Jon Sutton (right) discussing machining strategy with operator Matthew Barfield.
“One of the things that impressed us about the XYZ UMC-5X was the size of the bearing housings supporting both ends of the tilting A-axis, this quality of construction runs throughout the machine. Another key feature was the ease-of-access to the machine table and to be able to easily manipulate and load parts is a major benefit.” The relatively small footprint of the XYZ UMC-5X at less than 3.5m square disguises a significant machining capability with the 600 mm diameter table having a capacity to handle parts up to 600 kg. Axis travels of 600 by 600 by 500 mm (XYZ), with the machine design allowing 500 mm of Y-axis travel forward of the table surface, much greater than many Y-axes on competitor machines. These three linear axes are supported by full 360 degree C-axis rotation and +/- 120 degree A-axis tilt.
The performance/productivity benefits of the XYZ UMC-5X were highlighted on one recurring job, which previously required five milling operations (plus one turning operation) and therefore six set-ups. Transferring this job to the UMC-5X meant only a single milling operation/set-up was required. In addition to being cost efficient, productivity and quality is also improved as the machine’s construction allows optimum use of the latest cutting tool technology to achieve optimum cycle times and surface finish, this is combined with repeatability down to the micron level while machining materials such as Inconel, Titanium and Monel alloys, as well as general purpose steels.