Milling machines: Measurement of rotation and swivel axes0 pages

API Application report
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SWIVELCHECK
Portable Rotary Alignment System
TM
Engineering
If any single construction has established itself worldwide for milling machines, it is the portal technology. In particular
for large components such as wide-body aircraft or models for car bodies, portal milling machines are always the first
choice when it’s a case of machining large parts from light or highly stable materials quickly and with high precision. As
the global leader for milling solutions using the portal technique, Zimmermann has not only perfected this technology
with 5-side, 5-axis machining, but has also opened up a new chapter in milling head technology. The process with which
the company sets up and calibrates machines und milling heads is also innovative: a new measurement system that no
longer has to be mounted on the centre of motion for the measurement guarantees the optimal setting and performance
of the milling machines from Zimmermann.
Among other things, portal milling machines have the advantage
that the moving masses are extremely low, so that large
workpieces, above all, can be machined with it. But even before
it comes to this, the manufacturer must prove that the machine
can really carry out the required tasks - in the form of a
customer acceptance that will not only take place at the
manufacturer’s premises, but also later after the installation at
the customer’s site. The proof that the machines meet the required
specifications is the precondition for a successful project
management – and if the manufacturer should ultimately
fail in the documentation of this proof, costly rework may be
necessary, and even the failure of the complete project can no
longer be excluded.
Measurement
technology
Measurement of rotation
and swivel axes
Photo: Zimmermann