Climax Portable Machine Tools has introduced the world’s first portable milling machine designed with a split rail system that enables the milling machine to be configured to perform both linear milling and gantry milling. The machine features a rigid, modular bed design which allows shorter bed sections to be combined to fit the length of the work area as needed without losing rigidity. It also allows the bed to extend by 2 or 3 times its original length. This is particularly suitable for in-house and field service machinists who work in power generation, mining and heavy construction, and shipbuilding industries as they can now perform on-site machining of a wider variety of large surface areas without multiple setups.
Geoff Gilmore, president of Climax Portable Machine Tools, talked about where the idea for the tool from: “this tool came out of conversations with our customers who told us they wanted a portable milling machine that minimizes the number of changeovers to complete a job, is versatile, rigid and that maximizes the mill’s footprint for each workspace. Our engineering and design team realized that to meet customer demand, we needed to develop a milling machine that would completely re-define the concept of a portable milling machine.”
Converting from linear milling to large surface or gantry milling is simple; a machinist removes the RAM, splits the bed and saddle into two separate rails for gantry milling, and then reattaches the RAM to the saddle and rails. The machine is available in two models, the LM5200 and the LM6200. Both models ensure that precision milling, drilling and boring can be done more efficiently to meet tight tolerances in both linear and gantry milling configurations.
Product features and specifications:
• The Climax LM5200 model can be configured to bed lengths of 48-, 72- and 96-inches (1219.2mm, 1828.8mm and 2438.4mm) and RAM lengths of 26- or 44-inches (660.4mm or 1117.6mm).
• The Climax LM6200 model can be configured to bed lengths from 48- to 192-inches (1219.2mm to 4876.88mm) with RAM lengths of 36-, 48-, 82- and 116 inches (914.4mm, 1219.2mm, 2082.8mm and 2946.4mm).
• Reduced Friction Rail Technology enables continuous, and non-stick slip travel throughout the entire length of the piece being machined for a uniform finish with no shingling. • Its milling head can be rotated 360-degrees, and electric feeds can be mounted on the X, Y or Z axis.
• A heavy duty spindle design and a choice of hydraulic power units provide fast, aggressive milling in horizontal, vertical or inverted applications.