates bottlenecks and reduces machine tool cycle time with a fast processor and 2-MB memory," said a spokesperson. "With support for NURBS curve interpolation, the Series 18iMB controller delivers high-speed, high-precision machining for parts, molds and dies." Options include Mold 3 and Mold 5 packages based on processing power requirements.
"An optional 15,000 RPM spindle powered by a 22.5 HP WYE/Delta spindle motor with automatic Hi Lo allows much faster feed rates with smaller tools," said a spokesperson. "Positive power delivery without slippage during either HI or LO range metal removal is ensured with a cogged belt and provides a wide range of power. Productivity, accuracy and workpiece material capabilities are expanded with a wider range of torque, speed and horsepower, which enables low-speed, high torque steel cutting operations and high-material removal rates during high-speed, high-horsepower aluminum cutting operations.
The COOL Power refrigerated cooling system minimizes thermal growth along the ball screw to maintain positioning accuracy during extended machining of large and complex molds. Thermal drift is a major problem during machining operations, which can be as long as 30 or more hours. Heat build up in the ball screw causes positioning drift from the beginning to end of machining. By maintaining a constant temperature, positioning drift is minimized and positioning accuracy ensured.
COOL Power uses a high-performance heat transfer agent (DOW Frost) to remove accuracy-robbing heat from the machine as it passes around the spindle nose and spindle cartridge and through the center of the gun-drilled ball screws. The temperature of the heat transfer agent is monitored and chilled as required, maintaining the temperature of positioning components within ±1.0 degree of the VMC's ambient temperature to control thermal expansion. The system is closed-loop, isolating the heat transfer agent from chips and other contaminants.
For more information contact:
Fadal Machining Centers
20701 Plummer Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311
818-407-1400
Fax: 818-407-0020
Southwest
TX
Dave Weber
Hillary, Inc.
1825 Summit #207
Plano, TX 75074
972-578-1515
Fax: 972-578-1519
E-mail: daveweber@hillaryinc.com
KS,OK
Gary Lowery
Maruka, U.S.A. Inc.
1210 NE Douglas
Lees Summit, MO 64086
800-220-2361
Fax: 816-524-5444
E-mail: glowery@marukausa.com
AR,LA
Steve Wherry
Cardinal Machinery
7535 Appling Center Dr.
Memphis, TN 38184
901-377-3107
Fax: 901-377-4855
E-mail: steve.m.wherry@idg-corp.com
NM
Triad Machine Tool
7811 W. 48th St.
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
303-424-0268
Southeast
FL
David Goose
Machine Tool Group
4250 St. Johns Parkway
Sanford, FL 32771
407-302-0255
Fax: 407-302-0256
NC, SC, GA, N.FL
Steven Flint
Flint Machine Tools, Inc.
3710 Hewatt Court
Snellville, GA 30039
770-985-2626
Fax: 770-985-2706
E-mail: postmaster@flintmachine.com
TN, AL, MS
Steve Wherry
Cardinal Machinery
7535 Appling Center Dr.
Memphis, TN 38184
901-377-3107
Fax: 901-377-4855
E-mail: steve.m.wherry@idg-corp.com
Northeast
CT, NH, VT, ME, MA, RI
David Shabey
Compumachine Inc.
645 Main Street
Wilmington, MA 01887
978-657-8440
Fax: 978-657-8589
E-mail: compumachine@comcast.net
NJ, E. PA
Robert Morrison
Mid-Atlantic CNC, Inc.
P.O. Box 648
Lebanon, NJ 08833
908-236-7222
Fax: 908-236-7355
E-mail: rmorrison@midatlanticcnc.com
NY
Dan Shortino
Mid Atlantic CNC
966 North Road
Scottsville, NY 11564
585-889-8510
E-mail: midatl@eclipse.net
W. PA
Kenneth Niemeier
Barney Machinery Co.
1114 Parkway View Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
412-787-3737
Fax: 412-670-1968
E-mail: kniemeier@barneymachinery.com
DE, DC, MD, WV
Robert Browning
Pinnacle CNC, Inc.
805 B Barkwood Court
Linthicum, MD 21090
410-609-0805
Fax: 410-609-0804
E-mail: rbrow54095@aol.com