F. Zimmermann adds new horizontal machining centre to its product range

F Zimmermann GmbH has brought its first horizontal machining centre onto the market. The new model range is particularly useful for efficient machining of standard components for the aircraft industry. It has two special patented features, applying to pallet handling and the travelling column. The new machining centre also stands out for its unbeatable value for money.

The key element of the new FZH400 5-axis horizontal machining centre is a robust water-cooled travelling column. Common designs have the drawback that their deviation increases as the slide extends, owing to a lever effect. This is not the case with the patented column design of the new FZH400. With increasing penetration into the material the guide carriage distance increases, and that increases the rigidity – in contrast to commonly available solutions. The stepped drive guide ensures a perfectly constant geometry along the Z axis as well as maximum rigidity in sensitive areas of the workpiece.

Milling heads from Zimmermann

For excellent results, Zimmermann offers an innovative family of milling heads that have proved their worth in gantry machines throughout the world. An outstanding example is the patented M3 ABC 3-axes milling head. It increases the efficiency of the horizontal machining centre even more because it has to perform only very small swivelling movements, especially when milling pockets in workpieces. This makes it possible to maintain a constant advance rate.

Minimal idle times as standard

Already in the standard version, the FZH400 features an integral pallet handling system with pallet changing during machine time. The handling system, also patented, enables reliable transport of pallets without sagging. This makes it especially suitable for long pallets. Pallets are raised and lowered in such a way that the load is balanced, thus almost eliminating bending and torsion forces. All of this applies to the standard version. The pallet system is extendable. If necessary, users can add a pallet station or equip the system with additional pallet changers. The standard automation system permits easy interfacing with the master computer and efficient linking of multiple systems.

The machine builder becomes a solution provider

The machine has a configurable modular design and is extremely compact. No special foundation is necessary; a standard factory floor is sufficient for anchoring. Users can thus put the machine into operation more quickly and have much greater flexibility when setting it up. Turnkey solutions are available from Zimmermann on request. Its specialists configure the system, provide suitable clamping devices, handling solutions and tools, and write NC programs for the components that are to be manufactured. Production can start immediately.

About the company

F. Zimmermann GmbH is headquartered in Neuhausen a.d.F., Germany, and is one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-tech milling solutions. The machines have huge working areas, tremendous dynamic performance and enormous cutting capacity. Founded in 1933 by Friedrich Zimmermann, the company now has 200 employees, with subsidiaries in the USA and China. The innovative company has one primary goal for its range of products: being able to offer the right solution to its customers and so ensure high profitability: “Quality made in Germany”. Its specialized machines are in use throughout the world in the aerospace and automotive industries and find many special applications.

For more information, visit
www.f-zimmermann.com.