New 5-Axis Portal Milling Machine

Zimmermann released its FZU22 5-axis gantry mill April 7. According to a company release, the portal milling machine is machining workpieces in various shapes and sizes. While the device can process aluminum, plastic, wood, and other materials, Zimmermann says it is “ideal” for finishing carbon fiber reinforced and similar composite materials.

The machine comes with a toolchanger for 24 tools and a CNC from either Siemens or Heidenhain. Its 5-axis milling head has a 15kW spindle that can machine contours and pockets in large molds. The FZU22 has a footprint og 11 by 15 feet, and its working range runs from 71-98 degrees in the X-axis, 118-138 degrees in the Y axis, and 49 degrees in the Z axis. For speed, the FZU22 has a standard feed rate of 2756 inches per minute in the X- and Y-axes up to 118-197 inches per second at maximum acceleration.

Optional equipment for the FZU22 includes a touch probe, tool measurement system, work area cover, tool changer, chip conveyor, mist and dust extraction system, minimum quantity lubrication and vacuum systems, and an ultrasonic system for cutting aerospace insulation.

In a statement, Zimmermann Inc. President Cornelius Kiesel said the new device represents his company’s introduction to lightweight machining and credited its introduction with recent company acquisitions.

“With this new machine, being introduced in our booth at IMTS to the North American market, Zimmermann enters a new arena, that is, the lighter weight machining applications for large structures at an economical price,” Kiesel said. “Our recent acquisition of a company in Germany allows us to partner with a reliable source for this type of machine, enhanced by the unique features which have made Zimmermann a standard in the aerospace and large mold market segments.”

For more information on Zimmermann’s portal milling products, see its website.