Zero metal contact

When the only metal-to-metal contact during machining occurs between the cutting tool and the workpiece, accuracy increases. According to NTC America Corp., this is the case with its Zµ3500 micromachining center.

The machine incorporates a fluid hydro hybrid spindle, linear motor drives and no metal-to-metal contact hydrostatic guideways to virtually eliminate friction, and the corresponding development of heat from the metalcutting process.

Designed for micromachining, the Zµ3500 has an X-axis travel of 13.78-in. and Y and Z axes travels of 11.8-in. In addition, it features an HSK E32 spindle interface.

According to NTC, the machine balances the federate to the cutting speed and this optimization means the Zµ3500 is c u t t i n g wh e n other machines are attempting t o o v e r c o m e the inertia. "Although the machine's rapid traverse rate is 780 ipm, which is equal to the maximum feedrate, it is not as fast as other types of machines. But it doesn't need to be as fast," explains Larry Jones, NTC regional sales manager. "This is because the table size is smaller and the rapid traverse only has to be in the range required for that cutting distance. Having no inertia to overcome, the machine is faster to the point-of-cut.