Midwest Manufacturing News • Oct 19 • Methods Machine Tools Introduces Own Brand of VMCs

Methods Machine Tools, Inc. has introduced a new line of Methods branded 3-axis vertical and 5-axis bridge type machining centers.

“We are very pleased to announce the introduction of Methods Machining Centers,” said a Methods spokesperson. “Methods’ engineering team has ensured that our new branded line meets our customers’ needs and expectations in North America. These machines will provide an ideal value-to-performance solution in the marketplace and complement our full portfolio of leading lines.”

Methods machining centers are made to Methods’ design and engineering standards by Litz Hitech Corp., a well-established machine tool builder. “All centers are fully inspected to meet strict quality and design specifications and to be in compliance with ISO/ ASME standards,” said a spokesperson. “Laser and ball bar testing ensure performance and accuracy of each machine.”

Methods 3-axis VMCs include four initial models—MV 800H, MV 1000H, MV 1100H and MV 1600H—featuring a 15,000 RPM, 30 HP, BIG-PLUS 40-taper direct-drive spindle with oil-air lubrication and spindle oil chiller, providing power, speed, enhanced surface finishing, long spindle life and thermal stability. Rigid box-way construction in the Z-axis utilizing Turcite B offers increased cutting performance and machining accuracy. Turcite B technology was specifically developed to provide machines with enhanced rigidity, low friction coefficient, reduced vibration, increased damping characteristics without stickslip as well as high wear resistance for long machine life.

Additional features in the Methods VMCs include thermal compensation using three thermocouples to allow the software to compensate for actual thermal growth. The MV 800H and MV 1000H have robust 1.378” (35 mm) roller guideways in the X- and Y-axis with 2,362 IPM rapids. The MV 1100H has a larger structure with 1.77” (45 mm) roller guideways in the X- and Y-axis with an 1,890 IPM rapid rate, and its Z-axis box ways are over 3” wider (side-to-side) than the MV 800H and MV 1000H. The MV 1600H is a heavy-duty 41,888 lbs. machine designed for exceptional cutting performance on large, diverse, complex parts. The MV 1600H has a 21.85” distance between Z-axis box ways (side to side) and offers 2.17” (55 mm) roller guideways in the X- and Y-axis with 1,417 IPM rapid rates. Automatic tool changers range from 24 tools to 40 tools, depending on the machine.

Methods MB 650U 5-axis bridge type machining center is designed for the high accuracy, 5-axis simultaneous machining of complex parts and reduces the need for multiple set-ups. Equipped with standard linear scales on the X-, Yand Z-axis; rotary scales on the B- and Caxis; and thermal compensation result in stable, high precision part production. The MB 650U has a 15,000 RPM, 25 HP, BIG-PLUS 40-taper direct-drive spindle with oil-air lubrication and spindle oil chiller for long spindle life. This performance package also includes a calibration ball, TCP software and probe system for setting/calibrating precise tool center point. A laser tool measurement system detects tool wear, damage and breakage, reducing non-productive time and enabling automated operation.

All Methods machining centers feature FANUC controls. Methods VMCs have the FANUC 0iMF Control with 10.4” LCD screen, manual guide I, AICC II, 2 m/sec block processing time (BPT) and 200 block look ahead. For the highest level of performance and processing power required for complex 5- axis machining, the MB 650U bridge type machining center features the FANUC 31iMB5 control with 15” TFT screen including a data server, manual guide I, AICC II, 1 MB of NC memory, .4ms BPT, 600 block look ahead, collision detection (built-in 3D interference check), Fast Package III, Ethernet and 2 GB CF card.

“We are confident that our new Methods machining centers will exceed customer expectations for quality, reliability, accuracy and longevity at a competitive price,” said Jeff Ervay, Methods Brand Product Manager. “To meet the needs of our customers, we are continuing the development of the Methods product line with additional models in the future.”