All four models have a ±110° B-axis spindle and an integrated C-axis rotary table, both of which may be interpolated with X, Y and Z to allow full simultaneous 5-axis production. Described as competitively priced and highly specified, all are fitted with scales in the linear and rotary axes as standard.
Components 610 mm tall can be machined with the BC-600’s spindle in the vertical orientation, rising to 790 mm with the spindle horizontal. Cutting feed rate is up to 10 m/min, while rapids are 36 m/min in X and Y, 30 m/min in Z. A highlighted feature of the 12-tonne BC-600 is its generous working envelope versus the nominal 4.7 by 3.8 m footprint required.
Its flush, 600 mm diameter rotary table accepts workpieces weighing up to 400 kg, but the full 1,280 by 610 mm fixed table is able to accommodate 1,400 kg components for 3- or 4-axis machining. The C-axis uses a direct drive motor to provide high torque and rigidity and to avoid the backlash normally associated with worm gear drives. Maximum standard rotational speed of the C-axis table is 120 rpm but there is an optional 800 rpm version to provide turning capability.
The tilting spindle, which can be positioned to within 20 seconds of arc, is driven at up to 15,000 rpm (optionally 10,000 or 12,000 rpm) by an 18.5 kW motor. It is replenished automatically with 40-taper or HSK-T63 cutters from a 40-station tool magazine. The spindle's rigidity, coupled with the wide machine column and base and the use of linear roller guideways in the orthogonal axes with dual-nut, 40 mm diameter ballscrews in X and Y, result in the ability to undertake rigorous metalcutting.
Controls available are Heidenhain TNC640 with 21 GB of programme storage, a DCM function to minimise the risk of a collision during 5-axis cycles and KinematicsOpt geometry error compensation; or Siemens 840D with either full 5-axis or 4 +1 interpolation; or Fanuc 0MiF, which is available only with 4 + 1 capability.
The BC range is completed by models BC-700, -800 and -960, the largest of which has an installed weight of 18.6 tonnes, an 800 mm diameter table and a working envelope of 2,040 by 1,000 by 820 (min)/948 mm (max) in Z.The BC range is completed by models BC-700, -800 and -960, the largest of which has an installed weight of 18.6 tonnes, an 800 mm diameter table and a working envelope of 2,040 by 1,000 by 820 (min)/948 mm (max) in Z.
