Posted to News on 19th May 2007, 16:48
Modular machining centres have 5-year warranty
Unimatic is introducing a new concept in machining centres, known as FlatCom, in which modular components are assembled to create a bespoke machine that exactly matches individual users' requirements.
The mechanical elements of FlatCom are precision engineered to robust designs to ensure exceptional rigidity and minimal vibration. This allows accurate machining over the entire travel of every axis.
Unimatic's Managing Director, Martin Stevens, explains the concept behind the FlatCom system: "The core of every machine is the base unit. Onto these one can add the machining/motion axes, drive modules, tools, protection covers and other mechanical elements. A 'plug and go' control panel add the brain to the brawn and, finally, a CNC control station is mounted to the machine via a swivel arm.
"It is not so different from flat-pack furniture really, but it is so well made and robust that ISEL, the system's manufacturer, guarantees performance for five years!"
High stiffness, low weight
The base and many of the structural elements of FlatCom are based on anodised extruded aluminium profiles that combine high stiffness with low weight. There are five basic base designs and the profiles for the motion axes offer travel from 300mm to 1300mm. The profile for the critical Z-axis incorporates T-slots on a 25mm pitch to allow a range of attachments to be mounted for printing, engraving, milling, drilling, dispensing, glue laying, screw fixing, pasting, casting, last and water cutting, soldering and welding, sawing, cutting, measuring and testing.
The motion axes are based on stepper- or servo-driven ball screws, with preloaded linear bearings and anti-backlash fittings. They can offer high-speed machining with a repeatable accuracy of 0.01mm, which is comparable with other machining centres. Integral limit switches ensure the axes do not exceed user-defined limits.
Options available for the FlatCom include a DVD drive, 2, 5 and 10mm pitch ball threaded spindles, special milling and engraving spindles, a tool changing station, cooling systems, and a vacuum clamping table.
Stevens concludes: "FlatCom has been developed and is manufactured by ISEL, so the build quality and long-term performance can be assumed to be world-class. Unimatic has represented ISEL in the UK for over 10 years, so we are happy to endorse its ability to constantly innovate and push forward the boundaries of machining technology."
