COMAU has introduced a combination of automation and five-axis CNC machining that is designed for flexibility, dynamism, stiffness, and accuracy for processing oversized lightweight components – for example, automotive underbodies or battery trays produced by megacasting or stamping.
The SmartReach Comau incorporates a linear X axis, reinforced rotary axes with double encoders, and other specifically designed features in order to achieve “high-end CNC level performance”: thus, in a single-part clamping posture, the agile high-speed spindle can reach compound angles and access any side of large or multifaceted parts without frequent recourse to angular heads – meaning it’s easy to realize one-set up machining. (Note, when machining megacastings or other large lightweight parts, repeated clamping may cause part deformation and loss of tolerance.)
In a machining line, by including all the machining operations into one station, multi-machine parallel machining can reduce line stop risk due to one machine failure.
The SmartReach Comau has a modular structure that can be reconfigured easily into mono, twin spindle, or multi spindle configurations, with one frame to multi-frame (frame extendable without limit), to work with different turntable configurations (A axis, B axis single, double tables.) The standard configuration with one frame has the stroke of 3,000x1,890x1,000mm, allowing the machine to adapt to different part sizes and different production needs.
The system is effective for true five-axis continuous machining, with CAD/CAM and G-code for machining programing, plus CT simulation – conducive to quick model changes. The modular structure ensures easier reconfigurability and simple access to the machine, resulting in shorter mean-time to repair (MTTR) compared to market standards… meaning savings in time, cost, and resources.
Most maintenance activities can be done at ground level… contributing to workplace safety and ergonomics.
The developer notes that using MQL or dry machining with SmartReach Comau will conserve coolant and reduce waste. And, based on the machine architecture, developed in full compliance with Comau’s ESG strategy, energy consumption during machining is reduced up to 40% compared to standard VMCs and HMCs.
Learn more at www.comau.com