Giant turning centres equipped with 5 m tables for parts weighing up to 150,000 kg
The first of MAG’s giant vertical turning centres (VTC) in five to eight meter table sizes will soon complete their runoff in Fond du Lac, WI, and be shipped to a North American manufacturer of power generation equipment.
The VTC 5000’s five-meter hydrostatic table is engineered to support extreme loads up to 150,000 kg (330,000 lbs), while turning parts at up to 75 rpm.
“North American manufacturers in nuclear and wind energy, mining and construction are all scaling up their equipment. We are taking our product development in that same direction,” says Helene Nimmer, director of proposals and product management for MAG. “The major components of our large VTCs weigh in excess of 25,000 kg (50,000 lb) each and can be more than 14 m (48 ft) long.
As a US builder of these supersize machines, we can reduce the customer lead-time and simplify logistics, which can be a costly challenge for machines of this size built by offshore manufacturers. We are also positioned to provide quicker and more comprehensive service and parts support as an established global company,” added Nimmer.
The VTC 5000 shown in the photo is an adjustable rail model offering a cross rail that is both an infinitely variable positioning and a machining axis, a combination typically not found on machines of this type. The X/Z traverse rate is 20 m/min (787 ipm) and the rail-elevating rate is a brisk 2000 mm/min (78 ipm). Full X axis travel right and left of centre allows machining from both sides and accommodates probing of diameters. W axis machining provides improved part geometries, while the hydrostatic ram’s high dynamic stiffness allows heavy cuts and produces better surface finishes.
The VTC 5000 is part of MAG’s new series of large-table VTCs that includes six meter, seven meter and eight meter models. The seven and eight meter table models have a load capacity of 250,000 kg (550,000 lb). All models in the large table VTC series have industry-leading power/speed performance, with S1 (continuous duty) table power of 200 kW (267 hp). The new large VTCs have a modular design, allowing various combinations of standard modules to create a machine tailored to specific customer applications.
The VTCs can be equipped with an optional live spindle for grinding, milling, drilling and tapping capabilities, as well as a C-axis for full contouring. Various tool tapers, including KM 80, Capto C8 and 50 taper are available. The tool magazine is ergonomically designed, allowing floor level tool change-out and eliminating the need for ladders or platforms.
