VMCS WITH HIGHLY INTUITIVE CONTROL

Vertical machining center producer MAG Fadal (Chatsworth, CA) announced that their FX series of machines will be available with the new Infimatic Freedom NC200™, a digital control designed specifically for metal-cutting machine tool applications, with three highly-intuitive navigation choices. The control is compatible with standard G-codes as well as part programs that have been created for Fadal CNC controls.

The operator pendant has been designed with the machinist in mind, offering a full keyboard, integrated mouse and easy-to-use LED-ringed pushbuttons. VeriCode™, the control system's unique color-coded editor, has real-time syntax and semantic verification to simplify part programming, as well as the ability to facilitate background editing during machining. ServoScan™ technology automatically populates control parameters and other critical data when the machine is powered up, reducing errors and streamlining the start-up process.

Infimatic's Freedom NC Portal™ is an interface for seamless integration of software from GibbsCAM, NextEngine, Renishaw or other sources whose technologies complement the core functionality of the CNC. Complete with advanced 3D graphics, the NC200™ comes loaded with integrated GibbsSFP®, the control-resident version of GibbsCAM that includes time-saving drilling, contouring and pocketing routines.

Engineered for maximum reliability in a contract shop or production floor environment, the Freedom NC200™ features fanless cooling, diskless data storage, advanced protection circuitry, all surface-mount circuit board construction, a water resistant panel, and a distributed architecture platform which enables electrical cabinet optimization.

Special editions of both the VMC 3016 FX and VMC 4020 FX are being offered on a limited basis. These machines will include a 10,000 rpm air/oil 40-taper spindle, the coolant-thru-spindle feature, and dual-arm tool changers, with 24-tool capacity on the 4020 FX and 20-tool capacity on the 3016 FX.

Since its introduction in 2006, the FX series has been embraced by manufacturers in applications ranging from die and mold machining to part production in the automotive, aerospace, medical and other industries. Its value-to-price ratio make it a natural choice for coupling with the economical yet powerful control platform developed by Infimatic.

On the 3016 FX and 4020 FX, rigid box-way construction with integral flame-hardened ways are complemented by Steinmeyer ETA+ dual-mounted ballscrews that optimize machine stiffness and virtually eliminate reversal error. Rapid traverse is 1,000 ipm, with a cutting feed rate up to 800 ipm. X/Y/Z axes travel on the 3016 FX is 30 in x 16 in x 20 in (762 mm x 406 mm x 508 mm); the 4020 FX increases the working envelope with X/Y/Z axes travel of 40 in x 20 in x 20 in (1,016 mm X 508 mm X 508 mm). www.fadal.com