Calling it “the only machine in its class to boast a 50-taper spindle,” OKK USA Corp. introduced the HM500S/50 horizontal machining center for the heavy-duty cutting of small parts and hard-to-cut materials. This 500-mm (19.68 in. table size) version of the HM500S series makes it possible for shops to achieve a boring capacity of 250 mm (9.84 in.) diameter, and to process hard materials like titanium.
In addition, the HM500S/50 delivers accuracy and rigidity for effective machining. For greater precision, it employs high-load roller guides and double-anchored ball screws on all three axes (X, Y, Z).
Also, the HM500S/50 includes a new cooling design in which cooling oil circulating around the ball screws, ball screw supports housings, and motor mounting surfaces, prevents thermal displacement. For reliability, the HM500S/50 is equipped with a single steel angle-side shutter that protects the Z-axis slideway. With a design improvement over conventional 2 or 3-piece shutter systems that are prone to damage when swarf enters the gaps of the shutter, the HM500S/50 keeps swarf away from the shutter section and distributes it to troughs on either side of the bed.
Other design advantages of the new OKK design include high spindle speeds, ranging from 35 to 12,000 rpm; X-axis travel of 630 (24.80 in.), Y-axis travel of 620 (24.41 in.), Z-axis travel of 710 (27.95 in.); a rapid traverse rate of 54m/min (2126 in.); and a 40/34 HP spindle motor.
OKK USA recommends the HM500S/50 for construction and automotive applications, including cast iron gearboxes and diesel engine coolant pump housings. It will host a variety of cutting tools, making it suitable for various other applications, too.
