Best Wishes From Breton

Best regards,
Bye-bye
Sergio Prior

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The original business network

Andi-mec based in Ozzano dell'Emilia, with over forty years of experience in the field has become the centre of a business network, through entrepreneurial ideas and techniques.
One of these was choosing Breton machining centres.

(by Paolo Beducci)

“There are some who are born to be entrepreneurs. I wasn't one of those though. I just ended up doing the job and as I had a family to feed, I accepted the role required. It was almost an obligation!”.

This is how Vittorio Grandi begins the story of his career and how he set up Andi-mec, the first company of a group with branches in Emilia Romagna and Romania, paving the way for new forms of partnership between entrepreneurs. 

Grandi's career started in the 70's. At the time he was a fitter and tester of machines and plants for one of the biggest packaging machine manufacturers. His job was to travel the world and get to work what had been designed and manufactured in Italy and exported all over the world. 

“It wasn't easy," he recalls in his straightforward way, "I was a troublemaker, a fervent trade unionist. That's how I clashed with the owner of the company I was working for. Probably in order to try and eliminate a discordant voice, he decided to offer me the chance to set up a business on my own and started giving me the machines and plants they made to test and ship to the final customer”.

They must have realized that someone with a strong personality would want to push ahead and create something that went beyond daily routine. The first step towards change came in the early 1980's when Grandi bought two lathes and two milling machines from a company going bankrupt. 

“At the time, there were lots of companies like mine with a pair of machines ready to be used for small jobs and adjusting plants being tested”.

For Grandi however it was a slightly different story. The two lathes and milling machines were often idle, which he didn't like. 

“So I decided to go round drumming up some work for my four machines," recalls Grandi, "and see if I could find someone who knew how to use them”. 

Solutions can quickly be found to problems. Work started coming in and the machines, through the help of two ex colleagues who helped out in the evenings, produced parts at a healthy rate. At this point, obviously, things started getting interesting, so I set up another two companies with my two ex colleagues, producing parts for third parties in the machining industry. 

Things went well and the two companies grew, although industry in general and mechanical engineering in particular was going through a significant transformation at the time. Rather than machining and constructing everything in the one company, people were turning more and more often to outsourcing for a significant part of their machining requirements. For Grandi and co. this translated into an increase in the demand for finished parts and complex machining services.

Inevitably this meant considerable growth for Andi-mec and its subsidiaries, especially in terms of high-tech machining. This growth made Andi-mec a point of reference in machining complex parts. To keep up with business, Grandi bought new machine tools: machining centres, in particular.

The most interesting aspect in terms of industrial policy was the way Grandi created a network. This was only obviously possible thanks to the help of Grandi's partners over the years. Today, forty years after the first Andi-mec seed was sown, the group of companies in the small Dicoservice holding work with over 250 collaborators. A real business network that can therefore also offer its services to major players on an industrial scale always looking for solid and reliable suppliers.

But let's leave the strategy and economic choices aside for a while and focus on the technical aspects of the Andi-mec offer.
Obviously, if a company has managed to cut itself a niche in the market and remain in business for forty years, the entrepreneurial capacities and the quality of its work are irrefutable. 
Today the company from Ozzano dell’Emilia has a wide range of machines all of which were chosen with one goal in mind: quality, productivity and service, can all be found under one roof.

Today, Andi-mec can produce a single prototype, or a series of products for a wide range of industries in numerous applicative fields. These range from the railway to the aeronautical industry, but also include the packaging, automotive, energy, foodstuffs, pharmaceutical sectors and more.

What makes this possible is the correct mix of technological skills, organizational systems and productive integration. The combination of these elements guarantee the flexibility, speed and quality of a service our customers can count on.

The last machine purchased by Grandi for Andi-mec, was a Breton machining centre.

“The reason we chose to purchase a Breton machine," says Grandi, "is because we want only machines based on the very latest technology. Today, having the latest technology is the only way to remain competitive. Also because," continues Grandi, technology gives us the space and time to guarantee the highest level of service without sending costs sky high”.

The Breton machine  installed is one of the top models of the manufacturer from Treviso, an Xceeder, a high speed vertical gantry-type machining centre, built using Metalquartz structural technology, with a rotary tilting worktable and direct drive. High workloads in a restricted space, high rigidity compared to a traditional arc-welded or polymer compound structure, are the strengths on the basis of which the Xceeder offers accuracy and operating stability second to none.

“We went to visit Breton," continues Grandi, "and we realized it was a company that operates at the highest levels of excellence. So we took the plunge and bought the first machine, and we're very happy with it. We'll be purchasing another from Breton as soon as we can. 

The reason for this is not only because we're fully satisfied with the Xceeder we have in the workshop which works really well, it's also because we feel we've had the benefit of continuous support from the manufacturer who can assist us step-by-step at a time when something unexpected turns up, which is especially vital when dealing with the latest technology. Difficulties are something you have to get used to in this job. 

It's inevitable. So, instead of looking for the best price, or discount, or other more or less consistent promotions, I think it's important to deal with a serious company that realizes it hasn't finished its job as soon as the machining centre has been consigned and installed. Also in this sense, Breton in my opinion is a company of the future.

It's not a question of spending or saving a few thousand euros when you're already spending hundreds for the machine. The most important thing is that you're dealing with someone who's serious about their work”.

For info and request about Breton Xceeder machining centre write to mail@breton.it.
We’ll get back to you promptly.
Well, that’s all for today, thanks for your attention.
Bye-bye
Sergio Prior

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Andi-mec, Breton machining centres, breton xceeder, high speed vertical gantry-type machining

Breton NEWS at BIMU fair - Milano

Good morning,

I visited the BIMU exhibition in Milan last Thursday and I noticed a significant rise in visitors compared to last year: indeed a good sign.

Breton presented the Matrix 1000 Dynamic machining centre while producing a gear wheel 1.100 mm in diameter.

Due to space problems, Breton exhibited only the RAM of the new Breton “TITAN” machining centre, a POWERFUL machine with a moving portal making it the ideal solution for high-speed machining of large components made of titanium, superalloys, steel and special alloys.

This vertical machining centre was designed for machining complex workpieces that require various operations such as milling, boring and tapping thus satisfying the requirements of a broad range of applications in the aeronautical, energy, die manufacturing and precision engineering industries.

MIRAGE head
The machine is equipped with a newly developed 45° head (Breton patent). This head, which is unique of its kind, is composed of a “C” axis, equipped with  “Direct Drive” motor and firmly connected to the vertical RAM, on which the head is fixed. 
Inside the head there is both the 45° “B” axis Direct Drive motor and the brushless motor spindle for power-machining operations. 
This solution allows to mount a mechanical spindle on the “B” axis by means of solid clamping devices.
This spindle has been developed so to make maximum use of the motor power included in the head or alternatively to use an electrospindle. 

This technology grants high flexibility in machining, such as low-speed and high-speed milling operation,   and turning machining operations as well: all is obtained by using only one axis and the same head!

For info write to mail@breton.it. 

We’ll get back to you promptly.

Well, that’s all for today, thanks for your attention.

Bye-bye.

Sergio Prior

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BIMU fair, Breton Matrix 1.000 Dynamic, Breton Titan, Direct Drive, vertical machining centre

Breton at IMTS fair - Chicago USA

Good morning,

Breton S.p.A. is proud to invite you at the world reference meeting of machine tools that will be held in Chicago during next “IMTS 2014” fair from September 8th to 13th, 2014.

We will be glad to show you personally our updated range of high speed machining centers and solutions developed to achieve a top efficiency in composite materials.

The completely automated combination of ultrasonic cutting and 5 axis milling, routing and drilling is now possible, reliable and affordable.

Get everything from a single machine with the easiest and most efficient programming and setup operations.

We are waiting for you.

Bye-bye

Sergio Prior

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5 axis machining centers, aerospace, automotive machining centre, breton machining centre, continuous 5-axis machining, imts fair

A model company

To serve new markets with its aluminium models for foundry applications, Italmodel has turned to 5-axis machining, choosing the technology and support of Breton, in the form of the recent Matrix 800 2T K25.

Everyone knows Italy as a land of art and artists, but what people often overlook is that the concept of “art” can also be applied to neighbouring fields.

Indeed, in the mechanical arena, when you visit a model shop, you can see with your own eyes how technology combines with human ingenuity to create products that reach almost artistic heights.

Italmodel is very much on that level and has been ever since it was founded by Antonio Guarneri. This family firm, where craftsmanship and industrial production combine harmoniously, is now run by the second generation.

From wood to metal  

“Our father set up Italmodel in 1979,” explains Davide Guarneri, who runs the business with his brother Fabio and sister Floriana, “to produce wooden models for foundry applications. Until not long ago, the models required highly specialist, experienced labour. Over the years, technology has made great strides, so much so that in 2001 we bought a 5-axis wood-milling machine. Meanwhile, the business began to diversify: wood is a suitable material for making small batches in the foundry; it is economical but not very durable. For higher volumes, you need metal – like aluminium, although that demands the right tools and a completely different approach in order to be machined profitably. 

Today, with the now-common 5-axis machining centres, all it takes to obtain good results is a skilled worker and the right software in your technical office. The key is in refining your processes, understanding how to get the most from the tools, and relying on the machine manufacturer’s expertise, to gain the “tricks and tips” that are vital for maintaining profit margins.”

At this point, we need to take a step back. 5-axis machining – however you do it (positioning, continuous operation, etc.) – is clearly more complex than using a 3-axis machine.

“From this perspective, despite its limitations, the first machine for wood really opened our eyes: it enabled us to gain confidence with a new way of working,” says Davide Guarneri. 

“And to be frank, with wood, it is fairly easy to patch up a mistake or blemish with filler. Metal imposes other technological constraints and brings potential risks, not least that a 5-axis metalworking machine is not cheap to buy or run. That is why we evaluated our options very carefully, and we chose a Matrix 800 2T K25 machining centre by Breton.”

Increasingly demanding markets 

“Until a few years ago, we could count on a very local clientele, even from Lombardy or neighbouring regions; now, however, we are facing international competition, whose strength is its low labour costs,” adds Fabio Guarneri. “To compete, then, it is crucial to reduce our overall costs without compromising on quality. The only way is to use tools that enable us to cut those costs while maintaining our distinctive high standards.”

5-axis technology has become indispensable for Italmodel.

“To complete certain jobs, it is essential to have a 5-axis machine like Matrix; without one, you are forced to turn down some complex projects. Obviously, saying ‘no’ to a potential client is not an option. So being able to rely on a powerful, flexible, high-performance machine is not just a means of boosting manufacturing profitability – it is the only way to stay in business.”

“Of course, just putting a machine in your workshop is not enough: to get the most from it, you need the right software. We have loaded the Matrix model into our CAD/CAM system and used it for simulations: moving from 3 axes to 5 dramatically increases the number of parameters in play. We use the machine in various ways: for positioning, with the 4th axis moving, and for continuous 5-axis machining.

Depending on the workpiece, the production requirements or the desired final quality, it is important to choose the most suitable mode. Even with complex surfaces, often all we need do to finish the job is wipe the workpiece clean with a cloth – as long as you selected the right working mode, as I mentioned.”

Reliability and performance   

Matrix 800 2T K25 is an interpolated 5-axis vertical continuous machining centre for working different types of material, from steel to aluminium and composites to resins.
For a work area of 2,000x1,600x800 mm (X/Y/Z), it offers a compact footprint and high-level dynamic performance, with maximum axis feed rates of 40 m/min and acceleration of up to 3 m/s2.

The typical Breton dual-drive gantry structure provides a large work area allowing the operator full freedom of movement, in strict compliance with safety standards. Matrix 800 makes it possible to position and machine even large workpieces with ease, combining excellent reliability and safety features with optimum performance. Operators appreciate the Matrix 800 even more for its rigidity, courtesy of the electro-arc-welded heat-treated structure made entirely of steel with suitable stiffening ribs and other reinforcement.

Continuing Breton’s technology traditions, the twist head with continuous rotation of axis C and axis A ideal for machining undercuts with a ±105° rotation enables even complex workpieces to be machined at high speed.

Italmodel uses its Matrix primarily to work aluminium and resin components, but that belies its full capabilities.

“We have made various steel components for other industries, and we have been pleased to note that the machining quality is just the same, even for more stubborn materials, as the extra power kicks in,” confirms Davide Guarneri. “Precision working and finishing is assured, not only by the tight construction tolerances but also by the thermal stabilisation and by the software that compensates for thermal expansion in the electrospindle and for dynamic errors arising as operating conditions vary. The liquid tool coolant and the air for cleaning the tool taper flow within the electrospindle.”

The extra dimension: service   

When a company like Breton sells a machine, its responsibilities do not end there. “It has been a considerable investment for us. Initially, we feared that we had bitten off more than we could chew,” confides Davide Guarneri. “But we soon realised that Breton’s service, both pre and post sale, would give us timely, expert answers to all our queries. For example, I had never seen remote support in action before. A while ago, the coolant pumps would not work: the Breton technicians connected to the machine and noted that the problem was caused by a microswitch on the door failing to make proper contact, thus preventing the machine from operating. 

We found an accumulation of dirt at a particular point; after cleaning, the machine restarted immediately. The total downtime was less than 2 hours! When you have a delivery deadline approaching, these are the details that make the difference between finishing on time and being late.”

“When we signed the contract, we had the chance to visit the Castello di Godego works in Treviso,” remarks Davide Guarneri. “Seeing how they build and assemble the machines was reassuring, because it showed us just how much dedication goes into making the product that will then be installed in a customer’s workshop – the same dedication that we put into using it.”

Many thanks to Andrea Pagani and TM – Tecnologie Meccaniche – for the material provided.

Click here for more INFO e price.

Have a nice day

Bye-bye

Sergio Prior

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5-axis machining, 5-axis machining centres, aluminium, breton matrix 800, continuous 5-axis machining, resins

Breton at JEC Americas Composites fair - Atlanta USA

Good morning,

Breton S.p.A. is proud to invite you at the world reference meeting of composite materials that will be held in Atlanta during next “JEC AMERICAS Composites” exhibition from May 13th to 15th, 2014.

We will be glad to show you personally our updated range of high speed machining centers and solutions developed to achieve a top efficiency in composite materials.

The completely automated combination of ultrasonic cutting and 5 axis milling, routing and drilling is now possible, reliable and affordable.

Get everything from a single machine with the easiest and most efficient programming and setup operations.
Get your badge here.

We are waiting for you.

Bye-bye

Sergio Prior

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5 axis milling, breton vertical machining centres, Jec composites 2014 paris, ultrasonic cutting

Breton and drone - photo and videos by drones

Breton by drone

Good morning,
Today I’d like to tell you something about a very interesting experience I have had.

Last week a couple of students from the I.P.S.I.A. "G.Galilei", Institute (a State Professional Institute for Industry and Craft Workers located in Castelfranco Veneto, Treviso) paid us a visit together with their teacher, Mr. Daniele Pauletto.
This team is specialized in using DRONES.

Prof. Pauletto and IPSIA Galilei Castelfranco V.to students

They shot some test films (see here under) and took pictures both inside Breton production departments and outside our premises. 

Drone start

drone with remote control guide

They shot some test films (see here under) and took pictures both inside Breton production departments and outside our premises.

 

I am really proud to live in the same town of an Institute where this cutting-edge technology is taught and used.

Machine Tools department

Both these students and their teacher are already well-known since they were one of the first teams to test drones. 

Here are some of their recent activities:

1 - How delivering medicines to old people with mobility problems. (RAI NEWS 05.02.2014)

2 - Their latest project could be interesting for Jeff Bezos from AMAZON: a drone delivering newspapers.

3 - Reconnaissance of Asolo cathedral roof to verify its conditions before being restored . (Tribuna TV 13.03.2014)

4 - Video surveillance using drones. (Tribuna TV 16.02.2014)

5 - I.P.S.I.A. presents the sommelier drone (ILSOLE24ORE 21.02.2014) 

6 - Aerial survey of the famous Bassano old bridge (Dronilab blog)

Spindles and heads dept.

Since they will soon return to Breton to shoot other films both indoor and outdoor, I will keep you updated.

By-by
Sergio Prior

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breton spa, drone, droni, IPSIA, movie by drone, Pauletto

Breton ULTRIX cnc high-speed multitask machining centre for milling and turning superalloys steel aluminium and composite materials

Our 5 Axis Gantry High Speed Tilt Table Machining Center Built for precision, longevity, and reliability in milling and turning small to large workpieces with ideal configurations ranging from super alloys to composites.

Purposeful workspace configurations

Our Ultrix series is standard in two main size platforms of 800 mm, 1000 mm and 1200 mm (round table diameters) tailored to applications ranging from Complex Gear, impeller, and blisk applications, molds, dies, tools, for Projects in aerospace, automotive, power generation, and general industry.

Ergonomics and convenience

The Ultrix is designed for USER-FRIENDLY and productivity enhancing operation. We provide full frontal and overhead access to simplify and normalize load/unload operations. We provide full visibility to the working project through wide doors with a generous viewing area.

Advanced dynamics

Through our heavy duty structurally ribbed gantry constructed platform, our shoulders assembled with our Patetented “Metalquartz” dampening system in synergy with our direct drive tilting table we are able to provide our client with extreme material removal, precision, and achieveable finishes, with ultimate control over his process.

Head (RAM) and carriage

Our massive head structure also incorporates our METALQUARTZ technology.
The heavily ribbed and shielded cast iron spindle carriage slides on automatically lubricated reciprocating roller guides for frictionless motion with maximum way surface contact for truest motion under high feed rate stresses.

Spindle performances

Our Ultrix can be customized according to the customers range with ONLY FIRST QUALITY, WORLD CLASS electrospindles in 14.000, 18.000 and 28.000 RPM with HSK 63/100 for milling and CAPTO C6/C8 or KM4X for turning. We offer power configurations, respecting the characteristic demands of both dedicated applications and broad possibilities typical of both OEM and job shop operations.

Axes motion

Our X, Y, Z axis motion control systems are engineered for precise speed! The Motion of the X&Y axis perform by precision inclined rack and pinion motion control with latest generation digital AC brushless servomotors. The Z axis is movement is via precision ballscrew with a preloaded nut.

Technical sheetFor INFO and request write to mail@breton.it. Well, that’s all for today. By-bySergio Prior

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5 Axis Gantry High Speed, 5 axis machining centre, aerospace machining, breton Ultrix, multitask machining centre

Breton at JEC Composites 2014 fair - Paris

Good morning,

Breton S.p.A. is proud to invite you at the world reference meeting of composite protagonists that will be held in Paris during the next JEC Europe exhibition from March 11th to 13th.
We will be glad to show you personally our updated range of high speed machining centers and solutions developed to achieve a top efficiency in composite materials.

The completely automated combination of ultrasonic cutting and 5 axis milling, routing and drilling is now possible, reliable and affordable.

Get everything from a single machine with the easiest and most efficient programming and setup operations.

We are waiting for you.

By-by

Sergio Prior

Read More

5 axis milling, breton vertical machining centres, Jec composites 2014 paris, ultrasonic cutting

Matrix 1000 Dynamic - Machining centre with moving bridge

Machining accuracy and speed, these are the strong points of the Matrix 1000 Dynamic, the Breton gantry-type machining centre. The solutions adopted to assure high performance and strength include the use of high power, high torque electrospindles, and a hybrid structure (Metalquartz®) in electro-welded steel and a quartz-polymer matrix composite material.

When machining medium-large size parts it is essential to be able to rely on a machine tool offering excellent structural rigidity. The concept of "broad shoulders" encapsulates the core construction philosophy of the Breton Matrix 1000 Dynamic.

The company, based in Castello di Godego (TV), uses the experience gained in fifty years in the industry to produce gantry-type machines with moving bridge supported on shoulders that are large (for milling of large size parts) and extremely sturdy (to guarantee high chip removal volumes without any negative effects).

For all materials

This 5-axes gantry-type machining centre with moving bridge was designed by Breton to meet new requirements associated with high speed machining of large, complex parts for the aerospace and automotive, die-manufacturing and design industries. The Matrix 1.000 Dynamic has a 2,200 mm X-axis travel, 1,000 mm Z-axis travel, and a Y-axis travel that ranges from 2,500 to 6,000 mm.
In addition to the generous working range, one of the characteristic features of this machine is its ability to mill parts made of various materials, namely steel, aluminium, resin and composites.

This machine in fact can be fitted with a vast range of electrospindles with continuous power outputs of up to 40 kW and torque outputs of up to 137 Nm, which combined with a rotation speed of 28,000 rpm offers a notable milling capacity. The software-controlled compensation of the electrospindle’s natural thermal expansion, and its thermal stabilization guarantee high precision machining.

These spindles are housed in the cast iron dual fork head, which guarantees high structural rigidity and an excellent vibration damping capacity. The direct drive twist head, positionable at any angle of its operating field thanks to powerful hydraulic brakes, makes it possible to use spindles with a continuous power output of up to 40 kW and torque of 51 Nm or 100 Nm and is able to reach speeds of up to 18,000 rpm, to the benefit of the chip removal capacity and surface finish quality, also on complex profiles.

Alternatively, the electrospindle with 20 kW power output and continuous torque of 38 Nm in S1 is the best choice for high speed milling of steel and lightweight alloys, from roughing to precision finishing, thanks to the maximum speed of 28,000 rpm.

Innovative structure

An interesting feature of Breton machines and of the Matrix 1000 Dynamic in particular, is represented by the strong shoulders produced using innovative Metalquartz® technology: a sandwich structure made of stabilized arc welded steel, with ribbing embedded in a quartz polymer matrix composites. This exclusive technology ensures a very high structural rigidity and vibration damping, which guarantees a better surface finish and a longer service life of the cutting tools and parts subject to wear. In addition, this composite material has the same thermal expansion coefficient as the steel parts of the structure, thus preventing dimensional changes in the structure.

The face of the bridge is equipped with a rigid guideways-holder  carriage composed of an electrowelded and normalized steel structure. The carriage travels transversely across the bridge on recirculating ball shoes moved by a system with a ground ball screw with double preloaded ball nut, driven by a brushless motor. To guarantee the highest accuracy, the position of the carriage is read directly by an ultra-high precision, micrometric resolution Heidenhain pressurized linear encoders.
The guideways are balanced by two cylinders permanently charged with inert gas and positioned symmetrically at the side of the structure. A system with emergency load-holding brake mounted on the vertical ways ensures the highest safety in the event of a power loss or loss of the cylinders' gas supply.

The head structure is equipped with a three-axis accelerometer that is invaluable for tool balancing control and essential to monitor possible collisions and reduce potential damage in the event of accidental impact, also during manual operations. The plant is supplied complete with software to establish monitoring and trip thresholds.
The quality and precision of the machining work are achieved also thanks to the thermal symmetry of the structure and to the action of the temperature stabilization system for the Z axis ball nuts and bearings and the axis drives, which keeps the temperature of these parts aligned with that of the machine structures.

The carriage and beam travel on properly dimensioned recirculating roller guideways to ensure machining accuracy and stability. Linear axis speed can reach 60 m/min thanks to the digital drives with brushless servomotors and the ground ball screw and double preloaded ball nut assembly. To guarantee the highest accuracy, the position of the beam and carriage is read by optical scales.
For the maximum safety, the machine is enclosed by steel framed guarding that is openable at the front thanks to the presence of a series of manually operated sliding doors equipped with large inspection windows. During machine operation the doors are secured in the closed position by electric safety locks.

Customization

Performance at a dynamic level, offering high power and precision, are not the only advantages, and the machine can be customized with a series of accessories to meet the customer's specific requirements. In this context Breton offers tool magazines with a rapid tool changer to reduce tool change times. These magazines are installed outside the work area so they can't come into contact with milling dust or residues, and can be fitted with a system for the automatic encoding of tool data and a chip reader for an even higher level of plant automation.

The standard tool magazine has 30 locations designed to accommodate tools with a maximum diameter of 140 mm and length of 300 mm. The total weight that can be handled, including the tool holder, is 10 kg.
Matrix 1000 Dynamic can also be equipped with a laser probe for tool presetting and a radiofrequency touch probe to acquire the workpiece coordinates and dimensions.
On the basis of the milling operations to be performed, the tool cooling system may use compressed air, a spray mist system, or coolant sprayed inside and outside the spindle at an internal pressure of up to 70 bar.
For customers machining composites and resins we can supply dust extraction systems to install on the spindle nose, in addition to top-roof bellows to isolate the work area from the surrounding environment, protecting the operator from any noxious or harmful elements. The fact that all the kinematic mechanisms have been located at the top of the machine is proof of the focus on operator safety. Finally, to meet every possible application requirement, the Breton Matrix 1000 Dynamic can be configured for pendular machining in two work areas.

The numerical control is the Siemens 840D Solution Line unit: this model, which is an evolution of its 840D predecessor, incorporates a series of functions designed to reduce total energy consumption of the machine without limiting power output or performance. The numerical control also incorporates the remote assistance package, software for management of the Blum laser tools presetting system and the workpiece touch probe management software.

The machine is equipped with a control console at the front, with function pushbuttons, LCD display and the numerical control keypad. In addition to the main control panel, the machine is supplied with a remote handheld control unit incorporating control buttons to select axis movements, spindle stop/start buttons and a handwheel to move the axes. The handheld control unit, which is cable-connected to the CNC unit, can be brought to any position in the working area by the operator, thus simplifying procedures for positioning and zero setting of the workpiece.

Demanding applications

Matrix 1000 Dynamic is a gantry-type machining centre with travelling bridge, designed and built in particular to meet demands for high speed milling for the production of die tools and design parts, and hence for complex and large size workpieces.
The carriage and beam travel on properly dimensioned recirculating roller guideways to ensure machining accuracy and stability. Linear axis speed can reach 60 m/min thanks to the digital drives with brushless servomotors and the ground ball screw and double preloaded ball nut assembly.

Properly sized structure

An interesting feature of Breton machines, and of the Matrix 1000 Dynamic in particular, is represented by the strong shoulders produced using innovative Metalquartz technology: a sandwich structure made of stabilized arc welded steel, with ribbing  embedded in a quartz polymer matrix composites.
This exclusive technology ensures a very high structural rigidity and vibration damping, which guarantees a better surface finish and a longer service life of the cutting tools. In addition, this composite material has the same thermal expansion coefficient as the steel parts of the structure, thus preventing dimensional changes in the structure.

Power and torque

The spindles installed on the Matrix 1000 Dynamic are mounted on a cast iron dual fork head that guarantees high structural rigidity and excellent vibration damping capacity.
The direct drive twist head, positionable at any angle of its operating field thanks to powerful hydraulic brakes, makes it possible to use spindles with a continuous power output of up to 40 kW and torque of 51 Nm (28,000 rpm) or 100 Nm (18,000 rpm), to the benefit of the chip removal capacity and surface finish quality, also on complex profiles.

Identity card

Name: Matrix 1000 Dynamic

Occupation: 5-axes machining centre with moving bridge
Manufacturer:
Breton Spa
Via Garibaldi, 27
31030 Castello di Godego (TV) – Italy
Tel. +39 0423 7691
Fax +39 0423 769600
E-mail: mail@breton.it
www.breton.it

Technical specifications:

Work area
X” axis travel	2,200 mm
Y” axis travel	2,500...6,000 mm
Z” axis travel	1,000 mm
Table surface area	2,000x4,500 mm
Table load capacity	15 tons/m2
Spindle
Power	40 kW
Maximum torque	100 Nm
Maximum spindle speed	28,000 rpm
Spindle taper	HSK - A63
Ram travel	1,000 mm
Ram section	400x400 mm
Axes performance data
Linear axes feedrate (work)	30 m/min
Linear axes feedrate (rapid)	60 m/min
Tool magazine
Number of magazine tool locations	30
Max. tool diameter	140 mm
Max. tool length	300 mm
Max. permissible weight (tool + tool holder)	10 kg
Numerical control
CNC	Siemens 840D solution line
Dimensions and Weights
Footprint	50 m2
Dimensions (LxWxH)	6,800x5,700x5,000 mm
Machine weight	58 tons

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gantry machining center, Matrix 1000 Dynamic, pendular machining