High-Precision Vertical Milling Machine for Part Processing Reliability

Targeting mold and die makers in the ICT/EC segments and medical device manufacturers, GF Machining Solutions has launched the new MILL P 500 three-axis vertical milling machine in North America. The MILL P 500 is said to deliver high levels of precision, reliability over extended machining periods and exceptional productivity for die casting, high-temperature forging molds and dies, cold forging dies and extrusion dies applications. Further, the machine reportedly delivers superior part surface finishes, extreme contour and position accuracies and dimensional precision critical for the production of injection molding and stamping dies and sinker EDM electrodes.

A robust and thermostabilized polymer granite base platform helps hold part tolerances to +/- 4 microns and maintains positioning accuracy over extended machining times, deviating no more than 5 microns during a 24-hour span. A 42,000-rpm, HSK-E40 Step-Tec spindle, as standard, reduces time-consuming, secondary manual polishing operations; improved hybrid ball bearings and thermally robust hybrid cylindrical roller bearings enable milling with extra-long tools while delivering aggressive material removal rates at high feed rates. The Step-Tec spindle in 24,000- and 36,000-rpm versions is optional. 

For maximum ROI, the MILL P 500 features fully integrated workpiece pallet changers, tool magazine expansions and more for extended uninterrupted production. For automation integration ease, the machine enables automation from the back in order to couple with a System 3R WorkPartner 1+ (WPT1+) compact pallet changing robot or System 3R Transformer/Fanuc Automation Solutions. Further, with either disc or automatic tool tower, the MILL P 500 offers capacities of up to 60 tools via disk and up to 210 tools with the tower. Both systems enable tool loading while the machine runs.

Initially introduced with a Fanuc 35iB CNC, GF says the MILL P 500 will soon come with a Heidenhain TCN640 control for greater unattended operations. Key control functions on the MILL P 500 include Econowatt (for up to 50% machine energy savings), Intelligent Spindle Monitoring and Intelligent Thermal Control (for higher precision), Power Failure Protection and Intelligent Tool Measurement (to ensure overall process security) and Operator Support System, which is said to enhance overall machine productivity and works in tandem with several software tools, including GF Machining Solutions’ rConnect.

rConnect is a digital services platform available for all GF Machining Solutions technologies. It is a modular system that includes a range of available services all backed by T.ViT-certified cybersecurity. rConnect Live Remote Assistance (LRA) is said to ensure shops achieve the highest possible machine uptime via rapid-response service requests with GF experts via audio, video chat and other tools.