Developed for high accuracy, up to 40,000 revs/min, three-axis, simultaneous 3-D profiling, as well as conventional machining in materials as diverse as graphite, plastics, copper, soft and hardened steels, the OPS high speed vertical machining centre is very compact, stable and cost-effectively priced. Available from Traub Heckert UK of Brackley in Northamptonshire, the OPS machine can be specified in two versions. The OPS 400 has axis travels of 400 mm by 210 mm by 200 mm with a maximum table loading of 200 kg and the larger OPS 600 variant, 600 mm by 375 mm by 350 mm with table loading of 800 kg.

Overall foot print dimensions of each machine are small at 1.1 m by 1.5 m by 1.9 m and 1.6 m by 2.0 m by 2.2 m respectively.

Built upon a polymer concrete base, the machine has high rigidity and excellent vibration absorption capability.

High accuracy linear guideways with fully integrated and sealed lubrication, provide virtually maintenance-free operation even when machining graphite materials.

Axis drives are via digital AC motors giving feed rates up to 20 m/min with acceleration of 8 m/sec2.

Repeatable accuracy is 0.002 mm.

A high frequency spindle with 9 kW drive and HSK-32E taper has a speed range between 5,000 and 40,000 revs/min.

The spindle is supplied via a 12-station, machine base mounted, disc tool changer.

Options for 24 or 30 position magazines are available for sister tool replacement, extensive multi-feature type components or longer uninterrupted machining cycles.

These machining requirements can also be supplemented via a workpiece changer providing up to 60 component positions.

Control is through a Windows NT PC-based unit with dual processor technology providing 'unlimited' look ahead.

On-machine programming or 1S0 compatible program format supports all common CAD/CAM systems.

Temperature compensation is included along with integrated tool management software.

Options include a rotational fourth axis.

Oil mist lubrication can be supplied to suit customer preference against the standard dry cutting machine design.

The guarding is hermetically sealed and a powerful vacuum system incorporated, which also restricts noise generation from the cutting zone.