Breton Matrix E1 800 K20

The Breton Matrix E1 800 K20 is the lowest of three Z heights of the Matrix E1, a monobloc 5-axis gantry machining centre for steel, lightweight alloys and special composites. Travels are 2,000 mm (78.7 in) in X, 2,500 mm (98.4 in) in Y and 800 mm (31.5 in) in Z. Breton positions the E1 for hi-feed roughing, semi-finishing and finishing of medium-size workpieces, with moulds and dies named first among the applications.

Note which axis is the long one. The cross travel is greater than the longitudinal travel, which keeps the machine shallow from front to back and puts the work close to the operator. The workbench is listed as 2,000 mm (78.7 in) long and 1,000 mm (39.4 in) wide, shorter than on the two taller versions: the Breton Matrix E1 1000 K20 lists a length of 2,500 mm (98.4 in).

An 800 mm (31.5 in) vertical stroke suits plate-like and shallow work, such as die inserts, mould halves of moderate depth and aerostructure parts cut from slab. Once the tool is tilted, part of that stroke goes to head clearance, so deep cavities belong on a taller sibling.

All three linear axes use direct motors, which Breton says removes the backlash and vibration that drive belts cause. Rapids are 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) in X and Y and 40 m/min (1,575 ipm) in Z. C covers -305° to 305°, and this is the only E1 column that prints a rapid speed for A, at 30 rpm.

The version table gives no spindle power, torque or speed. The taper is HSK-A63, and the control is Siemens Sinumerik One or Heidenhain 640.