StarragHeckert's Dixieland maximises five-sided machining of smaller components

Citation

(2004), "StarragHeckert's Dixieland maximises five-sided machining of smaller components", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 76 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2004.12776dab.012

StarragHeckert's Dixieland maximises five-sided machining of smaller components

StarragHeckert's Dixieland maximises five-sided machining of smaller components

Keywords: StarragHeckert, Machining, Components

Expanding its world-leading, solution-providing position in five-axis aerospace, power generation, automotive and mould and die type machining, StarragHeckert is launching a new generation of smaller capacity, high specification vertical machining centres. The new machine called STC 100 Dixieland, takes full advantage of Heidenhain's latest control technology and CAM-based programming to attain high levels of geometry, tolerance and surface finish while minimising floor to floor times.

Available through StarragHeckert UK of Brackley, the STC 100 Dixieland combines an X-axis stroke of 400 mm, Y-axis of 220 mm and Z-axis of 350 mm with a 360 (degrees) rotary A-axis and a swivel axis covering +110 (degrees) to 215 (degrees). Spindle speed is 40,000 revs/min developed through an 8 kW motors and rapid traverse rates are 22 m/min with acceleration of 1 G from the digitally interfaced AC drive system (Plate 1).

Plate 1 StarragHeckert's STC 100 Dixieland enables five-axis machining of free-form surfaces as well as re-machining of parts such as compressor blades

The high productivity five-sided component machining capability of both hardened steel or light materials such as aluminium at a single setting is achieved by utilising a fabricated monobloc machine bed which combines the column to fully support the vertical slideway and spindle motor assembly. The swivel and rotary axes are both mounted on the longitudinal slide.

This extremely rigid design configuration means special foundations are not required and the onset of vibration is minimised which enables high levels of surface finish to be achieved. High levels of contouring accuracy can also be maintained throughout the simultaneous five-axis manipulation of the component generated from Heidenhain's latest iTNC 530 control system.

Indeed, the Dixieland STC 100 has been developed specifically for smaller, complex part machining involving features such as helicoidal and pitch surfaces which can be found in pump bodies, single and multi-stage blisks, tool bodies, precision aerospace forgings and are an important feature for blade repair. Parts of this type require abrupt and frequent changes of feed direction and extensive axis manipulation to optimise the presentation of the machining surface to the milling cutter at high feed rates and with minimal compensation.

Up to 80 tools with a 3 s change time, can be held in the machine's chain-type magazine and a built-in pallet change option can be specified to maximise machine utilisation

For further details, contact: StarragHeckert UK Ltd, St James Rd, Brackley, Northants, NN13 7XY. Tel: +44 01280 705482; Fax: +44 01280 705606; E-mail: sales@starragheckert.co.uk