GM To Make MACH Debut an Event to Remember

22 January 2022

The GM Group is delighted to announce that it is making its debut appearance at the MACH 2022 exhibition. Since becoming the sole UK and Republic of Ireland agent for the Victor range of CNC machine tools in 2020, the Oldham based GM Group has witnessed exceptional growth that has culminated in a factory extension, significant staff recruitment and unprecedented sales of the Victor brand.

Victor machine tools have an uncompromising reputation for build quality and stability, and on Stand 619 in Hall 19 from the 4th to the 8th April 2022, visitors to the MACH exhibition will witness first hand why Victor machines are proving so popular with manufacturers in all industry sectors. The Victor range is remarkably diverse, catering for all segments of the industry with everything from small to large machine tools with simple or complex machining solutions that can be tailored to the exact needs of the user.

At the Birmingham NEC, the GM Group will be giving show visitors a taste of this diversity with the high-performance Vcenter AX380 5-axis machining centre appearing alongside the extremely compact and automated Vturn NP20 turning centre with the Easy Way articulated robot loading/unloading system and also the Vturn A26-85YCM twin spindle turning centre with Y-axis milling on the tooling turret.

For manufacturers looking for a new high-performance machining centre that is built for productivity and precision on a rigid platform that is guaranteed to deliver lifelong performance, GM is inviting engineers to take a closer look at the Vcenter AX380 5-axis machining centre. The Vcenter AX380 takes flexibility to a new level, incorporating an A+C-axis trunnion type rotary table that is 380mm diameter and can facilitate 5-axis machining of sizeable parts up to 200kg thanks to its generous 700 by 500 by 540mm X, Y and Z-axis travel. For manufacturers looking for a solution to machine larger components, the Vcenter Series is also available with the larger AX630 and AX800 variants.

The Vcenter AX380 has rigidity and precision incorporated into every aspect of the machine, something that is characterised by the trunnion type tilting A+C-axis table that has a built-in backlash-free roller cam mechanism that is seated on the machine base to maximise rigidity. The A-axis can rotate at up to 33rpm with 2452Nm of torque whereas the C-axis rotation is capable of 40rpm at 2158Nm.

The compact powerhouse is supplied as standard with the powerful FANUC 0i-MF CNC control unit that drives the tools around the work envelope with unprecedented precision and speed. Built to gallop around this work area is a high-speed 12,000rpm (15,000rpm optional) spindle with the renowned BIG PLUS BBT-40 interface that maximises tool clamping rigidity. Powering the high-speed spindle is a continuous 11/15/18.5kW spindle motor that generates exceptional levels of torque for heavy-duty cutting of challenging materials with impressive material removal rates.

The high material removal rates achieved through this stable machine platform enhances surface finishes beyond the levels of competitor machines in its class. The spindles are manufactured in-house by Victor and each spindle has a unique I.D code to facilitate future servicing requirements and records. Supplied with up to 30 tools via a twin-arm type fast-change tool barrel, customers can also select the machine with the option of 40, 48 or 60 tool positions.

As standard, the high-quality AX380 incorporates a spindle oil cooler, fully enclosed splash guard, rigid tapping facility, remote MPG handwheel, hand tools and toolbox, built-in work light, auto power-off system, levelling pads and a screw-type chip removal system.

From a flexibility perspective, visitors to MACH can specify the Vcenter AX380 to suit bespoke requirements. This includes the option of a chip conveyor with cart, through spindle coolant from 20 to 70bar, linear scales/angular encoders for precision levels of 0.005mm over the full machine stroke, auto tool length measurement, auto part measurement, HSK-A63 interface and also a selection of control units that include the Fanuc 0i, 32i and the 31i control or the Heidenhain 640 control units. This impressive level of optional extras allows GM to facilitate the requirements of any engineer visiting its stand at MACH.