"The Sodick HS Series Linear Motor High Speed Mills are built specifically for high accuracy micro machining," said a company spokesperson. "They feature a no-overhang-bridge design, four linear motors per axis and a 40,000 RPM oil-mist spindle.

"One key component to micro machining is the ability to successfully mill with very small end mills," the spokesperson said. "When machining with such small end mills, the accuracy and repeatability of the machine are critical for them to function properly. Any backlash or lost motion can mean the difference between a properly machined workpiece and constantly breaking end mills. The Sodick linear motor high speed mills are designed to eliminate any backlash due to their Linear Motor Drives. THK Cross Roller Guides are used to provide smooth yet rigid movement. Heidenhain Glass Scales are added for positioning feedback working in conjunction with the Sodick K-SMC Motion Controller. The K-SMC motion controller, developed by Sodick America in San Jose, California, was designed specifically for Linear Motors to provide smooth and precise machining.

"Combining all of these high end components and incorporating the Sodick Enhanced Precision Technology (SEPT) into the Sodick High Speed Mills, users are able to achieve accuracies within 1 micron and surface finish down to 6 Ra while machining with end mills .5 mm diameter and under, in materials up to 70 Rc."

The Sodick HS Series Linear Motor High Speed Mills range in work envelope size from 5.91" x 5.91" (150 x 150 mm) on the HS150L to 24.41" x 19.69" (620 x 500 mm) on the HS650L. The HS150L also has a 20-piece automatic work changer built into the machine. Sodick offers a HS650L 5-axis High Speed Mill to allow for the addition of movement in the A and C axes, in addition to the standard X, Y and Z axes. This allows the user to machine complex shapes in a single set-up, the company said.

For more information contact:

Tom Hipp

High Speed Milling Product Manager

Sodick Inc.

1605 N. Penny Lane

Schaumburg, IL 60173

847-310-9000

thipp@sodick.com

www.sodick.com