Higher torque Fanuc F-Series adds power to production cycles
Among the leading edge developments incorporated into the latest Fanuc Alpha T21-iF vertical machining centre (VMC) is a massive 32 per cent increase in torque to 70 Nm for the new 10,000 revs/min spindle.
This significantly increases the power for milling and the drilling of larger holes in steel from solid. A patent pending, high speed toolchange mechanism gives an 11 per cent faster ‘chip-to-chip’ time of just 1.6 secs and with the inclusion of thermal displacement compensation, higher levels of accuracy are achievable when 3-D machining and especially when extended cutting cycles are involved.
Available from 600 Centre in Shepshed, Loughborough, the ‘F’ Series of the T21-iF machine has a 21 tool capacity and can be specified in Compact (FS), Standard (F) and Extended (FL) versions. Each is differentiated by X-axis travels of 300 mm, 500 mm and 700 mm respectively. As well as the high torque 5.5 kW 10,000 revs/min spindle, a high speed 24,000 revs/min version is available.
A key feature of the Fanuc VMC range has always been the high productivity achieved by combining fast data processing and servo reaction with quick axis movements and rapid accelerations. The T21-iF continues this tradition with axis movements of 54 m/min, an improved acceleration of 1.5g and ultra-quick toolchange from the newly developed patent pending mechanism that enables the exchange to be performed during Z-axis movement.
With the addition of the higher torque 10,000 revs/min directly coupled spindle option, heavier milling can be performed utilising the improved bearing arrangement in the spindle and larger drills and combination tools can be used to include step tools for chamfering, for instance. As part of the Fanuc development programme, a direct drive fourth axis unit with backlash-free synchronous servomotor drive provides a rotational speed up to 150 revs/min. This unit, in keeping with the machine’s ultra-quick cycling capability, takes just 0.4 secs to index 180o.
For five-axis machining applications, 3-D cutter compensation is now available through the high specification Fanuc 31i-A5 control and in order to maintain precision, real time 3-D contouring compensation is incorporated. This system overcomes any thermal displacement by monitoring the operational status of the spindle and axis feeds. Positioning accuracy is six microns per 300 mm travel and repeatability is within + 0.002 mm.
The well-proven NURBS interpolation software, Fanuc’s AI contour control with 200 block advanced read ahead can now be obtained with option of 1,000 block advance, giving improved control of acceleration and deceleration. Meanwhile, the high speed, up to 8,000 revs/min rigid tapping with quick extraction cycles, is included in the specification for the 24,000 revs/min spindle version and 5,000 revs/min for the high torque 10,000 revs/min spindle. This provides an override up to 20 times the normal infeed rate.
The Fanuc Alpha T21-iF is available in three basic working envelopes, each with a Z-axis travel of 330 mm. The Compact (FS) has 300 mm in X and option of either 300 mm or 400 mm in Y, the Standard (F) 500 mm in X and 300 mm in Y while the Extended (FL) has 700 mm in X and 400 mm in Y.
For further information, contact:
David Wilkinson, (Sales Director - 600 Centre)
Tel: +44 (0) 1509 600600
Mike Wildish (Wildish Communications)
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 832221
