Universal Milling Machines

Universal milling machine: when CNC is not needed

On a universal machine the operator moves the axes by handwheel or power feed, and a digital readout shows the position on each axis. There are no programs, so the machine switches quickly from one part to the next. It is bought by repair and tool shops, training workshops and plants making one-off parts.

The catalog carries two ranges. The FPS 300M and FPS 500M-hydro are German knee-type vertical/horizontal machines with an ISO 40 taper: the compact 300M with a 600×210 mm table and a head that swivels ±90°, and the 500M-hydro with an 800×480 mm table, a stepless 25–3000 rpm drive and hydraulic tool clamping. The LUNA Perseus U5750 and LUNA Perseus U5750 MAX are heavier: ISO50 taper, 7.5 kW motor, a 500×1600 or 500×2000 mm table rated for 1800 kg, a 360° head and servo drives on three axes.

When identical parts become more frequent, cycle-controlled milling machines add cycles on the control, and CNC machines add contour machining. If milling is only secondary to drilling, a drilling-milling machine is enough. How to compare milling machines is covered on the milling machines.

If the machine is replacing a Soviet knee-type mill, the closest match is for the 6R13: a 1600 mm long table and a 50 taper, as on the LUNA Perseus U5750, but with a 7.5 kW motor instead of 10–11. For the 6R12 and 6R82 with a 1250×320 mm table there is no direct equivalent; the breakdown by table, travels and tooling is in the article on replacing a 6R13, 6R12 or 6R82.