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Super-Compact Entry-Level Machining Centre

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2021-10-19 10:13:00

A 3-axis, 40-taper, vertical-spindle machining centre (VMC) has been introduced by Hurco, the VM ONE, to address a need especially among subcontractors for an entry-level machine that is super-compact. It is capable of producing prismatic parts weighing up to 1,500 kg within a working envelope of 660 x 406 x 356 mm.

The new model is small enough to fit through a two-metre high doorway, allowing it to be sited in areas where headroom is restricted, such as under mezzanine floors or in a garage. It nevertheless offers remarkable capacity, productivity and user flexibility considering its compact 1,842 mm x 1,793 mm footprint, yet has generous spindle power and speed for a machine of its size.

 The VM ONE, which sits in the Hurco range between the even smaller VM5i and the similarly compact but slightly larger VM10i, harks back to 2002 when the original entry-level VM1 made its world debut at the international machine tool show in Chicago. The model became part of the manufacturer's history and an important driver for growth due to its appeal to small entrepreneurs and job shops.

Sporting the latest grey livery, the new VMC is described as a revitalised version of the popular VM1. It has the same one-piece base casting, saddle and 762 mm x 406 mm table as the VM10i, as well as an identical programmable feed rate up to 28 m/min in all axes, equal to the rapid traverse rate. At the same time, the machine utilises the VM5i's head casting, modified box column, 7.5 kW / 8,000 rpm spindle motor and 16-station tool magazine. The Hurco VM ONE therefore offers the best of both worlds in terms of rigidity, compactness, power and productivity.

It also features Hurco's advanced CNC with more memory and look-ahead than competitive machines. Powered by WinMax software, the control is the same as is fitted to all Hurco VMCs. It supports both conversational programming via a colour LCD touch-screen and input of NC code generated off-line, making it ideal for high-mix manufacturing environments.

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