Hurco to launch nine new machines

MACH 2014 (Birmingham NEC, 7-11 April) is the first national machine tool exhibition in the UK since Hurco redesigned its entire range of machining centres and lathes. As a result, every model on Stand 5628, Hall 5 will be new. The company will demonstrate six machining centres and two CNC lathes sporting the latest logo and livery, plus a representative model from its agency range of high speed machining centres manufactured by Roeders. All machines will be under power and cutting metal.

Hurco’s VM machining centre range, with more than 1,000 in operation throughout the UK, will be represented by the compact VM10i and VM20i. They are the third generation of models first introduced in 2002, but with longer travels, faster rapids and 10,000 rpm spindles. Ultimotion high speed profiling software is a standard feature.

Representing the higher power, high capacity VMX range will be a VMX30Ui 5-axis trunnion machine and a VMX24HSi, the latest high speed machine with 18,000 rpm/HSK63A/35 kW spindle.

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At the other end of the size scale, a DCX22i dual column machining centre will occupy a large area on one corner of the stand. With 2.2 by 1.7 by 0.75 m travels and 6 tons table load capacity, it is said to suit machining of the biggest and most awkwardly shaped components. The fully enclosed machine also has the advantage of a 40-station automatic toolchanger.

Completing Hurco’s prismatic machining line-up at MACH 2014 will the VMX42SRTi with a swivelling B-axis and a horizontal rotary C-axis built flush into the table. According to Hurco, this 5-axis configuration is becoming increasingly popular due to the ease with which it can be switched between 5-axis and 3-axis work without losing capacity. The machine is equipped as standard with 20 bar coolant through the spindle.

The 14-model Hurco lathe range will be represented by a TMM10i with 18 kW spindle and 250 mm chuck, plus milling capability on all of its 12 VDI 40 axial tools. There will also be a TM6i, a compact, 2-axis CNC lathe with 42 mm bar capacity.

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Hurco will also show a Roeders RXP500 machining centre with linear motors on all axes giving 40 m/min feed rate and acceleration in excess of 2 g.

All of the latest Hurco machines incorporate Version 9 WinMax software. Five years after the first integration of the Windows operating system as part of the proprietary control, a number of developments and performance improvements have been made. For instance, Version 9 includes Ultimotion software with up to 10,000 blocks variable look-ahead. This is now a standard feature on Hurco machines and is said to offer up to 30% faster cycle times and improved surface finish.

Another new software enhancement is the addition of Ultimonitor web-based networking to allow remote surveillance and diagnostics. Lights-out operation can be monitored via the internet, giving real-time visibility of the control screens and live video via a webcam.

Furthermore, the control hardware has seen improvements to reduce the number of electrical connections, enhance reliability and at the same time simplify service operations in the field. The new Mini-ITX platform boasts a 2 GHz dual-core Intel processor, 2 GB of RAM and a 64 GB solid state hard drive. This is fitted to all Hurco machines, as are the latest Yaskawa Sigma V drives and high intensity LED lighting.

For more information contact Hurco South Africa on TEL: 011 849 5600 or visit www.hurco.co.za