CNC profile machining center | MECAL ARIEL

The Mecal “Ariel” CNC machining centre can be configured with 3, 4 or 5 axis and features a 7.5 kW (10kW optional) electro-spindle, 12 tools magazine and automatic clamp positioning system. The “Ariel” has been designed to work on long aluminum, light alloys extrusions and light gage steel. It is the perfect solution for the production of curtain walls, window walls and other complex aluminum extrusion processing.

Two machining zones can be used independently (pendular mode) so that loading/unloading times are masked and machining length is used efficiently.

 
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GENERAL

Mecal Ariel is a gantry type vertical spindle aluminum profile CNC machining centre configured either in 4 or 5 axes. The machine can work with extruded aluminum, light alloy and light steel materials. It has a 7.5kW (10kW on the 5 axes configuration), 24000 rpm electro-spindle with ISO-30 tool holder system (HSK-F63 on the 5 axes version). Main rotary tool magazine has 12 slots. A separate blade holder for the main 450mm saw blade is located at the back of the gantry.

CNC unit allows linear and circular interpolation on 3 axes.  A and C axes are the spindle rotation axes. A axis is the spindle tilt and range ±120° (4 axes). C axis is spindle rotation around Z-axis within ±220° (5 axes).

Using a drill, milling bit or a tap, it is possible to work on 5 sides of the profile. Machine can perform end-milling operations by using milling cutter and compound miter cuts by using a saw blade (compound cuts are available only on 5 axes version).

The machine can work in two independent zones (pendular mode) that allows the operator to load and unload workpieces safely while the machine is still processing in the other zone.

The 2 pneumatically operated reference stops are standard and located on each end of the machine. Intermediate reference stops are available as a pair in order to have 4 zones for machining 4 parts in the same cycle or 2 pairs in pendulum mode.

CLAMPING

The Ariel 4 axis aluminum profile CNC machining centre can be equipped with sequence reposition “DPM” clamps or self motorized “MMI” clamps, while the Ariel 5 axes can be configured with self motorized “MMI” or self motorized cut-and-separate “MDT” clamps. Both “MMI” and “MDT” clamps are capable to go to calculated positions independently, simultaneously and rapidly. The clamps can change position during the cycle (MAM) when equipped with either “MMI” or “MDT” clamps. This may be necessary in for machining dense parts. The “MAM” feature is OPTIONAL on the “Ariel MMI”, while is standard on the “Ariel MDT”.

PROGRAMMING

Programming both with Mecal ISO programming language or Mecal CAD3D graphic CAD/CAM software are standard. Optional STEP/IGES driver CADLink is available for companies prefer to work with a third party 3D design software.

  • Gantry type vertical spindle CNC machining centre
  • Axes drive system is consisting of a servo controller and a brushless DC servomotor. Position is tracked by an incremental encoder integrated in the drive motor
  • Work piece clamp bars slide on precision linear guide rails
  • Working area can be divided in two zones so that two separate working stations can be utilized
  • By using the disc cutter, it is possible to carry out end-milling operations on both the ends of the work piece
  • Milling operations are performed with linear and circular interpolation of the X-Y-Z axes
  • Pneumatically operated flipping reference stops
  • Tool magazine is mounted on the mobile upright beam and travels with it. This allows a quick tool change operation during machining
  • Tool cooling via Minimum Quantity Lubrication
  • All slide ways and ball screws are lubricated through an automatic central lubrication system
  • Front light curtains and side/rear safety metal screens

  • Available standard lengths: 7400mm (24.3') / 9400mm (30.8') / 11400mm (37.4')
  • Spindle power: 7.5kW (3 and 4 axis version), 10kW (5 axis version)
  • Spindle rotation speed variably up to 24000 rpm
  • Tool clamping system is ISO30
  • 12 positions tool magazine
  • Max saw blade diameter: 400mm (15¾") - only on 5 axis version
  • Clamps open to a fix stroke and accommodate components up to max. 650mm (25.6") width
  • Electronic NC interface with a PC running on Windows 10 OS.

  • Electrospindle air cooled, ISO30, 24000 rpm, 7,5 kW (3 and 4 axis configuration)
  • Electrospindle liquid cooled, HSK-F63, 24000 rpm, 10 kW (5 axis configuration)
  • Tool magazine with 12 tools capacity
  • Saw blade ∅ 400mm (15¾") - only on the 5 axis configuration
  • 8 x Pneumatic clamps
  • Drawers for chips collection
  • Startup tool kit
  • Front light curtains and side/rear safety metal screens
  • Electronic NC interface with a PC running on Windows 10 OS.
  • CAD CAM 3D Graphic software

  • Automatic Positioning Clamps (MMI). Each clamp bar is equipped with a brushless DC motor-reducer assembly. Therefore, each clamp bar becomes an independent axis controlled by CNC unit. The program will display the locations for the clamps. With the confirmation of the operator, clamps are positioned simultaneously.
  • Cutting and Separating Module (MDT). It is a system to obtain multiple pieces derived from a single profile and machine all of them in one cycle. Each work-piece must be held by at least two vices. Once cut, the segments are automatically separated and moved along the longitudinal axis of the machine to the position defined in the program. Then, each segment can be fully processed in the same machining cycle including end-notching operations. Clamp design on MDT version is significantly different then MMI version. Each clamp is equipped with a high accuracy servo drive system. Structure of clamps is engineered to achieve required rigidity and positioning precision. MDT brings additional flexibility and productivity over MMI version. However, this special clamp design brings differences in some dimensions which can be seen in the "technical data" chart.
  • Extra clamps (DPM - MMI or MDT)
  • Set of two intermediate stops to allow working with max 4 parts loaded on the machine
  • Extra tool magazine for aggregate tools
  • Probe for the automatic detection of the tool length
  • Bar code reader
  • Electrospindle 7,5 Kw with Encoder
  • Electrospindle 10 Kw with Encoder, liquid cooled
  • CAM 3D Machining simulator
  • Drawer set for the chips and scrap pieces collection
  • Belt conveyor for chips and scrap pieces removal
  • Interface drive for third party window making software
  • CADLink 3D Driver to import STEP or IGES files
  • Horizontal 2 spindle aggregate
  • Saw blade aggregate Ø 120 – 215 mm (∅ 4¾" - 8.46")
  • Double clamps
  • MAM: clamp repositioning during machining
  • KEBA advanced remote controller