With the introduction of FZU22,
Zimmermann, the Germany-based global high-tech supplier of portal milling machines, has added a five-axis portal milling machine for the machining of various workpiece shapes, sizes and materials. Aluminum, plastic, wood and other substrates can be processed, plus the machine is designed for the finishing of carbon fiber reinforced and other composite materials. The overhead gantry is designed to provide precise production of models and molded parts.
Zimmermann was founded in 1933 by Friedrich Zimmermann and has more than 200 employees worldwide. The company’s special machines are used globally in the automotive, aerospace, moldmaking, transportation, off-highway and mechanical engineering sectors. The company has its North American headquarters in Wixom, Michigan, near Detroit, where it operates a full tech center, offering engineering assistance, commissioning, parts and retrofit services, as well as multiple machines for demonstration purposes. Zimmermann is headed by President Cornelius Kiesel.
The standard FZU22 machine includes a toolchanger for 24 tools and a CNC from Siemens or Heidenhain for full motion control and tracking. A specially developed five-axis milling head with 15 kW spindle is suitable for machining contours and tight pockets in large molds.
As Kiesel observes, “With this new machine, being introduced in our booth at
IMTS to the North American market, Zimmermann enters a new arena, that is, the lighter weight machining applications for large structures at an economical price. Our recent acquisition of a company in Germany allows us to partner with a reliable source for this type of machine, enhanced by the unique features which have made Zimmermann a standard in the aerospace and large mold market segments.”
The FZU22 includes a substantial working range, from 71 inches to 98 inches in the x axis; 118 inches to 138 inches in the y axis; and 49 inches in the z axis. A feed rate of 2,756 ipm in the x and y axes is standard while the acceleration on the machine is maximum 118-197 in/s2. With a footprint of 11 ft x 15 ft, the machine is designed to fit in the corner of any shop. ISO 230-2 accuracy is provided. A choice of milling heads is offered on the machine to suit a variety of applications.
Optional equipment is offered on the FZU22, including touch probe, tool measuring system, work area cover, tool changer, chip conveyor, mist/dust extraction system, minimum quantity lubrication and a vacuum system.
The machine to be displayed at IMTS also features an ultrasonic system for cutting aerospace insulation.
