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New Mill Goes Deep with 3-meter Z Axis

April 5, 2010
MAGs 5-axis Universal Machining Center brings lean processing to large aluminum and composite parts

MAG's U5-3000 Universal Machining Center combines massive platform capacity with a 3-meter Z-axis and 5-axis, 5-side contour machining.

MAG's new U5-3000 Universal Machining Center combines massive platform capacity with a long-reach, 3-meter Z-axis and 5-axis, 5-side contour machining for efficient processing of oversized aluminum and composite parts. This addition to the U5 series of gantry mills is engineered to machine at extreme limits and into deep cavities of large prismatic parts. Combined with Y-axis travel of over 6 meters (20 ft), unlimited X-axis travel, and high-speed, 15,000-rpm, 5-axis spindle, the U5-3000 achieves new levels of machining efficiencies for tall, wide and long parts. Its capacity provides versatility for large-part machining for aerospace, energy, marine, and die-and-mold applications.

The machine’s builder says U5-3000's modular, heavy-duty gantry design delivers the stiffness, range and performance to machine complex part geometries with accuracy. A rigid box-way roller-bearing rail system and dual-motor rack-and-pinion X-axis drive provide smooth precise movement and high thrust levels on long-travel cuts.

Feedrates up to 20 m/min (787 ipm) optimize processing efficiencies on large part surfaces.

Five-axis/five-side processing allows manufacturers to machine more part features in a single setup for lean efficiencies and higher productivity, while reducing potential errors caused by multiple setups on high-value parts. The U5-3000 comes standard with a 15,000-rpm, 30-kW (40.2 hp), HSK63A gimbal-style contouring spindle that delivers up to 57 Nm (42 lb-ft) torque for high-speed, high-throughput cutting performance.

As options, 20,000-rpm and 24,000-rpm 5-axis spindles are available. The 5-axis head features continuous C-axis to keep the spindle in-cut without running out of C-axis travel or waiting for C-axis to unwind. A rigid Z-axis ram with 508 mm (20 in.) cross-section provides high rigidity for superior precision and surface finish, especially with longer tools and extended Z-axis reach. Flood and through-spindle coolant keep cutting zones clear, with automatic chip and coolant collection systems available.

Highly customizable to application requirements, the U5-3000 can be field-expanded in the X-axis in 3.7 m (12 ft) increments. Options available to boost productivity include automatic head change, choice of high-torque or high-speed spindles, and vertical, horizontal and custom designs. Multiple head configurations optimize spindle access to complex and challenging part features. Interchangeable heads help to minimize machine downtime, part reorientations, and setups. Other options include fixed tables, rotary tables and automated pallet shuttles.