3000 Series Microfine & 3600 Series Minitine Automatic Abrasive Cutting Machines
The 3000 series cutting machines are for cutting smaller diameter materials which cannot be effectively cut by conventional sawing methods, eg inconel, stainless steel, titanium, composites, ceramics
3000 Series Microfine cutting machines
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Features of the 3000 series single bar automatic
- Cutting head with 3KW/4HP motor driving a 12.7mm/ 1/2in spindle at 5000rpm
- Servo/stepper controlled ballscrew forms the basis of the grip feeder system – the gripper vice advances the bar by a preset amount into the LH & RH vices
- Changing production parameters done with a keystroke on the keypad – production data entered on keypad – cut length, batch quantity and kerf
- RH & LH vises with carbided side surfaces for wheel guidance –ensures cut length accuracy
- Wheel wear compensation – indicates when the cutting wheel is worn (not applicable for diamond blades)
- Constant peripheral speed – cutting wheel speeds up as diameter is reduced giving reproducibility of cut quality
- Coolant delivered to area of cutting through vise jaws – prevents burning if cut surface
- Cut pieces fall into a collector – convenient
Comparison between the 3000 series Microfine cutting machine and the heavy duty 3600 series Minifine
| 3000 series Microfine | 3600 series Minifine | |
|---|---|---|
| Parameters | ||
| Cutting head | 3KW /4HP motor | 7.5KW/ 10HP motor |
| Cutting head raise/lower | Air/oil with damping 50mm | Air/oil with damping 63mm |
| Cutting wheel diameter | up to 250mm/10in | Up to 350mm/14in |
| Bar sizes | up to 32mm /1 1/4in | Up 40mm /1 1/2in |
| Data input | Keypad | Keypad |
| Wheel wear | Compensation system | Compensation system |
| Work table | 300 x 300mm/12 x 12in | 450 x 450mm/18 x 18in |
3600 Series Microfine
The RH & LH machine vices are visible. The gripper vice moves backwards & forward on a 600mm/ 20in ballscrew actuator driven by a programmable stepper or servo motor .
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When cutting larger diameter bars or tube it is essential to have adequate motor power in the cutting head. The 3600 Minifine series has been designed with this in mind having a 7.5 KW/ 10HP 3 phase motor driving a 1 1/4in diameter spindle at up to 4000 rpm. This is a larger version of the well established 3000 series Microfine cutting machines for production cutting of bars up to 40mm /1 1/2in diameter using cutting wheels 250mm -350mm /10in -14in diameter. The other features of the 3000series Microfine are to be found in this larger machine
Long Bar Magazine
The addition of a magazine to a 3000 or 3600 series cutting machine gives a multibar capability means that the cutting machine can run for long periods without reloading bars of material. The magazine shown here is one designed for long bars up to 4m / 12-14ft of material 40mm / 1 1/2in dia. Shorter magazines are available.
Data input and System Control Unit for 3000 /3600 series Abrasive Cutting Machines
Both the 3000 series Microfine and 3600 Minifine abrasive cutting machines have the same remote control unit. Data entry for production runs is via a keypad. The following parameters: cut length , quantity and wheel thickness (kerf) can be entered in this way. Screens for checking cut length accuracy during a production run can also be incorporated.
Options
Inverter for wheel speed adjustment – this allows the optimum cutting speed for a particular cutting wheel to be set giving a clean cut surface without burning and minimal burrs.
Extraction manifold/ spark chute – fitted behind the machine vises, necessary for dry cutting (ie without coolant)
Paper Band filter unit – if large quantities of cutting debris are produced this system of filtering the coolant is essential for keeping the machine tray clean and increasing the life of the coolant