Press Information

MHI Develops Plano Type 5-face Machining Center, "MVR-5X,"
Suitable for Processing of Free-form Curved Surfaces
- Adoption of Attachment with 2 Spindles Enables Wider Applications -

No.1412
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Tokyo, March 11, 2011 - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has developed a new 5-face plano miller type machining center*1, the "MVR-5X," suitable for machining of free-form curved surfaces such as aircraft parts and metallic molds. Plano miller type machining centers form the mainstream among large-size machine tools. Through adoption of an optional 2-spindle device attachable to the main spindle, the MVR-5X enables users to select either simultaneously controlled 5-face machining or regular 3-face machining according to the work desired, thereby offering users a broader range of potential applications. The new machine will be presented at the "Mitsubishi Large-size Machine Tools Fair," a private preview show to be held by the company's Machine Tool Division on March 17 and 18 in Ritto, Shiga Prefecture. Simultaneously MHI also will launch the machine's full-scale marketing.

[MVR-5X]
The MVR-5X is the newest model in the "MVR Series," a lineup MHI introduced to the market in 2003 whose product portfolio has undergone progressive expansion. The adoption of an attachment device with two spindles - one slant-angled to the main spindle (B-axis) and the other right-angled to the main spindle at the spindle head (C-axis) - set to the main spindle enables simultaneous control of 5-axes, in addition to regular X-, Y- and Z-axis control. With the attachment, the MVR-5X is capable of performing arbitrary angle machining that enables machining of any desired angle at any desired spot, besides regular machining by the main spindle.

The two axes of the 2-spindle attachment deliver a maximum spindle speed of 15,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and a rated spindle motor power output of 15 kilowatts (kW); maximum motor power output is 22 kW with a duty factor of 25%ED*2. The unit is designed to provide a wide range of spindle axis angles, enabling machining work at the desired face angle. The slant angle of the B-axis can be set within a range of plus or minus 92 degrees against the main spindle axis, while the C-axis's swivel angle can be set within a plus or minus 200 degree range. By minimizing the size of the attachment, an easy-to-operate structure has been achieved. Independent automatic changers for the attachments and tools enable quick changeover, thus contributing to enhanced productivity. The machine is also equipped with a scale feedback function, for high-precision positioning.

While demand for 5-face machining centers has been increasing, especially in the aircraft manufacturing industry, the number of users who use a 5-face machining as their core system in actual operation is still limited. Meanwhile, the number of users who look to expand their high-value-added machining work requiring 5-face machining, in addition to regular machining, is rising. Also, users who do not need 5-face machining but require arbitrary angle machining are increasing. The MVR-5X has been newly developed to respond to the desires of all these users.

The first MVR-5X unit will be delivered to Akaba Seisakusho in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, a company that undertakes precision machining of machine parts.

With the introduction of the MVR-5X, going forward MHI will now ratchet up its activities for expanding its customer base by exploring demand for wide-ranging, versatile use of a machining center - everything from conventional 5-face machining to simultaneous 5-face machining and arbitrary angle machining.

Notes:
1.The plano miller type machining center is an extra-large machine tool that combines the functions of a very large milling machine and a machining center, performing different types of machining work by one machine.
2.Duty factor is the ratio of machine use calculated by dividing in-operation time by the sum of in-operation and non-operation time. ED stands for the German word Einschaltdauer (duty cycle). A duty cycle of 25%ED means operation with maximum power is possible for 2.5 minutes within a total duration of 10 minutes.

About MHI Group

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.