Hybrid CNC Machining Center

Centroid has announced a new hybrid CNC machining center with both additive and subtractive part creation capabilities. Centroid's long time partner, Industrias Viwa, developed the new CNC machining center technology along with Centroid CNC controls and Optomec Laser Deposition technology to combine both traditional CNC milling along with additive metal 3-D printing capabilities in one complete CNC machine tool. The new machine, dubbed the VCM740-M400/3DH, was introduced and demonstrated at the 2016 IMTS show.

Available in 3- or 4-axis configurations, the machine is designed to produce repeatable results with good surface finishes. "This hybrid, two-process CNC machine tool speeds up and reduces cost to repair expensive hard to repair parts in addition to being able to create new parts that otherwise would have been a difficult multi step process," said a company spokesperson. "It is ideal for part repair operations in oil, gas, marine, aerospace, mold and die, power generation and many other industries, along with prototyping and production machining for any industry."

Parts can be 3-D printed from nothing or material can be added to existing parts. Repair capabilities were demonstrated at IMTS using a damaged rack from a rack and pinion system and a damaged screw compressor wheel. In both cases the damaged area was first machined away and then built back up with the laser welding head automatically. Once the repair areas were built back up the affected areas were machined again back to the original part specifications and tolerance without refixturing or using any other machines or processes. Another use for the technology is to add hard material to an existing part surface. The entire part or just sections of the part can have a hardened layer added at the desired thickness.

Both the conventional machining and laser deposition welding processes can be performed at any point along the part making or repair process and it is easy to switch between additive or subtractive machining. Centroid has developed additive canned cycles within its Intercon Conversational programming software so the operator can use both the additive material CNC canned cycles (without any CAD/CAM knowledge or programming) right along with the conventional canned milling routines that the operator is familiar with, such as pocketing, drilling, facing, contouring, etc.

Featuring a U.S. made CNC control and laser deposition head, the new machine is available nationwide and is backed with a factory authorized national support team along with factory remote support access through the control's internet connection.

For more information contact:

Scott Bennett

CENTROID

159 Gates Rd.

Howard, PA 16841

814-353-9256

sbennett@centroidcnc.com

www.centroidcnc.com