MAG (www.mag-ias.com) announced its latest U5-3000 Universal Machining Center that combines massive platform capacity with long-reach three-meter Z-axis and five-axis, five-side contour machining for effective processing of large composite and aluminum parts. The U5-3000, the latest addition to the U5 family of gantry mills, is made to machine at deep cavities and extreme limits of large prismatic parts. Combined with Y axis travel of over six meters (“20 ft”), unlimited X axis travel, and ultra-high speed, 15,000 rpm, five-axis spindle, the U5-3000 brings machining efficiencies to extremely long, wide and tall parts. Its exceptional capacity gives versatility to big-part machining for die/mold, marine, energy and aerospace applications.

Engineered by a global leader in large aluminum machining systems, its modular, heavy-duty gantry design gives the performance, range and stiffness to machine complex-part geometries with exceptional accuracy. A dual-motor rack-and-pinion X axis drive and rigid box-way roller-bearing rail system give high thrust levels and smooth precise movement on long travel cuts. With feedrates up to 20 m/min (“787 ipm”) optimize processing on large part surfaces.

Five-side/five-axis processing allows users to machine more part features in one setup for higher productivity and lean efficiencies, while reducing potential errors from multiple setups on high-value parts. The new U5-3000 comes standard with a 15,000 rpm, 30 kW (“40.2 hp”), HSK63A gimbal-style contouring spindle which delivers up to 57 Nm (“42 lb-ft”) torque for high-speed cutting performance. 24,000-rpm and 20,000-rpm five-axis spindles are available as options. The five-axis head has a continuous C axis to keep the spindle in-cut without waiting for C axis to unwind or running out of C axis travel. A rigid Z axis ram with 508-millimeter (“20 in.”) cross section gives rigidity for surface finish and superior precision, especially with extended Z axis reach and longer tools. Through-spindle and flood coolant keep cutting zones clear, with coolant collection and automatic chip systems available.

The U5-3000, which can be customized to application requirements, is expandable in X axis in 3.7 m (“12 ft”) increments.

Productivity enhancing options include choice of high-speed or high-torque spindles, automatic head change, and horizontal, vertical and custom design. Its multiple-head configurations optimize spindle access to challenging and complex part features. Also, its interchangeable heads help to minimize setups, part reorientations, and machine downtime. Other options include automated pallet shuttles, fixed tables and rotary tables.