Integrated twin-pallet vertical machining centres deliver all the power and speed needed - and choice of CNC - for fast, high-accuracy manufacture of parts in medium-to-high volumes.

Manufacturing companies are under constant pressure to cut lead times, increase work throughput and reduce their costs. Practices and processes that were once acceptable are no longer relevant in today's tough manufacturing environments. In response to these pressures manufacturers are demanding more from their machine tool investments - faster cutting speeds; improved accuracy; better reliability and a requirement to run their machines more profitably - unattended; throughout the evenings and even over the weekends.

Enlightened companies are turning increasingly to Hardinge-Bridgeport's advanced milling technology, with integrated automation, to meet their production challenges.

The new, ultra-productive APC 700 range of vertical machining centres with integrated workpiece pallet change capability is the latest in a long line of high-performance Hardinge-Bridgeport machine tools.

* What matters is inside - easy to operate and built to last - the APC 700 machines are equipped with a range of productivity-enhancing features.

Both models in the range are equipped with powerful, belt-driven spindles.

The APC 700 'HP' machine has an 18.5kW or 22kW 12,000 rev/min spindle.

The APC 700 'HPD' has a faster and more powerful spindle - 22kW or 25kW and 15,000 rev/min.

Both machines deliver all the power and speed you need for fast, high-accuracy manufacture of parts in medium-to-high volumes.

The APC 700 machines are fast with rapid traverse rates of 48m/min and 5m/s2 acceleration/ deceleration on X, Y and Z axes.

With 700mm x 500mm x 560mm strokes (X, Y and Z) and a workload capacity of 250kg on each of its (twin) pallets - the APC 700 machines are suitable for a diverse range of jobs and machining applications.

To optimise production the machines are equipped with integrated automation.

Both machines have a 30-position ATC (option for 48 or 60-position) with fast 2.9s tool change (chip-to-chip) on the 'HS' model.

To ensure further uninterrupted machining - both machine models have swing-arm, twin-pallet APC capability too.

The machines have a choice of control (GE Fanuc 18i MB or Heidenhain iTNC 530).

Either provides customers with powerful machining capability and high contour accuracy - as well as both being simple and easy to operate.

The APC 700 machines are manufactured from heavy-duty cast iron and provide excellent damping, vibration and thermal absorption - ensuring, at all times, high-accuracy and finish as well as reduced spindle and tool wear.