C.R. Onsrud 5-axis CH-Series CNC mill handles the extreme weights of large metal block and plate.
C.R. Onsrud 5-axis CH-Series performs milling operations and friction stir welding in a single set-up.
C.R. Onsrud has introduced the industrial 5-axis CNC Compact High Rail (CH).
The CH-Series is designed to meet a variety of metalcutting needs, including scenarios where:
- Large parts do not fit in a traditional milling machine
- Metalcutting processes are slow
- Results are inaccurate or inconsistent
- Metal dust, such as from aluminum, is dangerous
- Different machines are needed for different processes, requiring:
- Time for transferring of materials between machines
- Time for separate setups and fixturing (and increasing the chance of error)
- Additional floorspace
- Additional operators to run different machinery.
The retractable bellows roof provides unobstructed access for materials to be loaded by an overhead crane. The doors of the enclosure open completely to give full access to the machine bed by a forklift, jack or other specialized lifting equipment.
To support substantial weights, the bed is formed from a steel constructed base that has internal steel reinforcements.
The rigidity of the machine's steel base is just one of the aspects that allows for high speeds and accuracy. The moving bridge (also made from steel) provides more than 3' of bearing spacing, which supports a tall, stiff Z-ram and strong leverage over the machining operations. Spanning the stationary, heavy-gauge steel support walls, the dual ballscrew drive mechanisms offer smooth, fast, precise cuts and backlash-free motion of the bridge for accurate cutting power at high speeds.
The CH-Series is fully enclosed to help ensure maximum operational and environmental safety, reduced noise levels and increased debris control. The retractable bellows roof also works to protect the surrounding area from fine airborne particulates or contamination. The electronics and mechanical drives are located completely outside of the machining envelope to prevent potential contamination associated with wet or dry machining.
The CH-Series not only mills, taps and saws metals, but it also supports additional operations, such as friction stir welding (FSW) and flow drilling.
FSW and flow drilling are typically standalone processes, each requiring specialized machinery. This means more material handling, changeover time, fixturing and set-up, which are time-consuming and increase the chance of error. The additional equipment also requires more floorspace, overhead and additional operators to run them.
"Here is the scientifically fascinating part about FSW," said a company spokesperson. "FSW delivers higher joint strength than many other joining methods, and due to refinement of the material's grain structure during the FSW process, the fused area in most cases is stronger than the individual base materials."
The spokesperson continued: "With flow drilling, there is no need for weld nuts, rivet nuts or other extra inserts to build in thickness. Flow drilling creates strongly threaded connections, increasing the wall-as much as 3x-as it drills."
The 5-axis CH-Series accomplishes all milling operations, FSW and flow drilling in a single set-up. It eliminates the need for separate machines and complex material handling. All the necessary processes are performed to produce a flawless end product without refixturing. This advanced capability not only increases throughput, but it also helps ensure accurately machined parts and reduces production costs, the company noted.
For more information contact:
C.R. Onsrud
120 Technology Drive
Troutman, NC 28166
800-638-8185 / 704-508-7000
sales@cronsrud.com
www.cronsrud.com