Linear Drive to Innovation

Introduced to the UK in the spring, the new Sodick UX450L high-end machining centre from Sodi-Tech UK has already made a major impact on manufacturers since it landed on the UK shores. The high-speed machining centre with linear drives oozes quality with its 10-year guarantee on positional accuracy – and UK machine shops are already keen to take advantage of its performance.

As pioneers in linear drive technology, Sodick created the world’s first independently developed linear drives incorporated into mass-produced machine tools. Over 25 years later, the next generation of Sodick technology is pushing the limits of what is possible with the arrival of the new UX450L. To push the boundaries, a machine tool must have a solid foundation, and Sodick has certainly created this with its gantry structure, Z-axis cast cooling that minimises thermal displacement and a low centre of gravity that all combine to deliver class-leading stability and rigidity. This proprietary cooling system minimises thermal displacement and guarantees unprecedented levels of precision and stability for exceptional machining results.

Commenting upon the jaw-dropping performance of the new UX450L, Conor Plaskitt, Technical Sales Manager at Sodi-Tech UK says: “We are very well known for EDM but not so much for high-speed machining. However, the two work together very well. For a typical copper or graphite electrode manufacturer, the Sodick UX450L is the perfect machine. If you look at processes where spark erosion isn’t always necessary, the UX450L is the perfect machine. It’s ideal for hard milling where manufacturers want ‘mirror-like’ surface finishes and very tight tolerances. The machine has a high-speed 40,000rpm spindle and as Sodick is a world leader with its linear motor technology, the ability of the machine kinematics and axis movements to start and stop very quickly with pinpoint precision is exceptional.”

From a specification perspective, the Sodick UX450L has X, Y and Z-axis travel of 450 by 350 by 200mm with a spacious 600 by 400mm work table. This powerhouse machine has a 16-position automatic tool change facility and linear glass scale feedback on the X, Y and Z-axis linear motors that are all temperature controlled.

Looking at parts that can be manufactured on this high-end machine to eliminate time-consuming processes on alternate machine tools, Conor continues: “The machine is perfect for complex components that need very high surface finishes, such as mould tooling. The UX450L can achieve such high-quality surface finishes that it eliminates the requirement for time-consuming grinding or secondary polishing. Likewise, the machine can replace jig grinding applications – another skill that is gradually being lost.”

Looking at the control panel, Conor says: “With any Sodick product, we have a Sodick PLC on the front end, so it is a Sodick control in terms of programming. It has full conversational programming and we have also just enhanced our tool measurement methods.”

The LN4X NC unit has been designed for intuitive interaction through its 19-inch touch panel. This is enhanced by the simple program creation function software that prompts the operator to input simple data parameters on the screen for immediate machine uptime. Other features include the sleep mode function that minimises power consumption by recognising idle times such as program stops, coolant stops, axis movement stops and more. The LN4X NC unit is supported by the SEPTune machining support system that delivers simple and smooth operation with just four steps to the machining operations. To streamline productivity, Sodick has introduced its MotionExpert-S simulation software and the EF-Tune machining feed rate software. With MotionExpert-S providing collision detection and EF-Tune analysing programs and recommending optimised feed rates and cutting conditions – the UX450L presents the most user-friendly, intuitive and productive interface on the market. 

With a Blum tool measurement system that works in tandem with a Renishaw touch sensor, the Sodick UX450L demonstrates precision and repeatability which are the envy of the industry. As Conor adds: “Traditionally, we used to use a laser but with a spot diameter on the laser, manufacturers are limited to the size diameter of cutting tool that you can go down to. We use an optical system which means we can go down to a 0.2mm diameter cutting tool with absolutely no problem and still measure to a couple of microns. The camera we have on the machine will not only check the form of the cutter but also the run-out. The shrink fit toolholders are good for 2µm, but we can counteract that by using the camera system.”

Discussing how the UX450L is unique in the field of machining centres, Conor adds: “This is not your run-of-the-mill machining centre. This machine sits at the very top tier of the machining centre pyramid. This makes it perfect for high-end medical and mould & die applications as well as other niche areas that demand such levels of precision.”