Hurco 5-axis focus 

Regarding Hurco Europe’s prismatic machining equipment at MACH 2024, the accent will be on 5-axis machining as well as automation of both 3-axis and 5-axis vertical machining centres (VMCs). There will be a Hurco ProCobot Profeeder assisting the production of parts on a VM20i 3-axis VMC and an Erowa Robot Compact 80 feeding a trunnion-type 5-axis model, the VMX30Ui. 

On Stand 180 in Hall 6, the ProCobot picks and places components and removes them after machining with the app running directly in the Max 5 control and visible on the screen. Minimal information needs to be entered to set a job, so changeover time can be as rapid as 30 minutes, making plug-and-play, small-batch automation a reality. The Erowa cell transfers the workholding as well as the part on a pallet. The choice of system depends on the application. Both solutions lend themselves well to Hurco’s typical customers. 

Hurco SRTi 5-axis VMCs are popular because they have a swivelling spindle head and flush rotary table, a configuration that can be used as a 5-axis production centre or a 3-axis machine that exploits the full working volume. A VMX42SRTi with 1,067 by 610 by 610mm travels will represent this range at the show. It has directly-encoded torque motors driving both the B-axis spindle and C-axis table. Linear scales and 20-bar coolant through the spindle are standard features.

Another Hurco 5-axis machining centre at the exhibition will be the cantilever-type VC500i. Ergonomically designed for easy operator access, it has a 520 by 450 by 400mm working volume and a ±100-degree swivelling trunnion carrying a rotary table, ideal for machining five faces of a component in a single set-up. As with any 5-axis centre, it drastically reduces the number of separate operations needed to completely machine a part compared with using a 3-axis machine.

A VMX60Ti 3-axis VMC equipped with a rotary-tilt table will demonstrate the versatility of this alternative 5-axis machining arrangement, particularly for prismatic machining of shaft-type components. 

In addition to the popular 3-axis VM10i, there will be a VM ONE 3-axis VMC with a smaller Z-axis travel of 356mm. It addresses a need, especially among subcontractors, for an entry-level machine that is super-compact, yet still capable of producing prismatic parts weighing up to 1,500kg.

Powered by proprietary WinMax software, the Max5 control includes a solid model import option that allows 3+2 routines to be programmed on the shop floor from an IGES CAD model imported as a STEP file. It is fast, uncomplicated and takes the load off the manufacturer’s CAM stations. 

For the last 20 years, Hurco Europe has been sole agent in the UK and the Republic of Ireland for sales of German-built Roeders machining centres. A 5-axis, ± 115-degree trunnion, HSK E40 model will be on the Hurco stand capable of machining workpieces weighing up to 60kg within a 500 by 500 by 300mm working volume. The RXP501DS achieves very fine surface finish on components thanks to its extremely rigid, 7-tonne construction.

A new range of four driven-tool CNC turning centres was launched by Hurco at the last MACH show, during which the 8-inch chuck version was exhibited. This year it is the turn of the 10-inch chuck variant to appear, the TMX10MYSi. All models include a programmable W-axis to position the tailstock or sub-spindle. 

The turning centres offer higher specifications and performance than the established and popular TMi and TMMi models. The major differences are higher power and speed plus a larger, heavier machine frame and the addition of a Y-axis to allow more versatile machining. 

Two smaller capacity Hurco CNC lathes with a chuck capacity of 8 inches will be on show, the TM8i and the TM8Mi with axial-driven tools. The latest models have a larger spindle bore than their predecessors, as well as roller guideways and a more compact footprint.