YCM FX560A

The FX560A is YCM's high-speed variant of the 560 mm VMC class, featuring a 15,000–18,000 RPM built-in spindle, 48 m/min rapids, and tuned axis acceleration for high-speed contouring. The SV series at comparable travel uses a standard 10,000–12,000 RPM spindle, lower rapid traverse, and is oriented toward heavier-duty cutting in steel and cast iron. The FX560A is the right choice for aluminum aerospace, die-mold finishing, and precision surface work; the SV series for heavier metal removal.

For die-mold shops running 3D surface programs from CAM systems, the Heidenhain iTNC 640 is generally preferred due to its surface finish oriented look-ahead algorithms (AFC, HSM cycles), superior spline interpolation, and the familiar dialog programming environment that many European mold shops use as a standard. For shops primarily running turned or prismatic part programs, Fanuc 31i-B is equally capable and benefits from more widespread familiarity among North American and Asian programmers. The control choice should follow customer programming standards.

The FX560A uses BT 40 (or equivalent SK 40 for European markets). At 15,000–18,000 RPM, BT 40 is at the upper limit of its balanced rotation capability — precision balanced tool holders (G2.5 or better at maximum RPM) are essential. The BT 40 taper is chosen over BT 50 because the smaller taper allows the higher RPM range through a lighter spindle assembly. For applications requiring even higher RPM (20,000+), HSK-A63 spindle options can be specified.

Yes, the FX560A can machine hardened steel (up to 60 HRC) with appropriate carbide ball nose end mills and conservative cutting parameters. Hard milling at 15,000 RPM with small stepover and depth of cut is a common die-mold finishing operation. However, the FX560A's linear guideway system is less optimally damped than box ways for heavy roughing of hard steel — for full cavity roughing in hardened material, a box-way machine is preferable, with the FX560A taking finishing and semi-finishing duties.

YCM offers through-spindle coolant at 40, 70, and optional 100+ bar on the FX560A. For high-speed mold finishing with small ball nose tools, high-pressure mist coolant or air blast is often preferred over flood coolant to avoid tool deflection from coolant pressure and to maintain visibility of the cutting zone. Through-spindle air-oil mist is available as an alternative to water-based through-spindle coolant for dry or near-dry machining applications.