F Zimmermann GmbH, based in Neuhausen auf den Fildern, now has the most space-saving portal milling machine of the FZ series in its range - the new FZ33 compact. It is used for the profitable machining of small and medium-sized components for the aeronautical and automobile industries, tool and mould making, as well as for many special applications. The user is therefore able to use this compact machine for a wide spectrum of components, and can do so at an exceptional price/performance ratio.

So that companies from the aeronautical and automobile industries, as well as tool and mould makers, can react flexibly to market events, F. Zimmermann has added the newly developed FZ33 compact portal milling machine to its range. It offers a generous working space of 2.50 metres along the X axis, 3 metres along the Y axis and 1.25 metres along the Z axis, yet with a very low space requirement. At the same time it is particularly powerful and rugged. Above all, the user benefits from its high profitability. It was designed to fully machine components made of aluminium and composite materials from five sides at high speed. Workpieces of steel and cast iron can equally be finished in simultaneous operation with highly dynamic performance. Thanks to the standardisation of assemblies, the modular construction of the machine and the stocking of assembly parts, F. Zimmermann can offer the new FZ33 compact at an attractive price. Owing to its high value for the user, it is amortised within a very short time.

Due to the inherent stiffness of its cast iron base with integrated table, the side walls filled with special concrete and placed on top, and its structurally rigid portal, the new machine achieves very high dynamic performance. In most cases, special foundations are not required, which allows economical and variable erection in a small space. The workpiece, moreover, does not have to be moved, which allows it to be machined regardless of its weight. The moving masses therefore only consist of the structurally rigid portal, the cross-slide and Z-slide, and the milling head. As a result, mass relationships are constant, which ensures a consistent dynamic behaviour. The user is therefore able to machine a workpiece very precisely, and with a high surface quality.

The innovative, patented Zimmermann milling head technology provides rapid positioning which, in combination with the high-resolution measuring system, is also very precise. In addition, it combines high torques with high rotation speeds about the A and C axes of up to 360?/s. The drive to the A axis is provided by electronically braced, zero-backlash, torque double motors. The C axis has a torque direct drive. Due to the symmetrical construction and the compact shape of the downward-tapering milling head, it also has very little interfering contour. It can be combined with spindles from various manufacturers. The VH30 and VH20 milling heads are versatile in application.

It is entirely possible for controllers of different makes and types to be combined with the FZ33 compact. Modern controllers offer functions such as look ahead, jerk limitation or spline interpolation. A wealth of optional software solutions is also available for many additional tasks. Regardless of the make of controller, all the axes are fitted with digital drives. Force transmission in the linear axes is provided by modern, long-lasting rack and pinion drives. Their operation is precise and powerful, and yet very quiet. They also offer a particularly good balance of cost and benefit. The X and Y axes are fitted with either four or two electronically braced servomotors, while the Z axis is operated by a water-cooled servomotor with a holding brake. The controller's gantry function ensures that the two X axis drives remain synchronised. The powerful drive is also particularly well suited to milling large volumes. Advance rates of up to 60 metres per minute are possible, while the axis acceleration in rapid traverse is up to five metres per second squared. All the guide, drive and measuring systems on the Y and Z axes are covered by dust-proof bellows, while on series models the X axis is ribbed.

F. Zimmermann put special emphasis on ease of servicing when developing the machine: the operative has good access to all the relevant assemblies of the FZ33. In addition, as is the case for all Zimmermann machines, high-quality components have been installed, ensuring a long service life. The user therefore benefits from low life-cycle costs. The new FZ33 compact is available with proven optional fittings such as the 50-piece tool changer or the optional cover for the working space. So that users can satisfy their particular needs, Zimmermann provides advice on the equipment for the new machine - including, of course, consideration of the optimum energy balance. Optimised manufacturing and assembly processes, along with the use of standardised components, significantly shorten delivery times.