The latest addition to the highly successful Reiden Technik RX-Series of combination 5-axis universal milling and turning machining centres is to be exhibited at EMO 2017 in Hannover. The RX12 which is available in the UK through 2D CNC Machinery of Hinckley, incorporates Reiden’s patented double-drive spindle technology (DDT) with the new machine developed around Hydropol, a highly rigid specialised concrete and steel composite for the bed and column that can be completely recycled.
The machine is demonstrated in cell form with two pallet system and has axis travels of 1,300 mm in X, 1,450 mm in Y, and 1,000 mm in Z with rapid traverse rates of 50 m/min. In addition, the A-axis for the spindle is 0 to 90 deg to enable horizontal and vertical cutter positions with the 1,200 mm diameter rotary table which has a swing of 1,200 mm and rotates through a programmable gearless drive at up to 400 revs/min.
The construction of the Reiden RX12 around its Hydropol composite provides high orders of inherent stability. It absorbs vibration and has significant levels of dynamic stiffness. In producing the composite against a normal cast iron frame, 30 per cent less primary energy is used and CO2 levels are 66 per cent lower.
As a result of the construction, both 5-axis milling and turning operations can be integrated into a single machine setting and benefit from Reiden’s patented spindle DDT development. The spindle is able to swivel between horizontal and vertical planes within one second and the slim head design has pneumatic clamping to hold position when used for turning cycles in conjunction with the direct drive rotary table. This table has automatic imbalance detection and counterweights to minimise vibration.
The DDT spindle concept uses two separate motors built into the same housing which are connected via a bevel gear drive coupling arrangement. According to the machine program, hydraulic power is used to engage or disengage the higher torque system which also enables the unused drive to freewheel.
A hybrid bearing system is hydraulically pre-loaded to support the higher torque drive and the spindle head is water cooled through a specifically designed labyrinth of channels. The spindle arrangement has through-the-tool coolant supply.
There are also more conventional spindle options of an 84 kW,12,000 revs/min with 452 Nm of torque, 38 kW 16,000 revs/min 135 Nm, 29 kW 5,700 revs/min with 293 Nm and 7,300 revs/min with 29 kW and 229 Nm of torque. There are options of tool magazine pockets of 65, 73, 173,191 and 273.
Control is via either Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens 840D sI. A two pallet system is being exhibited but machines can be supplied with options of five pallets each 1,200 mm by 1,000 mm or a linear storage system.
