machining capability for virtually every facet of aerospace machining. “The larger Integrexes are used virtually by every landing-gear manufacturer in the world. On the engine side of the business, machine solutions include e-vertical Integrex machines, 800-mm vertical turning centers, five-axis machin- ing centers, and multitasking machines,” said Papke.
“There’s a definite trend toward flexibility in engine machining, requiring quick response to engineering changes.”
At IMTS, Mazak introduced the Mega 8800 horizontal machining center with high torque and horsepower for heavy- metal machining requirements like titanium machining. “We have a full range of general-purpose machines, but we also provide machines that meet the needs of specific industries like off-highway equipment, energy, medical as well as aero- space applications,” said Papke.
There Is an Alternative... “Aerospace manufacturers need high repeatability and
accuracy when machining large, heavy, challenging aero- space parts,” said Dale Hedberg, Feeler product manager, Methods Machine Tools Inc. (Sudbury, MA). Manufacturers are increasingly relying on vertical turning lathes to accom- modate their larger and heavier parts, said Hedberg. “The new Feeler FVT-600 is equipped with heavy-duty, roller-type linear guideways, resulting in high rigidity when making heavy cuts. To minimize thermal deformation and vibration, and increase positioning accuracy, the FVT-600 features rugged construction and precision ballscrews that are di- rectly coupled with highly responsive AC servomotors.” The Feeler vertical turning lathe offers a high-preci-
sion and high-rigidity spindle which is supported by two double-row cylindrical roller bearings and duplex angular thrust bearings. This enables the lathe to endure heavy cutting in both radial and axial directions, resulting in high accuracy during long cutting cycles. The FVT-600 design permits coolant to flush chips to an extra-wide conveyer where the chips are immediately evacuated. To facilitate automating processes, the Feeler FVT-600 is available in left-side and right-side versions, allowing automation to be strategically stationed between the lathes for high-volume production applications. ME