Machining Solution Enables Growth for Production Needs

GF Machining Solutions LLC highlights its Mill P 800 U S full five-axis milling machine for automation integration. According to the company, the machine enables growth as production needs increase. As a flexible and scalable solution, shops can start with a simple standalone Mill P 800 U S, then expand production capabilities into fully automated multiple-machine cells.

GF Machining Solutions constructed the Mill P 800 U S as a more compact machine with a reduced footprint, engineering it specifically for automation. The company relocated the electrical cabinet from the back of the machine to its left-hand side, thus enabling a direct robot loading from the rear of the machine.

Prior to the design change, a robot would load parts onto one of the pallets of the machine’s two-pallet changer. Now, there is no pallet changer and the robot arm itself moves into the machine with a pallet of loaded workpieces.

In terms of operator ergonomics and accessibility, having the automation in the back frees up the front of the machine for the operator and makes for a safer work environment. Typically, automated loading happens at either the front or at one of a machine’s sides. That type of layout requires more floorspace and that the machines either face the automation with no access to their fronts or are turned 90 degrees. Automating from the back also helps reduce the entire footprint of a cell.

For increased stability and precision, GF Machining Solutions engineered the Mill P 800 U S as a unique full twin-ballscrew drive/twin-linear scale gantry machine. The twin drives compensate for any unbalanced cutting forces between the two drive torque motors on each gantry side, while the twin linear scales ensure both gantry axis ends are always synchronized. The design also lowers stress on the machine to help reduce ballscrew and guide wear for longer life and less maintenance.

The Mill P 800 U S features a torque-motor driven rotary/tilt trunnion-style table that contributes to the machine’s continuous full five-axis simultaneous movement for smooth part surface contouring. The high-performance dynamic torque motor drives eliminated backlash (pitch and reverse errors), friction, wear and heat generation. This equates to increased rigidity, longer lasting accuracy and less maintenance, unlike worm or G-driven type tables that often require significant amounts of maintenance because of their inherent mechanical play.