Machine tools are often referred to as the "mother machine" of machines. Faced with increasingly free part shapes, increasingly complex motion trajectories, and increasingly faster machining speeds, five-axis direct-drive CNC machine tools have become a major trend.
Compared to traditional lead screw drive technology, direct drive technology brings a qualitative improvement to the speed, accuracy and service life of CNC machine tools.
Thanks to its parent company, Yacobes Group, which has been deeply involved in the field of linear motors for decades, Apass CNC Machine Tool Manufacturing (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Apass) has focused on manufacturing high-end direct drive CNC machine tools since its inception and has successfully developed a series of five-axis machining centers.
Among them, the U600 full direct drive cradle five-axis machining center, with its rapid traverse speed of 60 meters per minute, positioning accuracy of 3 micrometers, and repeatability of 2 micrometers, has been recognized by aerospace, automotive mold, medical and other fields and is used to process impellers, molds, high-end parts, etc.
In addition, Apass has R&D teams in both Shanghai, China and Singapore. They have always been committed to continuously optimizing machine tool structure, improving machining accuracy and extending machine life, leaving no detail or potential problem unaddressed.
1. Performance First: UL-certified reliable performance
To avoid the risk of malfunctions or even breakage and ejection of the power supply system due to acceleration exceeding 1G, Apass's machine tool design engineers turned their attention to igus's cable chain system.
"We have very high requirements for machine tools and accessories, and the dynamic performance and reliability of the cable chain system are the key points of our evaluation," said Luo Chao, General Manager of Apass. The power supply system of a cradle-type five-axis machine tool is very complex, requiring the power supply for the movement of the X, Y, and Z axes as well as the linkage power supply for the cradle-type AC rotary table, which presents challenges for the cables.
Considering the shielding requirements of high-end machine tools, the igus Chainflex® high-flexibility servo cable CF270 UL D series was ultimately chosen. This cable features optimized stranding of the core wires for shielding the outer unit, and its optimized braiding angle achieves over 80% optical coverage. The CF270, with its PUR outer sheath, also features scratch resistance, oil resistance, and coolant resistance, enabling a longer service life in the harsh operating conditions inside machine tools. Its minimum bending radius of 10xd frees up more installation space.
2. Value-added services: Ready-to-use assembly service
Not only cable performance, but also the quantity and arrangement of cables are highly demanding for five-axis machine tools.
The power supply system for the APAS U600 all-direct-drive cradle five-axis machine tool uses many different types of cables, including servo cables, control cables, power cables, and air hoses.
These pipelines must be arranged in an orderly manner in the cable chain to minimize the size of the cable chain system, thereby gaining more installation space for the machine tool and reducing the required drive force.
Furthermore, igus can extend the service life of cable chains and cables by rationally arranging different types and weights of pipelines through separators.
Based on the design drawings from both companies' engineers, igus will deliver an integrated cable chain system that combines connectors, pipelines, and cable chains to the user. The user only needs to plug in the connectors to complete the installation of the power supply system, which is very time-saving and labor-saving.
“Aplós comes from the Greek word ‘Aplós,’ meaning simple, representing the simpler and more reliable structure of machine tools using direct drive technology,” Luo Chao explained. igus’s assembly service is similar, not only making the cable chain system structure simpler and more reliable, but also simplifying assembly steps and shortening assembly time for users.
3. Continuous innovation: Customer-centric
“APAS’s engineering philosophy is to make advanced manufacturing easier and greener,” Luo Chao said. “This requires continuous innovation, and of course, it also requires the support of high-quality suppliers.”
"Reducing costs and improving technology" is igus's mission. To this end, igus invests significant time and money annually in product development, capacity expansion, and logistics. This year alone, igus launched 175 new innovative products, including the CF111.D cable for the Fanuc measurement system, suitable for applications with severe oil contamination, and the UL-certified cleanroom cable CFCLEAN.
Many new products originate from users' upgraded application needs. Whether it's Apass or igus, customer needs are the driving force for continuous innovation for both parties.
In the future, Apass and igus will continue to focus on their respective fields and strive for excellence, bringing technological upgrades to users through professional solutions.
