High accuracy with an Alberti Angle Head

NIKKEN were approached by a leading supplier of precision manufacturing after they originally invested in a competitors' Angle Head for use on a Haas UMC-750. These Angle Heads had a modular design causing the customer a range of problems; from poor rigidity to leaving a poor surface finish.

Understanding the need to optimise capability and productivity, NIKKEN recommend the standard Alberti T90-2.5 SK Angle Head developed with our partners ALBERTI Umberto, featuring an integrated NIKKEN Slim Chuck SK output spindle, TiN bearing nut and SK Collet. 

The shallow angle taper 8° and positive alignment and location from the nut provided improved consistency, with a run out of 0.003mm alongside a greater gripping force than the previous solution. Alberti angle heads also feature an anodised GS600 solid cast iron body offering excellent dampening properties to enhance rigidity.

This solution was ideal for access into the cast iron components internal bore, for interpolation milling of the large slots to the desired width, doubling feed rates. The high accuracy of the Alberti/NIKKEN Angle Head also ensures optimum repeatability and a greatly improved the surface finish when compared to the previous solution. 

These features and the performance they provided ultimately saved 45 minutes per component. 

After struggling with loading the much heavier head used previously, NIKKEN additionally tested the Alberti units tool changeability with a 3D printed version of the solution, allowing them to incorporate automatic tool changing on their new Matsuura machine, saving time and manpower.

A spokesperson added:

Since switching to the NIKKEN Angle Head, All the problems we had experienced in the past were eliminated.