DUAL SUPPORTED PRECISION-GROUND BALL LEADSCREWS AND
BOX-DESIGN SADDLE

MEEHANITE CASTINGS

The X, Y and Z axes have ultra-high precision, zero backlash, pre-tensioned 1.57" (40mm) reciprocating ball screws, all three of which are anchored on both ends. This eliminates the undamped vibration, premature wear and loss of accuracy which can result from one-end-only supported systems. As well, the saddle's full-box, structural design provides rigidity superior to the typical cantilevered ways design..

Rugged Meehanite castings with heavy ribbing give our VMCs superior rigidity and dampening capabilities. The 3516 is over 12,500 lbs. (5,670 kg), while the 4824 weighs a massive 16,500 lbs. (7,484kg).

CHIP CONVEYOR (OPTIONAL)

HARDENED & PRECISION GROUND BOXWAYS - ALL 3 AXES

GEARED HEADSTOCK

Full 4th axis rotary table: 9"-16" (229-406 mm)-diameter, 4th axis rotary table designed for vertical or horizontal mounting setup with matched tail stock, lubrication by oil bath for longer bearings and gear life, Division resolution: 0.001º, 4th and 5th axis tilting rotary table combination available.

Massive integral square guideways eliminate the vibration-transmitting problems of linear ball guideways. Durability is ensured by hardening the boxways, while smooth, quick response comes from grinding the ways to a 16 micro-inch finish and Turcite coating all weight-bearing surfaces. In order to maximize strength and durability, while at the same time minimizing vibration, the 4824's four boxways are manufactured using a steel and cast steel/iron integral structure. This eliminates the inherent weakness of bolted-on boxways.

The VMC 3516 and 4824 both employ a two-speed, geared head and a spindle with ABEC 9 bearings to deliver usable power over a full range of cutting speeds. The VMC 4824's 21.5 HP (peak) spindle motor reaches its full horsepower rating at 173 RPM of the cutter and produces 653 ft.-lbs. of torque – allowing you to mill, drill and tap materials other VMCs can barely cut.

AUTOMATIC TOOL CHANGER

PRECISION-GROUND Z-AXIS

HIGH RESOLUTION, PRECISION HEIDENHAIN LINEAR GLASS SCALES

The random-select, bi-directional umbrella type tool changer holds up to 24 different tools and probes. Tools are inserted directly into the spindle. An automatic air-blast system removes chips during each tool change. Double arm tool changers (up to 30 tools opt.)

The 3516 and 4824 are the only VMCs in their class to offer glass scales as standard equipment. The scales are self-purging on the Y axis to avoid contamination and provide the most accurate and consistent positioning available.

4TH and 5TH AXIS CAPABILITIES (OPTIONAL)

SPINDLE POWER

7,022 LBS. OF AXIS MOTOR THRUST

Full 4th axis rotary table: 9"-16" (229-406 mm)-diameter, 4th axis rotary table designed for vertical or horizontal mounting setup with matched tail stock, lubrication by oil bath for longer bearings and gear life, Division resolution: 0.001º, 4th and 5th axis tilting rotary table combination available.

Powerful X and Y axes motors generate 7,022 lbs. (3,185kg) of thrust. This allows the machine to accelerate and control up to 4,500 lbs. of table weight at rapid traverse speeds up to 1200 ipm.

Powerful X and Y axes motors generate 7,022 lbs. (3,185kg) of thrust. This allows the machine to accelerate and control up to 4,500 lbs. of table weight at rapid traverse speeds up to 1200 ipm.

OPTIONAL HIGH SPEED-TORQUE (DOUBLE WINDING MOTOR) DIRECT DRIVE

Our optional belt drive ceramic bearings system increases spindle speed to 10,000 RPM* or 15,000 RPM* , ideal for machining aluminum and other special materials. Double-winding (opt.), spindle 8,000 RPM motor reaches its full horsepower rating at a low 500 RPMs - 158 ft.-lbs. of peak torque at the motor shaft - while maintaining high speed versatility.