Smart evolution for ROBODRILL α-DiA series - Higher torque, moreaccurate and fasterFANUC UK has announced the latest evolution of its ROBODRILL vertical machining centre range focusing on features that reduce cycle timesand improve surface finish and accuracy. The ROBODRILL α-DiA series now offers standard and high power spindle versions, improved chipdischarging, thermal displacement compensation and higher resolution axis feed.

ROBODRILL's new high power version provides power levels expected from larger machines with a maximum spindle speed of up to10,000rpm specified as 80Nm torque and 14kW. Acceleration and speed are also improved with a 26KW 24,000 rpm spindle speed morethan double the speed of the standard version.

Higher precision can be expected with the new α-DiA series which now incorporates FANUC's patented Servo HRV Control and AI ThermalDisplacement Compensation. FANUC Servo HRV Control uses high resolution encoders and spindle control to resolve to nano levels resulting in higher surface quality and improved concentricity. Using AI Thermal Displacement Compensation, Thermal growth, that can effectdimensional accuracy, is compensated in real time by monitoring the operational status of the spindle and estimating elongation along eachaxis.

Designed for 24/7 high duty cycles, ROBODRILL has highly efficient chip discharging; the new α-DiA series now has wall coolant option addedto prevent chips adhering to the enclosure. Flood coolant has been enhanced together with the splash guard which has been redesigned toreduce chip accumulation.

Three machine sizes are available in the ROBODRILL range defined by the size of the x-axis stroke (work table length) and tool turrets areavailable as 14 and 21 stations. The all electric design and zero hydraulics of ROBODRILL support its reputation for high reliability -Worldwide over 60,000 machines are installed.

Using FANUC's advanced CNC control platform, ROBODRILL's 31 i-B control system helps to shorten cycle times by achieving both highspeed and high precision through accurate control of maximum acceleration of the spindle motor.

Further reducing cycle times is FANUC's DDR 4th axis rotary table. The DDR is a direct drive zero backlash linear motor that eliminateswaiting time for table positioning. A DDR-T option is available which combines a tailstock for fast turnover positioning requirements.

Ref: Fa-156-A.01

Issue date: July 2013

Video and images:

Contact David Wickham davidw@jonoliver.com for digital images.

Issued by:

Jon Oliver Communication Ltd.

+44-(0)1902-757115 email: davidw@jonoliver.com

Further information:

FANUC UKAngela Ridley, Sales and Marketing Administrator

e-mail: angela.ridley@fanuc.eu

tel: +44 (0) 24 7663 9669

Website: www.fanuc.eu

Notes to editors:

FANUC UK provides industrial automation solutions from the supply of CNC controllers, robots, drilling machines, EDM and injection mouldingmachines through to the complete integration of factory automation systems. Providing a single customer support portal for its three core businesses, FANUC UK comprises FA – CNC Controllers, motors and drives,Robotics – industrial robots and systems, Robomachines – EDM, Injection Moulding, drilling machines.

FANUC Corporation is a world leading manufacturer of Factory Automation (FA), robots and Robomachines. Since its inception in 1956,FANUC has contributed to the automation of machine tools as a pioneer in the development of computer numerical control equipment. FANUCtechnology has contributed to a worldwide manufacturing revolution, which evolved from the automation of a single piece of machinery to theautomation of entire production lines.

FANUC employs 6,500 people world-wide. Based at the foot of Mt Fuji, near Lake Yamanaka, FANUC's factory uses over 2,000 FANUC robotsto support a monthly production capacity of 30,000 CNC controllers, 5,000 robots, 250,000 servo and spindle motors and 5,000 robomachinesand 250 CO2 lasers.