Datron offers high-speed MC for plastic

Datron Dynamic Inc.’s recently introduced M8 PlasticMill is a high-speed CNC machining center designed specifically for plastic-machining applications that produce chips or dust that must be extracted and collected.

The M8 PlasticMill incorporates a chip extractor that surrounds the spindle and is plumbed to the exterior of the machine with conductive and grounded hosing, which eliminates static. Powered by an industrial Ruwac vacuum system rated for continuous duty, the chip extractor removes slugs as they are separated free from the workpiece. This helps protect the surface finish and quality of the machined part and minimizes post-machining clean up, reports Datron. With a 24- volt relay for ON/OFF, the vacuum system can be controlled within the program or at the machine control.

The M8 PlasticMill also has two integrated, static-eliminating deionizers mounted on the sides of the spindle housing that manage plastic dust. By eliminating static, the dust can be evacuated through the chip extractor and collected outside of the machine— further reducing cleanup operations after machining. Positioned for the milling of engineered plastics, plastic sheet material and molded plastic parts, the M8 PlasticMill can be configured with integrated automation, such as workholding and automatic doors and built-in safety sensors.

PlasticMill features a steel bridge reinforced with polymer concrete, for stability, and a 2kW (2 ¾ hp), water-chilled 60,000-rpm spindle that permit feed rates up to 20 m/min. A vibration-dampening, polymer-concrete machining table offers a 40” × 30” work area; overall machine footprint is 69” x 55”. Automatic tool-change options include up to 30-tool "station-style" rack with tool- length sensor.

The Windows®-based controller works with virtually any CAD/CAM software and offers Ethernet networking capability, as well as remote monitoring and control, allowing the machine to seamlessly integrate into any manufacturing environment, according to Datron.

Available options include a Z-Correction Probe™ that measures surface irregularities and compensates for them dynamically, a 3-D Probe Extension that enables Z-Correction Probe to function in 3-D (X, Y and Z), a Crenshaw TP20 Probe for complex part measurement, Evacuate™ and Quick-Pallets™ workholding for quick setup and a Digital I/O that provides 16 inputs and 16 outputs from the CNC control.

Datron’s new machining center controls chips and dust that form during the machining of plastic.