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Heller has introduced 'entry level' horizontal machining centres give steady production and high productivity by minimising idle time during the manufacturing process.

Heller Machine Tools, UK, launched a range of 'entry-level' horizontal machining centres (HMC) at the UK's recent MACH 2008 machine tool exhibition The company said that the entry-level HMCs will enable smaller companies and first time users to take advantage of the full range of Heller's capabilities at an economic and affordable cost

The H series 1000 and 3000 deliver optimum performance with adequate speeds and a wide range of standard equipment.

There are numerous options to customise HMCs for individual applications.

The machines give steady production and high productivity by minimising idle time during machining cycles.

For example, using minimum positioning times removes the need for high rapid traverse and acceleration rates.

So the machines are not subjected to extreme dynamic loads, which enhances machine life and provides a saving in energy costs.

Features of the standard H Series 1000 and 3000 include the following.

* Working envelope for the HMCs is 630mm or 800mm in the X-, Y- and Z-axis.

* The dynamically stiff, short design of the spindle unit provides high precision in machining.

* The stiff spindle nose ensures high process stability.

* The proven Heller zero-spindle system ensures fast and cost effective exchange of the spindle.

* The setting station provides 4 x 90 deg indexing with a foot release.

* The chain-type tool magazine has 54 storage places as standard and accepts tools up to 450mm.

* The new tool operating strategy provides for very short tool loading times.

* Fast tool break monitoring with reference measurement and tactile tool measuring minimise downtime.

* The rigid rotary table has two separate Z-axis guideways and the drive arrangement between the Z-axis guideways reduces tilting of the rotary table.

* Swarf management is controlled by the free fall of swarf below the spindle and reduced swarf accumulating surfaces.

* An air blast system is fitted for the rotary table and setting station.

The H-series machines are positioned on vibration free levelling shoes so installation is easier and lower cost compared with many other machines.

The H-series 1000 and 3000 also have the advantage of perceptive arrangement of operating stations and ready accessibility of all function-relevant systems and components.

For instance, the reach to the setting station is conveniently short to make workpiece handling easy.

Optionally, the tools can be loaded into the machine while the spindle is running.

The machines have also been designed for easy maintenance, so that all routine maintenance tasks can be performed in a few easy steps.

Managing director of Heller Machine Tools, Geoff Lloyd, said: "Heller focuses on working in partnership with its customer, providing exactly the level of support and assistance they require whether it be a complex multi-cell manufacturing facility or a stand-alone machining centre.

Developing a range of entry - level machines, which have all the traditional Heller qualities of productivity, robustness and high up-times, is an important element within that Heller philosophy".

He concluded: "The H-series 1000 and 3000 bring the performance, quality and reliability for which Heller is known within the reach of a far wider range of manufacturing companies. Request a free brochure from Heller Machine Tools ...

Manufactured in the UK at our Redditch plant, the machines deliver all the advantages to the customer of a locally manufactured machine supported by highly skilled and experienced, local engineers.".