“Once we started adding fourth and fifth axes with table on table and trunnion configurations, pallet changers, more tools, and high-speed spindles, the VMCs became very productive,” said Walker. “Today, our trunnion-style Vertex five-axis machine has become very popular for machining integrally bladed rotors [IBR] for jet en- gines, turbine blades for power genera- tion, or for tool and die work. At IMTS, we’re going to introduce a VMC with additive manufacturing capability using a powder feed so that we can operate in both the additive and subtractive machin- ing environment. The next logical step will be to slide that capability over into our trunnion-style horizontal machining center platform which would open up capability to handle 2-m workpieces,” Walker said. “For example, if you are manufacturing a big valve body and you want to add some kind of boss or feature to it you can additively manufacture it right on the component inside the machine. Also, be- cause the VMC makes a good platform for other applications, we’re developing special applications like cam grinding and high-speed turning because really there’s a lot that can be done inside the work envelope of a VMC.”
Mitsui Seiki is developing Blue
Arc technology that can be added to its vertical and horizontal machine platforms. “Blue Arc technology uses a low-voltage electrode that we can burn hardened materials at very high stock removal rates, of 300+ cc/min. The problem with the big, heavy-duty, high- torque machines that are typically used for roughing titanium, some Inconels, and Waspaloys is that they don’t have the agility and high traversing rates for five-axis motion, holding the tolerances that are required after roughing,” said Walker. “Blue Arc technology gives you the ability to achieve high stock removal rates on an agile machine because burning metal off doesn’t put a load
See us at
on the machine like pushing a cutter through metals at high metal removal rates like 300+ cc/min.” According to Walker, the potential applications for Blue Arc technology include large castings for jet engine housing
Booth #N-7321 June 2016 |
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