We are a company that builds unique Pentapod CNC machines. These machines are built from parallel kinematics and an icosahedron enclosure. Our latest project was to build a mobile 5 axis CNC machine (PM-Series) for a company in the power plant industry. It seems that this mobile CNC machine excites the mechanical engineering and the CNC machining world.
What is a mobile 5 Axis CNC machine?
The 5 axis CNC machines are computer numerical control devices that are used to create precise and accurate parts. The machine consists of 5 axes: X, Y, Z, A, and B. The 5 axis machine is able to create more complex parts than the 3 axis cnc machines. The axes X,Y,Z are the linear axes and A,B are the rotational axes.
But our 5 axis CNC machines and especially the mobile CNC machine is different from others on the market. Our machine tools are called Pentapod machines. They are built from parallel kinematics and an icosahedron housing. Parallel kinematics means that the parallel movement of the 5 struts leads to a resulting parallel movement of the spindle. This results in greater dynamic, accuracy, and repeatability. The icosahedron housing is a unique feature that gives the machine tools a high degree of stiffness and resistance to vibration so that it can maintain high accuracy during operation.
We basically build two different types of 5-axis machines: the vertical machine(P series) and the mobile 5-axis CNC machine (PM series). The mobile machine was developed later and is specially designed for mobile processing on site.
This mobile Machine is an open 5-axis machine, which means that have an open frame construction to allow for large workpieces. So the upper part of the machine (the 5 struts and the icosahedron housing) can detached from the lower part and can position this 5 axis machine around a workpiece. So it is possible to machine a large part without moving it.
How does the Pentapod differ from other CNC machines on the market?
The Pentapod initially distinguishes itself from other CNC machines on the market with its unique parallel kinematics and icosahedron housing. This 5-bar parallel kinematics enables 5-axis machining and high dynamics (up to 1g). The complete spindle can be tilted by 90° in one direction. With a rotary table, the respective part can be machined in one clamping, so that 5-sided machining is possible without removing the part from the machine.
The icosahedron housing is an ideal solution for this machine. It gives the machine a high degree of rigidity and vibration resistance so that it maintains a high level of accuracy during operation. In order to be able to work precisely even under difficult environmental conditions such as high temperatures, the icosahedron frame and the struts are tempered with permanently circulating coolant.
However, it is not just machining that is possible, but also 3D printing of metal and plastic. 3D printing has become increasingly popular in recent years. We have therefore decided to integrate these technologies into our 5-axis CNC machine. Thanks to the new CAM system HY5CAM from 1A Technologies, it is possible to create a 3D printed part with our CNC machines. This is revolutionary in the CNC machine industry!
What are the advantages of a mobile 5-axis CNC machine from METROM?
We have been building all Pentapod machines here in Germany for 20 years. This means we can guarantee a high-quality product. And should there ever be a problem with the machine, our team of engineers and technicians can help quickly and reliably.
First and foremost, you benefit from a great partnership with one of the most innovative machine tool manufacturers in the world. Not only do you receive an outstanding product, but also excellent support.
Secondly, our mobile 5-axis CNC machines are very precise and flexible. They are perfect for machining large components such as turbines, tanks and containers. What’s more, with our mobile 5-axis machine, you can carry out machining on site without moving the part.
Thirdly, our machine is unique on the market. There is no other machine like our mobile 5-axis CNC machine. This machine achieves an accuracy up to 10 times higher than the latest robots in the field. High precision with high performance – that’s what our machine is made for.
So if you are looking for a 5-axis CNC machine that is accurate, flexible and unique, then METROM is the perfect partner for you. We can supply you with a machine that meets your specific needs and requirements. We also offer on-site machining as a service, so you can benefit from our 5-axis machine without having to purchase one yourself.
How can this mobile CNC machine significantly advance repair and maintenance (e.g. in the energy sector)?
METROM’s mobile CNC machines are specially designed for on-site machining. With our PM series, 5-axis CNC machining can be carried out on site without having to transport the workpiece. This is particularly advantageous in the power plant industry, where large parts such as turbines, tanks and vessels need to be machined with high accuracy.
There are many large parts in energy systems that wear out after a while and need to be repaired or overhauled. However, remanufacturing a large part is very time-consuming and costly. Another option is to remove a large part such as a turbine and take it to a workshop. But this option is also very expensive because you need a crane and a truck to transport the turbine. In addition, a very large part may not fit on the truck at all. Not to mention the time it takes to transport and repair the turbine. In these industries in particular, a single day of downtime can cost several million.
Therefore, the best option is to repair the turbines or tanks on site with our 5-axis machine. It is not necessary to dismantle the complete part. The 5-axis machine comes to the workpiece and not the other way around. This option is much more time and cost efficient.
And our mobile machine is also optimized for transport by truck or plane with an AMJ container. The machine is then very easy to set up. All that is required is a power connection and the positioning of the 5-axis CNC machine on the workpiece. The large component and the machine can be calibrated using a laser scanner. The CNC machine then knows exactly where it is and can start processing.
In summary, the mobile 5-axis CNC machine from METROM is the perfect solution for on-site machining. With our machine, you can save time and money and still get the high-quality results you need. If you work in the energy sector or other industries and are looking for a machine that can machine large parts with high accuracy, then we are the perfect partner for you. We offer both machines and CNC services, so you can benefit from our 5-axis CNC machines without having to buy one yourself. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our mobile 5 axis CNC machine and how we can help you with your next project.
