Methods Machine Tools Inc. introduced a series of vertical machines for high-speed processing, with advanced control capability. The Fanuc D21 RoboDrill vertical machining centers include the state-of-the-art Fanuc 31iB control for high-speed processing, with streamlined electronics to reduce the number of components and provide a very ergonomic display. To reduce the chance for machine downtime significantly, the control provides efficient troubleshooting and maintenance capabilities, meaning that users may analyze systems on the RoboDrills and receive notifications if any of the drives or electronics requires adjustment.
Methods Machine Tools is the North American source of sales, service, and training for Fanuc vertical machining centers and wire EDM machines.
“The high-speed processing provided by the new Fanuc control greatly improves performance on the RoboDrill, especially in multi-AXIS / 5-AXIS applications,” statedStephen Bond, Methods Machine Tools’ national sales manager for Fanuc RoboDrill, RoboCut and EDM Products.
Bond added that the machines’ reliability is supported by a high-performance rotary automated tool changer (ATC) that is able to index up to five million cycles without requiring maintenance.
Rated for automotive-market projects, the Fanuc D21 RoboDrill VMCs are available in three models, including D21-S (small), D21-M (medium) and D21-L (large) sizes. The RoboDrills offer a 14-tool or 21-tool tool changer, torque to 56 ft-lbs, rigid tapping to 5,000 RPM (8,000 RPM optional), accelerations (in X, Y, and Z axes) to 1.5 G, and rapid traverses to 2,125 IPM.
Also, the machines’ will achieve feed rates to 1,181 IPM (2362 IPM optional), high-speed reverse tapping, thread milling, 1,000 register-able programs, and 54 work offsets. Spindle RPMs range from 10,000 to 24,000 with, the option to use tool-changeable air spindles of up to 90,000 RPMs.
The D21 RoboDrill Series can be customized to users’ requirements, including being configured for three to five axes with fully integrated automation and pallet changes. Machine Tool Integration available through Methods Machine Tools offers automated solutions.
