Five-Axis Machining Center Permits Optimal Mold/Die Milling

Grob Systems Inc. demonstrates a range of five-axis machining applications on its G550 Generation 2 universal machining center (UMC) with an automated rotary pallet storage system (PSS-R). Like many of its machine offerings, Grob says the system meets and exceeds the demands of aerospace, medical and mold and die machining. Grob machining centers are made in the U.S. at the company’s 400,000 ft² full production facility in Ohio, and can include advanced automation solutions for a significant increase in productivity.

According to the company, the G550 Generation 2 five-axis UMC offers optimized milling performance for a broad range of part materials, and is equipped with a Siemens 840D SL control, 16k rpm spindle and an HSKA63 tool interface. The G550 highlights a distinctive machine concept —including a horizontal spindle position that is said to permit the longest possible Z-travel path and optimum chip fall. The arrangement of three linear axes offers maximum stability by minimizing the distance between the guides and the machining point (TCP). The G550’s tunnel concept ensures that even the largest component can be swiveled and machine within the work area without collision, even with very long tools. Three linear and two rotary axes permit five-sided machining, as well as five-axis simultaneous interpolation, with a swivel range of 230 degrees in the A-axis and 360 degrees in the B-axis.

Integrated with the G550 is the company’s PSS-R900 rotary pallet storage system, ideally suited as a modular system with up to 13 pallets that can increase machine utilization and productivity with longer unmanned periods. This system offers optimum entry into automated, highly efficient production with a small footprint. It is equipped with three design
versions per machine.

Grob notes that the PSS-R has a high storage capacity and offers an easily accessible setup station next to the machine control panel, which can
be rotated and locked. The system als offers clamping on the external setup station during automatic mode and is equipped with a double-loading fork for fast pallet exchange.