Portal/Overhead Five-Axis Gantry Milling

New Droop+Rein vertical milling centers from Starrag USA Inc. (Hebron, KY),  including the revolutionary FOGS HD “that takes heavy-duty cutting to the next level” and the evolutionary NEO update of four existing series machines, have created a portal, gantry and overhead gantry milling portfolio that offers the complete spectrum of large vertical five-axis milling systems: from high speed through to heavy-duty cutting across the industry sectors of aerospace, energy, transportation, and general industrial applications. These developments and updates involve all existing machine designs and complete the Droop+Rein range of large vertical milling centers:

• Overhead gantry design – the FOGS HD and updated FOGS NEO/N40 machines.
• Floor-guided gantry design – the GS and GFS NEO/N40 models, complementing the existing up to 201 hp G and GF series.
• Portal design – the updated TS and TFS NEO/N40 machines, adding to the existing T and TF models that boast 201 hp spindle power and 8,850 lb-ft machining capability.

These designes are headed by the new FOGS HD machine that takes heavy-duty cutting to the next level by combining the dynamism and precision of overhead gantry machining with the output of rigid portal/gantry milling. Following the Starrag philosophy of modular design, this machine has hydrostatic guideways that can be supplied with a choice of control systems, table configurations, milling heads, tool changing system and spindles rated up to 134 hp/5,531 lb-ft to satisfy even the most demanding tasks asked of its expansive XYZ travels of 1,220 in, 236 in and 98.4 in, respectively. Feed rates are 1,575 ipm in X and Y, and 787 ipm in Z.

Droop+Rein’s evolutionary update of their milling technologies is exemplified by the NEO machines, which include a new rack-and-pinion drive system for the ram (Z-axis) and an integrated C-axis design of ±400 deg using a torque drive. The enhancements to the NEO machines’ main milling drive – which utilizes the multi-functionality of a 53.6 hp main spindle drive and head change, and are designated as N40 models – include a new main drive motor and two-stage gearbox that can now be extended to 80.5 hp and 1,327 lb-ft in S6 mode. These design features are implemented into the renowned FOGS and the updated TS/TFS machining centers. The integration of these attributes into the new GS/GFS floor-guided gantry machines completes the comprehensive range of machine choices now available.

With these developments, users can now cherry pick the perfect Droop+Rein machine with all manner of machine features and automation aids to suit their individual needs. Machine construction of the complete series follows Droop+Rein /Starrag principles for a high quality, rigid-build system resulting in ultra-consistent performance (accuracy and longevity). This is complemented by a wide choice of milling heads (over 300 different styles/ratings are available) with which Droop+Rein technology and application experts configure the machines exactly to meet current and future applications. Professional project management ensures a smooth and timely production start. Once in production, all machines are harnessed by Starrag’s in-house developed Integrated Production System for real-time feedback of machine status and performance, in line with Industry 4.0 operations.

Starrag USA Inc., North American Headquarter, Skyport Business Park, 3279 Progress Drive, Hebron, KY 41048, 859-534-5201, ussales@starrag.com, www.starrag.com.