Flex Machine Tools GM-20-06

The Flex Machine Tools GM-20-06 is a 240″ × 72″ vertical machining center with a CT50 spindle rated 40 HP and 6,000 RPM, 19.2″ of Z travel and double guides on the X-axis. It shares its X and Y travels with the G-20-06, and the differences between the two are small but specific.

First, the taper. The G-20-06 is listed with CT50 or CT40; the GM-20-06 is listed with CT50 only, and its 20-tool changer with tool calibrator is specified for that taper. A shop standardised on CT40 holders has no listed route onto this model.

Second, Z. Travel is 19.2″ and spindle-to-table distance runs from 4.25″ to 23.45″, where the G-20-06 has 19.5″ of Z. The difference is small, but it comes off the room available for tall fixtures and long CT50 tools.

Third, the X-axis. Flex's table for this model states double guides on the X-axis and says no more than that, so ask Flex what the arrangement is. The reason to care is that the X-axis guides carry the cutting load of a 40 HP spindle along 240″ of travel.

The remaining figures: rapids up to 1200 IPM in X, 1000 IPM in Y and 170 IPM in Z; positioning accuracy ±0.003 in on X and ±0.002 in on Y and Z; repeatability ±0.0007 in on X and ±0.0005 in on Y and Z. Work is held on three integrated T-slot rails, coolant capacity is 90 gallons and chips are removed by auger. The control is the Omron FlexCNC controller with a mobile 22″ touch screen panel and a hand pendant (AMI5000 remote pendant). X strokes from 10′ up to 50′ and Y strokes from 4′ up to 10′ are listed as available.