Hi Dave:
If you can find a 5 axis machine on the cheap that is great. Usually
cheap is worn out or/and old technology and 5 axis machines are
relatively new. 5 axis profiling machines have been around for quite a
while but I don't think they can move all the way around a part, which
I think is what you are looking for. I haven't scoured the used
machine tool market and I believe that a tilting head is not common
relative to a rotary stacked on a trunnion table. I suspect that your
machine could be home grown. Am I to believe that your rotary table is
for the "A" axis? The Monarch Cortland 45/75/150 A series of machines
might be a good candidate for you. A standard machine has about 24"
from table to spindle nose. The quill housing is mounted to a slide
that is their W axis. That surface is ground and parallel to the Z
axis so you could mount a low profile rotating table there ("B" axis)
and put the quill housing on the rotating portion of the table. When
the table rotates then so does your quill. It sounds simple but it
will take a lot of effort to make it work well especially if you still
want the tool changer to function. The capacity of these machines is
3000 lbs or more. Some of them came with pallet changers which could
be handy if your wanted to be able to do regular 3 axis work and not
lose the "A" axis rotator set up.
These machines may have draw backs depending on the type of work you
need done. They have an odd ball 45 taper tool holder that uses 3
balls or claws to hold them in the spindle. Most spindles are 3500 rpm
with a 5300 rpm option. The quill is limited to 9" of travel. The W
axis is not suitable for continuous motion; it locks in 1" increments.
However it could be made variable with a feed back system. They have
complicated pneumatic systems. Most of it would be obsoleted when
going to EMC2. They are 70's and 80's machines which are probably in
need of repair. However they are more repairable than most as many
slideway components can be removed.
You really need to figure out what your space requirements are starting
with your maximum part size working outwards to determine the total
axis travel needed. As you have already realized 5 axis machines are
bigger for a given part volume than standard 3 axis machines. You may
need a 30x50" travel machine to completely get around a 12" part.
I am sure there are other machines that can do the job. But in any
event it is going to use a lot of money and/or time to get it to go; 5
axis is expensive.
Steve
> Message: 6
> Date: Thu, 05 May 2011 14:38:28 -0400
> From: Dave <[email protected]>
> Subject: Re: [Emc-users] 3+2 axis machining center - 5 axis machine
> advice.
> To: [email protected]
> Message-ID: <[email protected]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> In the same vain... what type of mill would make a good 5 axis
> conversion??
>
> I just bought a large rotary table with an integral servo drive and
> motor. It has a 12" diameter slotted face plate and must weigh at
> least 6-800 lbs.
>
> I'm looking for suggestions on what VMC might be big enough to handle a
> sizeable rotary axis like this and also
> be adaptable to a tilting type head?
>
> Basically I am trying to figure out how to put together a substantial 5
> axis mill on the cheap.
>
> I've been working with a company that makes and purchases a lot of parts
> made on 5 axis mills and the flexibility of a 5 axis setup is impressive.
>
> Or am I on the wrong track. Should I just look for a 5 axis mill with
> dead controls and convert it?
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Dave
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