High-Speed VMC Offers More Intuitive Machining, Surfacing

Expand Machinery debuts the Genmill VFM-2416 five-axis (4+1) this year at IMTS booth #338048. As a high-speed machining system with 2,700 block look-ahead for precise part tolerances — the highest in the industry, the company says — in addition to faster control, moldmakers are able to benefit from more intuitive 3D surface machining and better finishes.

In addition to the general benefits of a full five-axis machine — reduced setups, shorter tooling, improved quality, faster throughputs and the ability to machine more complex workpieces — the Genmill VFM-2416 features a 100-mm zero backlash roller cam tilting rotary table with 360° rotary motion and a swing angle of -20° to +120°. Constant preload on the roller cam is said to ensure the table stiffness necessary for precision machining at any angle.  Additionally the Genmill VFM-2416 offers enough extra table space for a work vice so the workpiece can be machined to meet the needs for the tilt/rotary table mounting surface in one operation. 

Machine specifications include axes travels of X=24", Y=15.75" and Z=17.7", with rapid rates of 1,417 ipm. The 12,000 prm 15-hp direct drive 40-taper spindle features rigid tapping and a thermostatically controlled spindle oil cooler. The machine is also said to utilize roller bearing guideways in all three axes, providing nearly twice the rigidity of ball bearing ways. Moreover, a 24-tool twin-arm #40-taper ATC is provided, offering a 1.7-second tool-to-tool change time.

According to Expand Machinery, a standard Mitsubishi M830 high-performance control provides optimal surface finish and processes 127,000 blocks per minute. A three-year control, drives and motors warranty is provided.

The VFM-2416 is the smallest of the VFM series of vertical machining centers (VMCs). The largest machine offered in this series is 100" x 39".