Rapid 3- To 5-axis Machining Of Diverse Parts Up To 10 Metres Long

Available in the UK though DS Technology, Birmingham, the general-purpose machine is ideal for processing a wide variety of materials from hardened tool steels through light alloys to composites. LinearMill’s rigid build and excellent dynamics allow rapid production of dimensionally accurate parts exhibiting a high quality finish on all machined surfaces, even those of complex 3D shape.

The three orthogonal axes are driven by linear motors for extremely high productivity when producing large components such as moulds and dies, airframe parts, vehicle components and other prismatic items. Ultra-fast acceleration at 1g and axis feed rates up to 100 m/min significantly reduce component processing and idle times compared with machines having ballscrew-driven axes. Consequently, throughput of high-added-value components is considerably increased.

Available in 3-axis or 5-axis versions with the fourth and fifth axes provided by movement built into the motor spindle head, which can have up to 45 kW of power and a maximum speed from 18,000 to 30,000 rpm to suit a customer’s range of applications. A head changer can be specified and for automatic HSK 63-E tool change, magazine capacity is from 24 pockets upwards. Control is by either the Heidenhain iTNC 530 or Siemens 840D CNC system.

LinearMill is one of a wide range of vertical- and horizontal-spindle machining centres offered by Mecof, part of the DS Technologie group of companies, whose headquarters is located in Mönchengladbach, Germany. Other machine tool brands manufactured within the group are Dörries vertical turning lathes, Scharmann horizontal boring machines and machining centres, Droop+Rein large capacity machining centres, and Berthiez vertical spindle turning and grinding centres.