FXB - Moving Tables

FXB - single table version

The FXB 5 axis CNC machining center's single table version, with table in solid aluminum plate, 8' x 5', with T-slots parallel to both X and Y axes for the rigid anchoring of fixtures and templates including CNC controlled compressed air and vacuum quick disconnects placed along the front of the table. FXB has been equipped with a special working unit, type KX5 28 kW (37.5 hp) at 4,300 rpm, S1 rating, and maximum 24,000 rpm with 16-place ATC disc. In this picture FXB is shown without its protective barrier system permitting the machine's features to be easily seen.

FXB - double table version

FXB's double table version – each table is 6' x 5' in solid aluminum plate with T-slots running parallel to the X and Y axes. The tables are predisposed for the addition of quick disconnects for vacuum and compressed air. The FXB vertical machining center is also shown with 2 completely independent working units type TX3, each with a 12 place ATC disc and horizontal milling motor with 4th axis CNC controlled rotation. Each of these units can work independently on each table at the same time machining two different parts, or the same part on each table at the same time, or work together producing two parts on the same table at the same time in a nonstop cycle. FXB's flexible productivity and range of production options for higher volume nonstop production or lower volume concurrent production of even dissimilar parts makes it both a powerful and profitable choice. The FXB 5 axis CNC machining center's protective barrier is not shown here so that's it’s easier to see its important features.

FXB - double table, with CMS' patented

The FXB vertical machining center's double table version is shown equipped with CMS' patented "ring pressing device" for routing parts from stacked aluminum sheets. This eliminates the need for hundreds of screws or rivets to hold the sheets together for the routing of the groups of nested parts, which are held in place only by micro tabs which join them to the stack of sheets. This process is then followed by the difficult, tedious handwork of removing the micro tabs which still remain on these parts, which were created for the sake of the traditional production method. FXB's "ring pressing device" provides the most efficient, cost effective, high quality and automated process available for stacked sheet aluminum production.

The tables are each 4' x 7' and of aluminum gridded type and FXB's Y axis area for each table is shown with a protective belt covering, keeping the operator safe from access to any of the tables moving systems as well as the moving systems safe from any debris which might otherwise fall on them.

The FXB 5 axis CNC machining center is shown with two TX3 working units, each having CMS' "ring pressing device" and capable of working completely independently at the same time on completely different sets of nested stacked aluminum sheets. In this photo FXB is shown with its protective barrier system in place, a part of which has been cut away so that the working units can be seen behind the protective barrier. The tables have been provided with full extraction capability so that one table can be unloaded outside the work area, in complete safety, while production is taking place on the other.

FXB - large double table for stacked sheet aluminum cutting

This double table version of the FXB 5 axis CNC machining center makes it possible to carry out stacked sheet aluminum cutting on even larger sheet sizes. In this photo FXB has two tables each of which are 4' x 10' making possible the routing of component parts from stacked aluminum sheets of even larger size and more complex geometry and nesting. The tables are provided with CMS' multilayer rexilon table surface with vacuum capability. FXB' protective barrier is not shown here so that its features are easily seen.

FXB - tall fixed bridge, 5 axis head with continuous C axis rotation

An FXB vertical machining center is shown in a tall fixed bridge (1200 mm Z stroke, 47.24"), double aluminum table version, each table having T-slots parallel to the Y axis and is 4' x 10' in size, provided with a bank of CNC controlled compressed air and vacuum quick disconnects. The working unit is CMS' TUCU spindle with 13 kW power (17.4 hp) at 12,000 rpm, S1 rating, maximum 18,000 rpm, liquid cooled with 16 place ATC toolholder disc off to the side. The working unit incorporates a continuous rotation of the C axis and dust extraction hood working with its full range of 5-axis movement. A partial view of FXB's protective system is also shown in this picture.

FXB 5 axis, onboard tool changing, continuous C axis rotation

In this photo FXB is seen with its 5-axis, TUCU working unit, 700 mm Z axis (27.5") and double aluminum table for nonstop pendular processing cycles. The FXB vertical machining center's monobloc structure is also easily seen, in which the table system is one piece with the bridge structure, which gives it increased rigidity and stiffness throughout processing operations. The tables are each 4' x 7', gridded style, with vacuum incorporated plenum for sheet or waste board processing and a set of CNC controlled quick disconnects for compressed air and vacuum systems to work with fixtures or patterns requiring these capabilities during processing.

The working unit is type TUCU with continuous rotation of the C axis and 13 kW spindle (17.4 hp) at 12,000 rpm, S1 rating, maximum 18,000 rpm, liquid cooled. The TUCU head is provided with an on-board 16-place ATC tool changing capability, and a 16-place tool changing disc off to the side. In addition a touch probe is provided for the TUCU head to permit tool length checking and automatically insert the value into the controller tool offsets, and to determine if a tool is broken and in need of replacement, which can be done automatically, if a spare is available in one of the tool changing discs.

The FXB 5 axis CNC machining center is shown without its protective enclosure so that its features may be more easily seen.

FXB - calendared aluminum parts, CNC controlled clamping devices

A version of the FXB vertical machining center has been adapted to machine calendared aluminum aerospace parts, either linear or non-linear. This double table, nonstop, version of FXB is equipped with a 5-axis PX5 head with 16-place onboard tool changing capability. FXB's smooth table surface permits the use of a set of special CNC activated and controlled clamping devices, which are placed and located by the CNC program, which also may be "taught in" and memorized by the CNC control, and in which a calendared aluminum part is held securely by pneumatic clamping action during the processing cycle. The processing cycle also involves the need for the clamps to individually, on command, move out of the way as the leg of the part is being machined and then re-clamp. The special clamping devices are firmly secured to the table by vacuum. FXB is also equipped with a probe system which is used for the complete "teach-in" process for part machining and fixture placement, so that even in the absence of an original program, a CNC program may still be created. FXB is shown without its protective enclosure so that its features may more easily be seen.

FXB - high performance design, monobloc structure

A view from the side of the FXB vertical machining center's monobloc structure, designed for high performance, in which can easily be seen its heavy, wide stance shoulders supporting the "tall" bridge, as well as tying together its tables into a unified whole. FXB's "tall" bridge design significantly reduces any concern about flexional and torsional deformations with the exceptionally wide displacement of the carriage guides. This minimizes leverage opportunity and with its upper guide "setback" design causing the carriage weight to "hug" the bridge and consequently move its barycenter into a more favorable location, so that even the weight of a significant working group configuration on the bridge does not deflect or twist, and permits wider bridge expanses without the need of central supports, providing the FXB series with an even broader range of configuration possibilities. FXB's clean, effective, and protective table belt design is also seen, which protects the operator from the table's motion systems and the table's motion systems from any inadvertent object falling into them.

FXB - table structure and engineering

A view of the FXB 5 axis CNC machining center's table structure showing its unique attention to fundamental engineering concerns. As for instance, the decision of guide position and placement, using the 4/6th principle, discussed more fully in the next several sections, avoiding errors of either a too wide or too narrow placement of the guide system, so as to minimize table deflection.

FXB's table support structure, unified with the support shoulders and bridge, provides a rigid, high precision and vibration-free design during interpolated movements, supporting heavy loads with remarkable velocity and acceleration/deceleration characteristics. FXB's moving table design is based on a solid, tight reticular frame structure (net-like) in tubular steel, and on which the various table surfaces provide convenient, solid placement for templates, waste boards or fixtures, available in aluminum or multilayer phenolic materials, gridded or smooth surfaces, with or without milled T-slots or steel T-slot inserts, or CNC controlled vacuum plenum or quick disconnects for compressed air or vacuum.

FXB - "tall" bridge

A closer look into the FXB high speed aluminum machining system's "tall" bridge. In the photo to the left can be seen the shape of the "tall" bridge and placement of the guide ways.

The "tall" bridge's structure is based on an engineering concept, and fully worked out in detail through FEM analysis of alveolar sectioned design (honeycomb-like cell), an aeronautical design of small, contained, sac-like structures. In the "tall" bridge the utilization of these elements dramatically increases the torsional and flexional rigidity of the bridge, as well as allowing for a reduction of the number of elements needed in design. At the same time its improved design provides the opportunity to span wider distances without the need of a central support.

The "tall" bridge design uses an exceptionally wide placement of the guides significantly reducing the opportunity for leverage by the carriage with its working group. The top guide way is "setback" to move the carriage back toward the bridge and as well move its gravitational barycenter back, providing more stability and rigidity.

In the picture to the right can be seen an exploded view of the FXB 5 axis CNC machining center's "tall" bridge design, an important part of its enhanced performance and range of configurations.

FXB - "tall" bridge comparison to other leading CNC manufacturers

In this photo FXB's "tall" bridge is compared with the design concepts of other leading CNC manufacturers. As can be seen, the FXB vertical machining center's "tall" bridge height and displacement of its guide ways is significant when compared with that of the others, which provides the basis for its resistance to torsional and flexional forces. In addition, it also shows the "tall" bridge's "setback" design of the upper guide way to provide for a strategically important reduction of "hang out" distance and the moving of the gravitational barycenter back over the bridge, all of which provides for improved performance, precision, and control during critical machining processes.

FXB - support table movement architecture

The FXB 5 axis CNC machining center's support table movement architecture. FXB's table group design was conceived and engineered with the following points in mind:

• Drive group located centrally to the recirculating guides in order to obtain the optimal balance of movement force with smooth uniformity
• Increase of the guide ways interaxis to improve the stability of the system, as per the 4/6th principle
• Increase of the recirculating ball guide dimensions
• Total support table protection by use of a "roll up belt" system over the drive groups, rack and pinions Total protection of cable tracks, none outside the support table structure, all cable passages are protected and integrated into the base

In the photo can be seen FXB's primary support table components: brushless servomotor, epicycloidal flanged reducer, helical rack module, cable track protection, predisposition for linear encoder and guides.

FXB - substructure and work table

The FXB vertical machining center's work table is designed for machining processes requiring high precision and vibration free conditions, such as interpolated movements. FXB's work table substructure, seen in the photo to the left, provides the following important considerations to obtain these results:

• Reticular design structure (net-like) in tubular steel
• All junctions formed as continuous welds
• Maximum cell structure opening 400 x 400 mm (15.74" x 15.74")
• Vacuum clamping/work plane constructed of aluminum or multilayer phenolic plate, 30 mm thick (1.18") Table pay-load, highest standard in class, up to 1200 kg per table, 2645 lbs per table

In the photo to the right is seen an example of an aluminum plate, gridded vacuum, work table surface, which can also be used for rigid mechanical anchoring of fixtures.

FXB - engineered for performance and the 4/6th principle

FXB, engineered for performance, built to achieve it...

• Positioning of the recirculating guide blocks: The FXB 5 axis CNC machining center’s table support structure and design concentrates on a clean, protected, powerful, rigidly connected drive system, without any non-rigid connection elements, in which the guide blocks are positioned for precision table performance, as well as providing protection, with the result that all motions systems and their support subsystems are located between the guide blocks.
• Interaxis of the guide blocks: FXB's table design applies the 4/6th principle in relation to the table width and optimum guide ways placement decision, in order to annul possible dynamic deflection of the table by adopting an interaxis between the guides that is about 4/6th of the width of the table. This represents the best positioning to equally balance the resistance at the center of the table with that at its external edges. In the photo to the left, can be seen the impact of the 4/6th design principle. The theoretical balance of resistance forces is shown with the spacing of the FXB guide ways at 4/6th of the table width, while each of the other two methods - either that of the guides placed at the 6/6th (outside edges of table) or the 1/3rd position - show the increased deflection forces and the negative impact of a less than optimum choice in guide way placement. In addition, FXB tables of larger dimension are manufactured with a 6 guide block design. Oversized component decisions:

Recirculating ball guides - in comparison to other CNC machines in its class, the FXB vertical machining center's recirculating ball guides have been increased by two sizes in order to insure long life and increase its system stability and rigidity. In the picture to the right can be seen a pair of FXB's recirculating guide blocks to which the work table is rigidly connected.

Rack and Pinion - FXB's motion transfer system also utilizes an oversized rack and pinion design with inclined teeth (specifically for better resistance and uniformity of movement), made from fortified carbon steel, tempered and rectified. The rack and pinion system is assembled with a rectilinearity for the rack of less than 0.01 mm (0.00039") and an adjustment of the "play" of less than 0.02 mm (0.00078"). Attention to FXB's raw mechanical precision means that the use of automatic "play" recovery systems is not necessary to correct fundamental design and assembly problems, the use of which methodology, at this point, is unfavorable to a machine's systemic rigidity.

Patented Ring Pressing Technology

CMS' patented "ring pressing" technology is shown in this photo. The "ring pressing" device is mounted between the working unit, type TX3, and the stack of aluminum sheets, which have been placed on a vacuum waste board. The 4 corners of the aluminum sheet stack are anchored to the waste board to prevent inadvertent movement of the stack during setup or processing - which is all that is needed for the complete process - following which the remainder of the work cycle is managed, without manual intervention, by CMS' "ring pressing device".

The "ring pressing device" works as follows:

• Phase 1: Low pneumatic pressure exerted by the ring on the stack - main cutting operation including "micro-tabs" as needed. The "ring pressing device" exerts a low vertical pressure on the stack surface to assure stack unification during the cutting and tabbing cycle and avoid scuff damage to the part surface. The required tab/tag size in this phase is about 5 mm, 0.200". Phase 2: High pneumatic pressure exerted by the ring on the stack - detagging

For the tab/tag removal, which occurs at the end of the machining cycle, a higher pressure is activated on the "ring pressing" device to hold down the parts properly while the working unit is independently moving in relation to the "ring pressing" device by +/- 20 mm (0.79") in all directions. During this phase the ring remains fixed under high pressure, while the working unit moves within the ring as required under CNC control to perform the detagging operation. Which means that the traditional process difficulty which remained after machining - cutting the parts free from the web, and the long, tedious, inaccurate, manual handwork of grinding away the tabs - has been eliminated by the "ring pressing" device, resulting in parts machined under CNC control: quickly, accurately, with a high quality finish and ready to be used when removed from the FXB vertical machining center.

Aluminum Sheet Stack Cutting

CMS' "ring pressing device" technology is also a dramatic improvement in aluminum sheet stack cutting for the following reasons:

• incorporation of high velocity chip extraction technology, necessary to avoid chip damage to sheet surface
• increased high pressure at the ring during the detagging phase
• enhanced oil mist dispersion control during cutting
• minimal scuffing of top sheet
• vibration-free cutting conditions
• high quality edge cut
• reduced air pressure consumption
• easy maintenance operations removal of "ring pressing device" for solid plate cutting

In the photo to the left is seen a TX3 working unit, which provides the machining power for the "ring pressing device" and in which can also be seen its onboard 8-place ATC unit. In the photo to the right can be seen a clear shot of the "ring pressing device" from below and inside of which the TX3 carries out the machining operations.

High Quality Edges

This photo shows the high quality edge on a stack of 8 finished parts produced with CMS' "ring pressing device". Following are the basic technological parameters:

• Material: L166 T4
• Tool: 8 mm (5/16’’) single flute solid carbide up-spiral
• Stack height: 12 mm (0.47"), 8 sheets
• Feed: 3,000 to 5,000 mm/min. (118 to 197 ’’/min.)
• Speed: 22,000 rpm Ra = 3.2 maximum

Specific Sheet Sizes

The "ring pressing device" uses a program derived from the optimum nest of a particular group of parts to be cut from a specific sheet size. In the photo to the left the "ring pressing device" is carrying out the 1st phase machining at its low pressure setting, during which the majority of the cutting work is done with exception that small "tabs" of material are left, which hold the parts to the web of the sheet, ensuring that they can't move until cut free from the "micro tabs" at the end of 2nd phase. The photo to the right shows 3 "micro tabs" left in a circular cutting path in illustration of the "tab" concept.

The Micro Tab

In this photo a larger illustration of the "micro tab" is be seen. During the 2nd, high pressure, phase the patented "ring pressing device" remains fixed at each "micro tab" location to which the CNC program has directed it to return, yet the TX3 working unit is free to move in any direction within the ring by +/- 20 mm (0.79"), so that while the parts are firmly held by the "ring clamping device" the final machining and removal of each tab can take place. Since there is no possibility of part movement or vibration, the accuracy of the part shape is perfect and the edge quality is also. At the end of tab removal operation, the operator can simply begin the process of unloading all the finished parts, dispose of the web material and reload the work table to begin again and if done in a pendular cycle, the machine is never waiting for the operator resulting in maximum efficiency.

High Velocity Vaccuum

An important part of the "ring pressing device" system, and supplied with it, is its high velocity vacuum unit to ensure that chips created during the machining process are drawn away from the material surface and disposed of, including the PLC control of the chip collection manifold dampers. Chips drawn into the high velocity vacuum unit collect at a disposal exit, which can be linked to the company's disposal system. The picture to the right shows how the high velocity vacuum units connects to the "ring pressing device".

Perfect for Oddly Shaped Parts

The photo to the left shows an optimized nested layout of small stacked aluminum parts each with a number of holes around their outside edge - not in any way an easy part to be held. The photo to the right shows stacks of other, small, oddly shaped parts, demonstrating why CMS' "ring pressing device" is a perfect solution for any manufacturer producing sheet aluminum parts. The "ring pressing device" makes it possible to forget about preparing stacks of sheets with holes, screws or rivets, followed up by tedious, difficult handwork with inaccuracies and less than optimal edge quality. CMS' patented "ring pressing device" is another example of CMS' solutions for today's advanced materials manufacturers.

FXB - aluminum pattern milling, TUCU head for continuous rotation about the Z axis

In this photo an FXB CNC machining center with double table and tall fixed bridge is shown milling a pattern from a block of aluminum. FXB's Z axis stroke is 1200 mm, 47.24", and each of its 4' x 10' aluminum tables comes with T-slots parallel to the Y axis and each table is provided with a bank of CNC controlled compressed air and vacuum quick disconnects, providing a large, flexible, work envelope with nonstop capability.

Certain milling operations particularly benefit from the TUCU working unit (continuous universal milling head), which makes it possible for the spindle to be continuously driven via program through more than one 360° revolution about the Z axis, meaning that the spindle is not required to "unwind" for this work and that it can continue to make multiple continuous revolutions without lifting from, unwinding and then re-entering the path. Processes requiring many continuous circular, spiral or conical surfacing paths are good examples of those benefiting from the TUCU's continuous rotation.

The TUCU working unit is CMS' rugged 13 kW power (17.4 hp) at 12,000 rpm, S1 rating, maximum 18,000 rpm, liquid cooled spindle with 16 place ATC toolholder disc off to the side. It incorporates a continuous rotation of the C axis and dust extraction hood working with its full range of 5-axis movement.

In the photo to the right FXB with its TUCU head is shown carrying out a milling process assisted by oil mist.

FXB - aluminum pattern, reduced finish milling time and high quality surface

Following the roughing passes on the pattern, the FXB vertical machining center is carrying out the finishing passes on the fine features in this pattern surface, many of which will benefit from its endless, continuous rotation capability. This means a reduction in overall time required and a smooth, high quality surface finish. In the picture to the left FXB is seen working on a corner feature of the pattern block and in that to the right can be seen the finished pattern with its many small, intricate features.

FXB - routing & drilling calendared aluminum parts

This double table, 5-axis, FXB version is adapted for routing and drilling operations on calendared aluminum parts and equipped with special clamping devices which securely hold the parts during the machining cycle. The entire length of the part's edges must be machined including the leg of the calendared part, which, since it is being used by the clamps to hold the part securely during the machining cycle, must be released by the clamping devices as the milling head moves along the part edge and then re-clamped after the milling head passes. This process is entirely managed under CNC control, ensuring the release and reactivation of each clamp during the process.

In addition, the FXB vertical machining center has also been provided with a "teach-in" capability, where, when original programs do not exist and a sample part is available from which the "geometric path" information may be taught in, FXB is able to generate the program as well as the information needed for the automatic setup of the clamps for the machining process.

FXB equipped in this manner makes possible nonstop production cycles, automated and verified table setup, CNC controlled "smart" release/re-clamp motions of the clamping devices, "teach-in" and probing capability directly from a part, where needed, and flawless, precise execution of aerospace and advanced materials components.

FXB - CNC controlled clamping operations & machining

The picture to the left shows an FXB 5 axis CNC machining center milling the leg of the calendared part. As the head approaches the next clamp it releases under CNC control and as the head passes the clamp receives an instruction to re-clamp the leg. The part is held securely and without vibration as the machining takes place. In the picture to the right, FXB's 5-axis head is rotated horizontally and about its C axis so that it can drill a number of required holes perpendicular to the part surface. The milling process is oil mist assisted.

FXB - clamping & machining nonlinear calendared aluminum parts

The machining process for the calendared aluminum part also includes routing the upper and lower edges as seen in this picture. Although this is an oddly shaped part, nonlinear and difficult to hold, the FXB 5 axis CNC machining center's clamping system makes it possible to securely hold it, providing a faster, vibration-free, machining process, resulting in a perfect outcome.

FXB - moving CNC controlled clamps into position automatically

In the picture to the left, the FXB vertical machining center is shown moving the special CNC controlled clamping devices into position automatically under program control. Each clamp position has been memorized and verified and returns to its predetermined location, one-by-one, as FXB's manipulator, located behind the working unit, picks up each clamp, moves it, and places it in its exact, required, location. In the picture to the right the nonlinear calendared part has been securely locked into the clamps and is ready for the machining process to begin.

FXB - raw & finished calendared aluminum parts

In this picture in front of FXB's special clamping devices can be seen a sample of the raw calendared aluminum part and in front of it can be seen the same part following the completed machining cycle. The FXB vertical machining center's method for processing, including its smooth table used with its CNC controlled clamping devices, has provided a completely free-form work envelope without compromise or work around problems. Each part, regardless of existing program information, can be freely placed within the work table envelope, the location of the clamping devices memorized by program the machining program created, as required, and executed time after time. FXB's solution for machining calendared aluminum parts is another example of CMS' applied technology to today's aerospace and advanced materials challenges.

FXB - machining carbon fiber components

An FXB vertical machining center with double table is shown machining carbon fiber components. FXB is equipped with all axes full bellows covers and CMS' optional carbon fiber package to protect FXB's movement systems and electronics. FXB's working unit is CMS' PX5, 5-axis, full freeform universal machining head with 12 kW power (16 hp) at 12,000 rpm, S1 rating, maximum 24,000 rpm, liquid cooled spindle, with 16 place on board tool changer. The working unit can, as an option, be enclosed with CMS' special 5 axis dust shroud extraction system, which, by one or more large diameter vacuum tubes, pulls the air from within the shroud and is adjusted under CNC control in relation to the working height of the head, an example of which is shown in the picture to the right without the dust shroud to make it easier to see.

FXB - machining a range of carbon fiber components

An FXB vertical machining center carries out the 5-axis machining of several different carbon fiber components using standard solid carbide cutters, which can be assisted by compressed or cooled air to extend cutter life. The parts are each supported on their particular fixtures, held by vacuum and illustrate a range of component thickness versus complexity and fixturing requirements.

FXB - composite laminate, automotive components

FXB is shown machining decorative interior, composite laminate automotive components in a double table version with double independent 5-axis working units. The double independent PX5 working units feature CMS' compact "out-front" 16-place automatic tool changing system and are each equipped with a double dust extraction tube to collect the dust generated when machining the composite laminate material. The composite is a combination of special wood veneers and aluminum laminated and formed together to create the components' final shape. The work cycle produces a set of different parts on each table and the fixtures are designed to pneumatically captivate the part in upper and lower cavities so that the part is securely held and only the areas requiring work are exposed for the necessary edge and body machining, including slots and holes.

In the picture to the right the operator is seen loading the parts to be machined into the special fixtures, while the FXB 5 axis CNC machining center is carrying out the machining on the other table on a different set of parts. Note, this is a demonstration test and the protective barriers are not in place so that the cycle may easily be seen.

FXB - machining automotive composite trim pieces & special fixtures

In the picture to the left, an FXB vertical machining center is shown machining close up, in a 5-axis mode, the captivated parts along their outside edges. The dust hood is seen and the "out-front" 16-place ATC unit on each head. In the picture to the right a set of the finished decorative interior wood trim pieces is shown; a pair of each was machined during the nonstop cycle from each of FXB's tables.

FXB - molding and pattern making

FXB is shown machining a mold from a large block of tooling board. The FXB 5 axis CNC machining center's large Z stoke of 1200 mm (47.24"), and its two 4' x 10' aluminum tables, which can be slaved together to make an even larger work zone, is ideal for mold and pattern makers. FXB is equipped with CMS' 5-axis head, type TUCU, for continuous head rotation about the Z axis, permitting continuous multiple 360° revolutions and eliminating the need for "unwind" movements where the opportunity for continuous machining of circular, spiral or conical type surfaces is involved. FXB's quick machining speeds of up to 100 meters/minute (3936"/min) and fast acceleration/deceleration performance of 3 meters/sec^2 (118"/sec^2) is important to mold and pattern makers where much of the work to be done involves thousands of inches of surface movement, and more importantly not necessarily movement of great length, meaning that FXB changes direction and gets back up to top speed in a matter of a few inches. The FXB vertical machining center provides the work envelope, precision, power and speed mold and pattern makers need to do their best work.

In the photo to the right FXB is beginning the first roughing work on the tooling board block.

FXB - roughing and finish milling on the mold

In the picture to the left, an FXB 5 axis CNC machining center carries out the many required high speed roughing passes to reduce the rough block to the approximate final surface of the mold. In the picture to the right it has begun the longer process of finish milling with a ball end mill.

FXB - completed mold surface

In the picture to the left FXB continues with the 5-axis fine finish milling process and in the picture to the right the final mold surface is seen.