Precitrame Machines SA

From transfer to micromachines

Precitrame, a top company in high-precision CNC transfer machines, has added an innovative machining concept in the form of micro machining centers to its range. With transfer machines, Precitrame covers the needs of customers that produce thousands of parts a day, while K5 micromachining centers, which produce just a few parts per batch, are ideal for prototype and small batches manufacturers.

The K5

The K5 range includes a single machine that can be used as a conventional machining center, with or without automation. The K5-4 model is a 4-axis machine that can be used to machine thin components that require multi-sided machining. The K5-5 has 5 axes and is great for making complex parts. Two automation options can make these micromachines more autonomous.

Both variants feature a common, ultra-light axis base. The axis travels (X = 78 mm, Y = 56 mm, Z = 50 mm, B = 270°) offer a standard machining volume of 50 x 50 x 40 mm. The lightweight design of the moving components allows for high speeds and accelerations of up to 25 m/s², which provide the cutting speeds needed for high-speed machining (HSM). Moving parts are lubricated regularly to guarantee long-term performance. Lubrication is carried out manually and centrally. The 4-axis version features an additional axis (W-axis) to support thin-walled workpieces. It can also be used to hold the part by vacuum to separate it from the blank. The 5-axis version has a C-axis with five air channels and a vacuum channel  to position parts. In addition to its positioning function, the C-axis can perform turning operations at a maximum speed of 5,500 rpm. It can, of course, also perform standard turning functions like insert radius correction and constant-speed cutting.

K5 automation

When it comes to producing small batches with long cycle times, the SK44 or SK45 variants can store up to a dozen fixtures with the workpiece mounted on them. The pick-and-place manipulator automatically changes the fixtures as soon as a part is finished.

The CK40-P can produce larger batches thanks to its large storage capacity. It comes with a palletizer for up to 10 pallets (220 x 277 mm). In this version, the raw part is loaded directly onto the machine bed by a polyarticulated robot. It also has space for other operations, such as mechanically or optically centering the blank to be loaded. An integrated drawer allows parts to be deposited for SPC inspection. The latter can also be used for one-off tests, to store pre-assembled
blanks on fixtures.

Energy efficiency and more

In fact, a K5 machine consumes less electricity than a vacuum cleaner or hairdryer. For example, a K5-5 with coolant pump and vapor extraction consumes around 1.8 kWh during production. This micromachine also makes it possible to make production halls more compact, thereby reducing floor space requirements. For example, a single K5 requires 1 m², while adding a CK40 loader requires an additional 0.7 m². Precitrame’s eco-responsible machines are designed to help customers reduce their ecological footprint and cut production costs at the same time.

Precitrame Machines SA
Grand-Rue 5
2720 Tramelan
Switzerland
Phone: +41 32 48688-50

Website: https://precitrame.com/en/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/precitrame-machines-sa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/precitrame_machines/

Precitrame Machines SA is exhibiting at the ALFLETH Engineering AG stand, hall P, stand no. 50