Hedelius provides sophisticated solutions for efficient machining

Hedelius provides sophisticated solutions for efficient and accurate machining of components in many industry sectors, but specifically for customers in the aerospace, mould and die, and motorsport industries. The high performance vertical spindle moving column product range covers 3-, 4- and 5-axis machining, in pendulum and combination designs.

The semi-gantry design, with heavy-duty overhead roller guides on the Y-axis, is the perfect design for vertical machining. The short overhang and the solid machine bed guarantee perfect milling results. The fixed grey cast iron table is suitable for precise clamping of large and heavy workpieces. The chips fall from the machine table directly into the chip conveyor located below. Each Hedelius machining centres designed to meet the operator's requirements, with easy workpiece loading and unloading as well as the ease of setting up and controlling the machine. Every detail is geared towards the efficient production of small batches or one-off components.

With a large X-axis traversing range loading and unloading of workpieces in parallel to machining cycle, in pendulum operation, means optimum use of the machine’s capacity. This method increases the machine’s output level, so that cost-effective medium to large batch production is also possible.

Machining accuracy matters, which is why direct NC travel measurement systems with optical scanning, digital drives and stick-slip-free recirculating roller guides work in all linear axes of Hedelius machining centres. Powerful integral Celox motor spindles, offering up to 24,000 rpm, are efficient and thermally stable for increased precision. A hydro-mechanical tool clamping system with HSK 40 or 50 tapers guarantees maximum system stiffness and true running quality, even under extreme conditions.

Fluid cooled state-of-the-art direct drives are used for the rotary and swivel axes of the 5-axis machining centres of the RS 505, RS 605 and RS 805 (RotaSwing) Kombi range. These torque motors work without mechanical transmission elements and are virtually wear-free. Simultaneous 5-axis machining is a standard feature and these drives also position the workpiece dynamically and noiselessly in any programmed angular position.

All the machining centres of the RotaSwing range stand out due to their unique combination of fixed machine table and rotary/tilt table unit. They are designed for 6-sided complete machining. It is possible to produce even the most complex, cubic components on the rotary/tilt table units with no more than two set-ups.

The machines from the Tiltenta T7 range are true all-rounders, coping with all the tasks encountered during machining. The generous workspace with an infinitely pivoting main spindle enables 3- or 4-sided face machining of long workpieces, while precise 5-sided machining in pendulum operation is possible with the integrated NC indexing table and a workspace divider plate.

Its design opens up new applications in the processing of single items and series. Whether end machining of long work pieces or 5-sided complete machining with integrated NC rotary table — the T7 crossover concept solves many processing tasks in mechanical engineering, tool making and vehicle production. The combination of an infinitely adjustable main spindle and a long machine table with integrated NC rotary table allows the mixed production of large workpieces and precise 5-axis machining in one machine.

As the smallest in the range the T7 1600 features a compact footprint and is perfect for single-part and small batch production of machinery and tool making. The large machine table allows 5-axis machining of workpieces with a swing diameter up to 1100 mm and a maximum of 1200 kg clamped weight, the machining of workpieces up to 1600 mm long is also possible.

Hedelius machining centres tick all the boxes for high efficiency machining of precision components, as company director, Howard Mancey explains: “With every machine tool used to produce aerospace components, mould and die element or motorsport components capacity is a consideration. The 3-axis machines from Hedelius offer X-axis ranges of 1,800 up to 6,500 mm and Y-axis from 510 to 1,250 mm, spindle speeds are also important and these go from 4,500 rpm up to 24,000 rpm with hybrid bearing spindle motors offering power up to 60 kW. The 5-axis machines all feature virtually wear-free direct drive rotary and tilting tables with diameters from 420 up to 1,000 mm. Every machine is built to last in Germany, and Hedelius provide a 12 year spare parts and service guarantee.”

Control options include the leading industry NC systems, such as the Heidenhain iTNC530 and Siemens 840D. A recent development from Hedelius to support extended machining operations and ‘lights out’ production is the Skyloader range of pallet systems, which are fitted to the RS range of Kombi machines. These systems offer a capacity range of up to 41 pallets, with additional tool storage of up to 190 tools, keeping set-up times to a minimum.

Setting the benchmark in automation, loading and unloading of the tools and pallets is fast and easy thanks to the ergonomically designed and operator-friendly pallet set-up area which is unique in this class.

“Like YMT Technologies, Hedelius is a family-owned and run company, with more than 40 years’ experience in the design and build of machining centres standing behind the brand. In partnership with YMT Technologies, these advanced innovative machining centres will now be within reach of precision engineering and manufacturing companies in UK and Eire. Benefiting from YMT Technologies complete sales and support network customers really do get more than just a machining centre when they invest in any Hedelius machining centre,” concludes Howard Mancey.