Nicolás Correa is entering the market of multi-tasking mill-turn machines and introduced its Correa VH-PLUS MG-T range of machines during EMO 2015.

A bed-type milling machine, T-structure and rotary table integrated on the longitudinal axis. An extremely robust machine that enables high performance machining of all types of materials.

The T-architecture and thermo-symmetrical construction (vertical carriage centred on column) offers the customer tremendous flexibility and positioning accuracy, even in adverse environmental conditions.

The machine has a hydraulic locking system on the X axis to ensure smooth high-performance turning. There are two options of turning systems: 

Accessory for turning: It is an accessory manually attachable to the milling head with a Capto C8 coupling. Designed for processes where 80-85% is milling work and a simple economical solution is required. 

Turning head: A turning head that is automatically guided with a C8 automatic coupling. Designed for processes where 65% is milling work but a totally automated mill-turn solution is sought. 

The Correanayak | PANTERA is a High Speed Gantry Type Milling Machine able to provide the best performance in finishing applications as well as a good behaviour during strong roughing of the work-piece.

PANTERA is most versatile machine in the market for finishing, semifinishing and roughing to cover a wide spectrum of different jobs. This is possible due to the exceptional rigidity of the milling machine in conjunction with several technical solutions to reach a superior accuracy. Furthermore, the great number of accessories makes this milling machine a versatile tool.

Nicolas Correa S.A. presents a case study of its extremely versatile model: Correanayak | PANTERA supplied to Honda.

After a long selection and testing process of several manufacturers, Honda Europe, one of the leading companies in the automotive sector, purchased a Correanayak | PANTERA, high-speed bridge machine, for its production plant in the UK.

This model features gantry architecture and it can be used for machining the stamping dies of the outer car body (skins).

The Correanayak | PANTERA model is a high-speed unit for machining very long travel applications. It has a work envelope of Th 6.800 x 3.400 x 1.500 mm, three machine axes are fitted with linear guides driven in longitudinal and cross direction by means of a double rack-and-pinion system with electronic preload which achieves high dynamics together with an unbeatable accuracy and rigidity.

The model bought by Honda is provided with a modern head changing system, allowing roughing and semi-finishing with a mechanical universal head of 6,000 rpm with positioning each 0.1º by means of Hirths coupling, as well as finishing operations with a continuous 5-axis head with a high rpm electro-spindle.

Pantera with head changer system – Test done by 2-axis Indexing Head Roughing Test

-Face milling with Toroidal tool ø80 mm round inserts ø16 mm
– Material Steel 1.2311, R=110 kg/mm2

• Ap (Depth of cut) = 2,5 mm
• Ae (Width of cut) = 70 mm
• F (Feedrate) = 4000 mm/min
• Q (Chip removal rate) = 700 cm3/min

The final design of Correanayak | PANTERA machine has been analysed with Finite Element Method (FEM), to control the general dimension of the milling machine, in order to provide not only the best static rigidity and damping capacity, but also to assure an outstanding dynamic behaviour.

The rigidity of this milling machine is guaranteed by means of an oversized structure, controlled with Finite Element Method to obtain a rigid and sturdy unit, for which the final goal is operating at high accelerations to allow high speed cutting operation at increased accuracy requirements.

The Nicolas Correa Milling Machine Pantera Features:

• Great Rigidity
• Great Damping Capacity
• Great Accuracy
• Great versatility

High Added Value Manufacture

• 5 axis machining volume
• Monolithic parts and toolings
• Diversification in the sector
• High vume of milling
• Technological benchmark in milling

The automatic tool changer, tool and part measuring probes among others make this machine versatile, perfectly adaptable to the automotive or aerospace sectors, where a high production output together with versatility and rigidity are an absolute requisite.

Courtesy: Nicolás Correa SA