New Agile Gantry 5-axis Multi-Processing System makes short work of composite wind blades, boat molds, aerospace parts

The new 5-axis Agile Gantry Multi-Processing System goes to any length – literally – as a do-it-all machining and finishing system for wind blades and other oversized parts, such as boat hulls and aerospace components. With unlimited X-axis range, 40 m/min traverse speed, automatic tool change and five servo-controlled axes, it performs tedious coating, blade machining and finishing quickly and repeatably, increasing productivity and quality, while reducing manual labor.

The Agile Gantry is a CNC machine-tool platform designed for five-sided part access, supporting a wide variety of applications and processes such as: cutting tools, spray heads, water-jet cutters, chopper guns, and finishing tools. It can be used to produce complex mold geometries in high-density foam, apply coatings, or trim and finish free form, contoured parts.

The Agile Gantry uses a modular rail system to create any X-axis length required, with the rail system below the factory floor, above it, or elevated to create a high rail configuration. A variety of workholding systems can be adapted and positioned between the rails. The gantry cross rail provides 5.5 m (18 ft) of Y-axis travel and 2.5 m (8.2 ft) or more of Z-axis reach. Servo-controlled contouring is simplified with rotary A and C axes (spindle tilt and wrist roll) that provide ±100° and ±200° of movement respectively. The maximum feedrate for the linear X, Y, and Z axes is up to 40,000 mm/min (0.004 to 1,574 ipm), and up to 3,600 degrees/min in the rotary axes. Linear axes are powered by dual electronically preloaded AC servomotor rack-and-pinion drive systems.

The machine's liquid-cooled, 15 kW (20 hp) AC spindle delivers a 0-24,000 rpm speed range and accommodates an HSK63F tool shank. A high-capacity vacuum system with spindle shroud is available to capture dust and chips. A drum-type tool changer holds 16 tools for automatic tool changes.

The machine is controlled by a Siemens 840D CNC with color screen, handheld pendant and hand wheel controls. Using a spindle touch-probe, the machine can locate a part or fixture, allowing the control to align the part program execution to the actual workpiece position. Spindle probes can also be used for in-process part measurement by the machine.

Options include MAG-designed turnkey processing solutions with tooling/fixture and application development, and laser-based volumetric accuracy compensation for enhanced machine positioning accuracy.