YASDA vertical CNC machine

Sudbury, Massachusetts – Methods Machine Tools Inc. officials introduce the YASDA YBM Vi40 5-Axis Vertical CNC jig boring-milling machine for high accuracy, hard milling applications of complex dies, molds, and components in industries such as medical, aerospace, defense, automotive, electronic, and more. The YBM Vi40 achieves high accuracy including simultaneous 5-axis cone machining circularity of 2.32 µm, 0.89µm positioning accuracy of the Y-axis, and indexing accuracies of ±0.50 sec on the B-axis and ±0.20 sec on the C-axis. A 24,000rpm, 40-taper direct-drive spindle offers a high degree of precision throughout the entire speed range. 

"We are very pleased to offer a new YASDA 5-axis solution for complicated part and mold geometries in extremely hard materials, where five axes are more productive than three," says Steve Previti, YASDA product manager, Methods Machine Tools. "The YASDA YBM Vi40 produces surface finishes which meet extremely tight tolerances and do not require secondary finishing operations." The YBM Vi40 offers 5-sided machining in a single set-up. The number of operations is dramatically reduced by offering 3+2-axes machining where 3-axes are simultaneously machining by fixing the index angles of B/C-axes, as well as 4+1-axes machining where 4-axes are simultaneously machining by fixing the index angle of the B-axis.

Building YBM machine structure, the new Vi40 features a symmetric bridge-type structure, resulting in ultra-high precision when making heavy cuts. Single-piece high-grade cast iron construction, including the column and top beam, increases the rigidity. A highly rigid feed drive system features large diameter ball screws and high-speed interpolation control. Three bearings support a precisely assembled worm gear driven B-axis, and a highly accurate direct-drive motor is included on the C-axis.

Watch the YASDA YBM Vi40 in action.

To reduce thermal distortion and achieve the highest precision 5-axis machining, including over long production runs, the YBM Vi40 features a thermal distortion stabilizing system where the X-Y-Z axes and two rotational axes (B/C) are maintained to ±0.2°C to shop ambient. Circulating temperature-controlled oil through the machine minimizes thermal displacement of each axis. A highly rigid and accurate rotary B/C-axis mounted on the Y-axis machine bed controls movement and offers machining stability, even when adding up to 400 lb of weight including the fixture and part.

Spindle bearing preload self-adjusting technology provides optimum preload at the full range of spindle speeds. YASDA has developed a mechanism that applies a large preload at low-speed rotation, and the preload decreases according to the amount of heat generated by the spindle bearing at high-speed rotation. A full range of machining is offered, from heavy duty roughing to delicate fine finishing, all while providing a long tool and spindle bearing life.

For high precision 5-axis operation, accessibility between spindle and workpiece, and operator and the machining point, has been optimized to reduce distances. Greater workpiece access allows for shorter tool lengths, enabling higher feed rates. A variety of features are offered for ease-of-use including high-speed, smooth TCP; a command for tilted working plane indexing; a rotation center calibrating function and more. Standard on the Vi40, CAMplete TruePath software enables analysis, modification, optimization, and simulation of 5-axis toolpaths in an integrated 3D environment.

The YASDA YBM Vi40 has a work envelope with X-Y-Z travels of 35.4" x 19.7" x 17.7" (900mm x 500mm x 450mm), respectively, a vertical rotation of 360° and a horizontal rotation of ±100°. An automatic tool changer holds up to 60 tools with an option to hold 100. The FANUC FS31i-B5 control is furnished standard.

Comparison – general 3-axis machining versus index 5-axis machining on the YASDA YBM Vi40. Machining time is reduced by approximately 80%.

Source: Methods Machine Tools Inc.