Precitech Launches the Freeform L 5-Axis Ultra Precision Machining System

KEENE, NH, October 14, 2013 – Precitech, a global manufacturer of innovative ultra precision machining solutions, announces the introduction of the Freeform L 5-Axis Ultra Precision Machining System at SPIE Optifab 2013, October 15-17, 2013 in Rochester, New York, USA.

The Freeform L enables the manufacture of nearly any surface geometry. This allows customers to meet current demands for freeform products and to adapt to future market requirements. Precitech has added an innovative vertical axis to its field-proven, largeframe platform, increasing flexibility and precision.

With the Freeform L, customers can diamond turn, micro-mill, micro-grind, and groove non-rotationally symmetric surfaces. Adding this third linear axis gives users the flexibility to produce freeform surfaces which may not be achievable using 2-linear axis machining.

“The Freeform L configuration has the workholding spindle mounted in such a way that heat can be easily removed and isolated from critical machine structures. Furthermore, this spindle mounting improves the ergonomics of part loading and eases spindle realignment for heavy loads. The result is the most precise and easy-to-use freeform machine available,” says Dr. Jeff Roblee, Vice President of Technology.

This Y-axis configuration enables a unique auxiliary spindle mount to the X axis. When the vertical axis is not required, the spindle housing can be locked directly to the X-axis carriage top, resulting in diamond turning performance rivaling that of a 2-axis lathe. Customers now have the flexibility of a third linear axis without a sacrifice in performance.

Also available are several thermally controlled enclosure options ensuring accuracy for long cutting-time parts. Options include a thermally controlled upper enclosure and a full thermally controlled room.

The Freeform L features rigidly mounted TMC MaxDamp® pneumatic isolators to reduce sensitivity to vibration. TMC is a world leader in precision vibration control. Both TMC and Precitech are business units of AMETEK® Ultra Precision Technologies.

Precitech is a global manufacturer of innovative ultra precision machining solutions. It designs and manufactures precision machining systems for turning, milling, and grinding. These systems produce rotationally symmetric, asymmetric, freeform, and sculpted geometries, achieving form tolerances in the sub-micron range and nanometer surface finishes when equipped with diamond tooling.

Precitech is a unit of AMETEK Ultra Precision Technologies, a division of AMETEK, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices with annualized sales of $3.5 billion.

For more information on Precitech’s line of ultra precision machining systems, contact Precitech, 44 Blackbrook Road, Keene, NH 03431, USA. Tel: (603) 357-2511. Fax: (603) 358-6174. E-mail: precitech.machinesales@precitech.com Web site: www.precitech.com