Mitsui Seiki's Compact VMC Offers High-Precision Milling

Photo Credit: Mitsui Seiki

Mitsui Seiki’s VL30 Series high-speed vertical machining centers were developed for high-speed, high-precision hard milling of mold components, as well as graphite and copper tungsten electrodes. The VL30 Series features high-thrust, high-efficiency linear motor drives for the X-, Y- and Z-axes for machining hardened tool-steel alloy components. The five-axis versions use direct-drive rotary axes for smooth and controlled complex contouring. Delivering up to 1,574 ipm cutting feed rate with 1G acceleration/deceleration, it provides superior speed and motion control in high-speed point milling in multiaxis contouring applications. For accuracy, the precision glass-scale feedback system detects 0.1 μm increments.

The VL30 line is designed to machines high-precision mold inserts for medical, packaging, industrial and aerospace applications. The machine’s upgraded offerings include advanced features for process automation, workpiece and tool handling, and the latest FANUC 31i-B with i-HMI operator interface provides improved output. The latest Graphite Package option enables customers to machine completely dry with no risk of electrode contamination or premature machine wear. All versions enable simple integration with robotics and in-process part inspection.

Available in three models — the VL 30-5X five-axis machining center, as well as the VL 30 and larger VL 50 three-axis versions — this series features a 15-hp, 50,000-rpm spindle accepting HSK E25 tooling for precise roughing and ultra-fine finishing. An integrated tool changer holds up to 90 tools.

Specifications include 7.9" × 11.8" × 7.9" X-, Y- and Z-axis travels, a 11.8" × 15.8" table size and a compact 53" × 128" footprint.

Enhanced production features include a four-point leveling bed, specialized main components, hand-scraped castings for excellent machine geometry and superior chip and dust evacuation.