Recently, Wisconsin-based Unisig introduced its USC-M series of seven-axis deep-hole drilling and machining centers, a series developed especially for mold manufacturing. The new machines allow manufacturers to process large and small parts with four-sided machining capability in a single set-up.

The USC-M series machines use two independent spindles: one is for gundrilling and BTA drilling; a second spindle is for CAT 50 machining. This additional capability is combined with a rotatory workpiece table and programmable headstock inclination. Deep-hole drilling with high accuracy, plus all standard high-performance machining capabilities are available within the working envelope of the system.

The seven axes of control on the M-Series machines use the B, A, X, Y and Z axes for five-axis machining, the W-axis for the combined gun-drilling and BTA deep- hole drilling spindle, and the U-axis for machining. This provides "three plus two" machining to make deep-hole drilling and machining of compound angles faster, and easier. It also improves productivity and throughput by reducing set-ups and eliminating changeovers to multiple machines.

Using a deep-hole drilling headstock capable of conventional gun-drilling and BTA high-performance drilling has proven to be five-to-seven-times faster than gun-drilling alone, according to the developer.

Unisig engineers and manufactures the USC-M series in the United States, currently in two versions: the USC-M38, which offers a nominal drilling depth of 59.1 in., and the USC- M50, which extends the nominal drilling depth to 72 in. Both allow for drilling diameters up to 2 in.

Unisig also offers a full complement of options for these machines to expand their milling and machining functions, including full-enclosure guarding, a 120-position automatic tool changer, a laser tool pre-setter, and probing.

Once the machine is installed, Unisig provides comprehensive training that involves machine operation and process optimization as well as gun-drill tool sharpening. It also offers customers reference information and practical advice for proper machine operation.