Five-Axis Horizontal Machining Center Executes Highly Rigid, Accurate Performance

New to Niigata Machine Techno USA’s heavy-duty HN-5X series, the HN80E-5X 5-axis horizontal machining center features 49.2, 48.4 and 47.2 in. of travel in the X, Y and Z-axes respectively, and allows a maximum workpiece diameter of 49.2 in., a height of 39.4 in. and weight of 3,300 lb. Incorporating the solid cast iron X and Z base of Niigata’s HN100D-II Heavy Duty Boxway horizontal machining center, the HN80E-5X provides maximum rigidity, stability and accuracy. The product is ideal for machining in a range of industries demanding highly rigid, heavy-duty and accurate performance, including aircraft, automotive and die and mold.

Simultaneous 5-axis machining is said to improve cycle times and machined surfaces of complicated and 3D-curved components, with a reduced number of setups and simplified fixtures. Equipped with a 5-axis compensation function, high accuracy is ensured over extended time periods. Further, the tool magazine is driven by a servo motor for fast and reliable indexing.

The guide ways of the HN80E-5X consist of a combination of hardened and ground hand-scraped Turcite for stability, vibration damping and longer life. According to Niigata, the cross section of the rectangular guide ways is thick and wide for maximum machine rigidity; the machining center’s bifurcated bell-shaped column further contributes to this efficiency.

Both ends of Niigata’s heavy-duty 5-axis trunnion table are supported by the High Load Type Roller BRG and a Double-Lead Worm Gear System for low-frequency machining. For consistent long-life dynamic machine accuracy, the HN80E-5X is further equipped with an optical scale feedback system (on X-, Y- and Z-axes) and an inductive scale feedback system (on A- and B-axes) as standard.

A high torque, heavy duty spindle complements the rigid machine frame. The spindle head stock consists of mono-cast (single-piece) castings for more powerful milling and greater accuracy than bolt-together type spindle heads.

The HN80E-5X comes equipped with the FANUC 30iM controller. A variety of 5-axis machining support software is available.