MILLING MACHINES: MORE FOR LESS
Ideal for the Small Shop: These economical, versatile machine tools offer benefits that can take your milling operations to the next level.
Posted: June 29, 2010
FOR THE BASEMENT SHOP
Tormach, LLC (Waunakee, WI) recently released the new PCNC 770 personal CNC milling machine. The PCNC 770 has a space-saving footprint and a basic 115 VAC household electrical service requirement. The optional patent-pending moving kit allows the mill to be transported as component pieces, making this one of the first serious machine tools designed specifically for a basement shop.
The design of the PCNC 770 combines reliable cast-iron construction, P4 grade ballscrews, and sensorless vector-drive spindle technology to create a simple and robust platform with ample options for user-installed upgrades, just like the best-selling PCNC 1100 Series II. The mill weighs 662 lb and is equipped with a 10,000 rpm spindle, making it well suited for prototyping, hobby, small business, R&D, or educational use. “Since we first released the PCNC 1100, we’ve heard from many people that space is a real constraint,” said Greg Jackson, president of Tormach. “We wanted to build a CNC machine that can fit into smaller spaces without compromising the performance or quality that our customers have come to expect when they purchase the PCNC.”
The PCNC 770 offers 130 ipm feedrates in both X and Y axes. It features a 1 hp spindle that is compatible with both R8 and TTS tools. TTS, the revolutionary dual contact Tormach Tooling System, has become an industry standard for small machines offering quick-change with repeatable tool offsets. The work envelope is 13 in x 7.5 in x 13.25 in (X, Y, Z). The PCNC 770 is compatible with the majority of the existing accessories in the PCNC line and is pre-wired for 4th axis and digitizing probe. An optional steel stand and coolant kit are available. www.tormach.com
DRILL, TAP AND MILL TOO
The new DT-1 from Haas Automation, Inc. (Oxnard, CA), is a compact, high-speed drill and tap machine with full milling capabilities. The machine features a 20 in x 16 in x 15.5 in work cube and 26 in x 15 in T-slot table, while maintaining a very small footprint. A powerful BT-30 taper spindle spins to 15,000 rpm and allows tapping at speeds to 5000 rpm. The spindle is coupled directly to the motor for smooth, quiet operation and extreme thermal stability. A 15 hp vector-drive system provides 46 ft-lb (peak) of cutting torque for milling and boring operations.
High-speed 2400 ipm rapids combine with 1G acceleration rates to shorten cycle times and reduce non-cutting time. The maximum cutting feed rate is 1200 ipm. For efficient chip removal, the DT-1 features steeply sloped internal sheet metal. Optional twin chip augers transport chips to exit at the rear of the machine. A 45 gal flood coolant system is standard, with options for a programmable coolant nozzle and high-pressure through-spindle coolant systems. www.HaasCNC.com
AFFORDABLE HIGH-CAPACITY BED-TYPES
Knuth Machine Tools USA (Lincolnshire, IL) introduces KB Series bed-type milling machines. These affordable, high capacity, milling machines come equipped with large beds and wide columns, making this the perfect choice for handling large part and machining projects.
The KB Series design provides increased stability, low vibration and improved precision at extremely high-table load. Enhanced by a rigid, heavy-duty cast-iron frame with exceptionally wide, solid, rectangular guideways, the KB 1400 provides consistent milling accuracy on a variety of materials. Equipped with a standard 3-axis position indicator to meet almost every angular requirement, the KB Series features a cutter head, which swivels up to 30 deg. Increased productivity and quality surface finish results from a maximum 10 hp along with infinitely variable speed adjustments from 40 rpm to 1800 rpm and an infinitely variable X-Axis feed. www.knuth.de
