C 42 U Enables Five-Axis/Five-Sided Machining

Hermle's C 42 U machining centre is suited for five-axis/five-sided machining within an 800 x 800 x 550mm working envelope. It targets applications in the tool and mould, medical, aerospace and motorsport sectors, and other industries requiring complex, close-tolerance components. The machine is also offered in an MT (mill-turn) version, whereby turning operations at 800rpm or less can be carried out in the same clamping using the C-axis table mounted on a +/-130deg swivelling A-axis trunnion.

Parts can weigh up to 700kg - half the maximum possible (without turning) on machines configured for five-axis machining. Alternatively, a three-axis machine can be supplied with a fixed table capable of supporting parts over one metre long and weighing two tonnes. A modified gantry positions all guideways above the working area. The Y-axis has a tandem drive for high machine dynamics and features a patented arrangement of three staggered guideways - one mid way between and set back from the outer two, halving the Y-axis span.

Production potential is high owing to 10m/s2 acceleration to traverse rates of 60m/min in the linear axes. The spindle features Hermle's new slimline design to facilitate machining of deep cavities and is available with maximum speeds of 10,000, 18,000 or 25,000rpm, offering up to 29kW of power and 200Nm of torque. The two-part design incorporates six displacement sleeves that collapse to prevent damage to the spindle in the event of a collision. The SK40/HSK-A 63 taper provides rigidity for static tooling during turning operations.

These may be performed not only when the table is horizontal or vertical, but also at any intermediate angle - allowing short toolholders to be used and opening up a range of machining options. Technological and safety requirements that apply to lathes were taken into account when designing the MT version and relevant safety standards have been adhered to - notably EN 12417 and EN 12478. Another new safety feature is tool measuring and breakage monitoring. Milling tools are scanned by laser and turning tools are measured from two sides by 3D touch probes.

Construction of the C 42 U lends itself to the addition of high-precision turning. Bearings for the A-axis are set directly into the mineral cast bed, promoting stable, vibration-free machining - particularly as the trunnion is driven from both sides by motors positioned on the axis centreline. The table, with integral balancing system, is driven by a high-torque motor optimised for comparatively high speeds, making it possible to perform combinations of robust roughing and light finishing operations. The single-lift machine has a three-point support that requires no special foundations and can be transported as a single unit.

Adaptation to partial or full automation is afforded by the entire Hermle range of automation equipment, such as pallet change and storage systems, flexible manufacturing cells including workpiece storage and material flow, or handling systems including robotic configurations. The control system is Heidenhain iTNC 530 or Siemens 840 D SL with 19in screen and 30deg tilt. Other options relate to coolant delivery, chip control and tool management.

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