High Speed Helical Rack

MultiCam introduced an upgrade to their 5000 Series CNC Router. The new High Speed Helical Rack system upgrade comes standard with an automatic lubrication system that keeps a slight film of oil on the rack. The lubrication system is required to reliably achieve the velocity that the machine is capable of. With speeds of 2000 ipm single axis and 2800 maximum rapid traverse, the Helical Rack System can get to a full speed move within 4.44 inches.

There are a number of advantages that Helical Rack has versus straight rack. Helical rack and pinions run much quieter, especially at high speeds. Due to the angular cut in the Helical rack and pinion setup there are thrust loads on the gear shaft. This action requires thrust bearings to absorb the load and maintain gear alignment. The Alpha Gear Boxes that MultiCam already uses are designed to handle this load and the new design of the 5000 Series automated routers allow for exceptional perpendicularity and gear alignment. Faster acceleration and accuracy is achieved because of a greater number of teeth engaged than straight racks. Distributing the load over several teeth also reduces wear and increases the life of the rack and pinion system.

For more information, contact Mark Allen, MultiCam LP, 1025 West Royal Lane, DFW Airport, TX 75261, 972-929-4070, Fax: 972-929-4071, Web: www.multicam.com. See them at the AWFS® Fair Booth #9223.