XYZ Machine Tools has introduced a range of travelling column machining centres with X-axis travels up to 10,000 mm. And, with prices ranging between £175,000 and £275,000 these machines provide a distinct price advantage over existing machines in the market, making the machining of large components, particularly those found in the aerospace sector, an affordable option.
Machines of this size are usually the preserve of OEMs and specialist sub-contractors, but in typical XYZ Machine Tool fashion they have made available a highly capable machine range at affordable prices. As standard the four machines in the XYZ TCM range come with the latest Siemens 828D Shopmill control, roller linear guideways for precision and performance, and Gudal backlash free dual gearboxes mated with a high precision rack on the X-axis. Mounted directly under the saddle of the machine this gearbox, in combination with the servo motor, provides smooth positioning and eliminates the vacillation problem often found on machines of this size when the axis travel stops suddenly. The Y and Z axes are equipped with 63 mm diameter, high-speed , low-noise ballscrews.
The four machine range features X-axis travels of 4000 mm (XYZ 4000 TCM), 6000 mm (XYZ 6000 TCM), 8000 mm (XYZ 8000 TCM) and 10,000 mm (XYZ 10,000 TCM), with each machine sharing the same 800 mm Y-axis and 600 mm (800 mm optional) Z-axis. The standard 15 hp, BT40 spindle (BT50 optional) has a speed range of 60 – 8000 revs/min (12,000 with cooler optional) and rapid traverse/maximum cutting feed rate is 24 m/min. Attached to the travelling column is the 24 position automatic tool carousel (30 position optional), with capacity to accept tools up to 150 mm diameter weighing up to 7 kg. Tool change time is just 2.5 seconds. Backing up the size and performance of the machines is the solid cast construction of the base and column. This results in machine weights ranging from 18,000 kg to 34,000 kg, providing a solid foundation for high performance machining. Also, given the table sizes on these machines the ability to split the table into multiple work zones is also an added advantage to aid productivity, with the option of a fourth axis rotary table adding further to their versatility.
“The new XYZ travelling column machines are the perfect addition to our range as they fully complement our existing heavy-duty vertical machining centres that extend to 3000 mm X-axis travel. With the new travelling column machines we can now extend our reach into the aerospace sector and, open up further opportunities in the rail, energy and construction industries that had been unavailable to us previously. With the significant price advantage that we can offer, in combination with the high specification of the machines, we feel that we can also widen the market for this type of machine capacity, as it is now affordable for a much greater number of manufacturing companies,” says Nigel Atherton, Managing Director, XYZ Machine Tools.