Universal MC Delivers Flexible, High-Speed Performance

Designed for complex, high accuracy, 5-axis machining (positioning as well as contouring), the HELLER MCH-C machining centers are equipped with a robust universal swivel head and a two-speed gearbox, making the machines ideal for low- to medium-volume, flexible machining of tough materials common to aerospace parts from prototype, to batch, to heavy production.

The series features rapid traverse rates up to 50mpm (2,000ipm) and acceleration of 4mps² (156ips2) in all three axes, plus chip-to-chip time of 6.8 seconds.

Field-proven standard components of the HELLER MCH series and HELLER's highly developed revolving C-axis head provide machines well-suited to mass production as well as prototyping. High spindle torque (820Nm/605ft/lb) and rigid construction permit stable, heavy machining and high-productivity. AC-driven preloaded ballscrews deliver thrusts in each axis equal to 1,500daN/1,750daN or 3,300 lb/3,850 lb.

The spindle rotates around an axis tilted 45° from the work plane formed by the Y and Z axes, reaching all positions between 0° and 90°.

Pallet sizes range from 630mm x 630mm to 800mm x 1,000mm with table load capacities from 1,760 lb to 5,500 lb. A revolving pallet changer minimizes palletchange times. Chain-type tool magazines can store 50 to 100 tools or rack-type magazines with a capacity of up to 405 tools, sufficient to complete a wide range of machining tasks.

Precision linear guideways minimize maintenance and dampen vibration, and provide higher speed, quicker acceleration, and longer life than conventional boxways. The superior stick/slip ratio of linear guideways, in combination with direct linear scales, also yield high-precision results with positioning tolerances of as little as 7µm.

Inside the compact universal head, the spindle rotates around an axis tilted 45° from the work plane formed by the Y (vertical) and Z (table feed) axes, reaching all positions between 0° (horizontal) and 90° (vertical), allowing complete use of the work area. A 0.001°-resolution direct measurement rotary scale ensures accurate positioning of the rotating head.

The precision spindle is driven by a two-speed gearbox – the high range is direct drive, and the low range features a 1:4 reduction gear ratio – making it possible to efficiently machine all types of material.

The machines are equipped with a Siemens CNC, Sinumerik 840 D/DE, which includes software applications for machining complex shapes and surfaces. Coupled with the Siemens Simodrive 611D digital drives, the multi-axis programming of the 5-axis machining centers is greatly simplified because the vector conversion between the workpiece coordinates and the absolute coordinates (machine axes reference system) are automatically solved, starting from the parameters in the work program. Similarly, the CNC sets the direction of the revolving axes (B-table and C-head) according to the angle needed, and interpolates the linear axes along the toolpath with continuous speed.

Available options include broken tool detection, integrated process monitoring, adaptive control of machine speeds and feeds, and more. The MCH product range was designed for manual or automatic loading onto the setting station. FMS linkage is an option, and integrated rotary or linear pallet pools and pallet systems allow users to upgrade the MCH centers to flexible machining cells. The machines also provide easy access to all components, HELP functions and complete chip and coolant management, as well as maintenance to assure optimal machine operation.

The primary design goal of the series is to reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), balancing the need for quality with the need for productivity without cost-cutting compromises.