VMCs Have CNCs With High-Speed Processing

The FANUC D21 RoboDrill vertical machining centers from Methods Machine Tools are available in three models, including the D21-S (small), D21-M (medium) and D21-L (large) sizes, which are configurable for three- and five-axis operation. They offer spindle torque reaching 56 foot-pounds, rigid tapping at speeds ranging to 5,000 rpm (8,000 rpm optional), accelerations (in X, Y, and Z axes) to 1.5 G, rapid traverses ranging to 2,125 ipm, feed rates ranging to 1,181 ipm, (2,362 ipm optional), high-speed reverse tapping, thread milling, 1,000 registerable programs, and 54 work offsets. Spindle speeds range from 10,000 to 24,000 rpm. Using air spindles with speeds as high as 90,000 rpm is an option. The rotary 14- or 21-station automatic tool changer is designed to perform as many as five million cycles without requiring maintenance. The machines can be configured for integrated automation and pallet change systems.

The machines are equipped with the FANUC 31iB control unit that features high-speed processing by electronics with a reduced number of components for enhanced reliability. This control unit is said to provide improved performance in multi-axis applications. To reduce downtime, the control provides troubleshooting and maintenance capabilities, enabling users to analyze systems on the machine and receive notifications if any of the drives or electronics requires adjustment.