Italian machinery company Helios are now being represented in the UK by Roccia Machinery in Kent and Derbyshire. Their latest CNC bridge saw, workcentre and polishing machine all rolled in to one is the Five. The dual functions mean the machine works harder for a better return on investment.
Main features of the Helios Five bridgesaw, workcentre and polishing machine
General. Helios say market research shows masonry companies do not best make best use of their machinery. On average, machines are used for only two-and-a-half hours a day – and that’s in spite of the amount of work a bridge saw can be expected to perform. Making better use of machines improves profit and the versatility of Five means it keeps working.
Capabilities. The Helios Five is a five interpolated axes machine (with an optional lathe). It has been designed to saw quickly, mill/route and polish. The edge polishing function uses pads in place of shaped tools, which cost less, last longer and can polish profiled edges. There is also a face polishing facility, although it is intended for no more than re-polishing damaged surfaces or antiquing them with a brush. Helios have patented a tool positioning technique that they say enables a sculpture to be produced five times faster than is possible with conventional tool positioning and with 900% better tool life because tool tips last longer. Using the various functions the Five can cut worktops, create sinks with inclined drainers and make shower basins and bathtubs. It can engrave, produce sculptures, inlays, columns, capitals, statues and fireplaces.
Physical configuration. The Helios Five measures 6m x 4m x 4.2m. The work area with a 725mm disc is 3.7m x 2.3m (or 4.3m as an option) and the rise and fall on the Z axis is 700mm. All the axes are powered by brushless motors with encoders for continuous interpolation and smooth movement. The X, Y, Z axes run on ball guides and screws.
Spindle and drive. The latest generation 25kW electric spindle has a flange fixing for using discs up to 725mm. The head turns through 370º and tilts through ±0-110º. An optional servo-ventilated cooling system guarantees continuous work cycles and a significant noise reduction. It is recommended.
Tools. A stainless steel shaft ensures maximum life and reliability of the automatic ISO 40 cone tool coupling. The tool magazine has up to 100 positions.
Table. There is an aluminium surface on the table for working precision. The tool magazine is in a separate housing so the machine has the largest possible working area. A tilting table is an optional extra.
Control. Five uses Helios Automazioni Windows XP-based software with touchscreen control as well as a remote keyboard and a joystick for easy manual control. They have their own templating device called Spaceline.
Options. As well as making it possible to machine larger workpieces, the extra 2m available on the Y axes, increasing it to 4.3m, allows a second table to be used to prepare the next job while the machine is still working. A laser plotter is available for the positioning of suction cups and there is a digital template reader.
Price. Prices start at around Euro90,000.
Further information. Roccia Macinery are representing Helios in the UK. Tel: 01335 370567 or call Derrick Fretwell on 07798 911686.Email: dfretwell@rocciamachinery.co.uk