NHP Series

The NHP Series is a high productivity machining center that offers high productivity and ultimate precision with minimized non-cutting time, stable machine structure and thermal distortion correction function. The NHP 4000 delivers with automatic tool changes in under a second and 15,000 RPM spindle with axes acceleration of up to 1G, thru-spindle and flood coolant, center-thru chip evacuation, highly precise linear guides, larger work area, and a smaller footprint.

NHP 5000 Horizontal Machining Center for Heavy-Duty, High-Volume Production

The NHP 5000 is a DN Solutions horizontal machining center built for high-volume production of heavy-duty parts in a compact footprint. It runs a 15,000 RPM spindle with 37 kW of maximum motor power, 730 x 730 x 880 mm of X/Y/Z travel, and a two-pallet automatic changer that cycles in 9 seconds to keep the spindle cutting instead of waiting on setups. Ellison Technologies, the largest DN Solutions distributor in North America, supplies and supports the NHP 5000 for shops running automotive, medical, and mold and die production where uptime and repeatable tolerances matter as much as raw speed.

Automotive and Heavy-Duty Component Production

Automotive manufacturers use the NHP 5000 to machine transmission housings, differential cases, and other cast or forged components that need to hold tight tolerances through long production runs. The 500 kg table load, optional full B-axis indexing, and 45 mm roller linear guides on all three axes let the machine hold rigidity through heavy cuts in cast iron and steel without sacrificing the 1G axis acceleration that keeps cycle times down. The standard two-pallet automatic changer already lets one part run while the next loads, and Ellison's automation integration team can extend that further with a Linear or Rotary Pallet System for lights-out automotive production.

Medical Component Manufacturing

For medical parts, the NHP 5000 runs through-spindle air to clear chips and coolant residue without contaminating the workpiece, a use DN Solutions specifically calls out for machining certain medical components. Positioning accuracy of .008 mm on the X and Y axes and .011 mm on Z, backed by Smart Thermal Monitoring that compensates the Z-axis for heat growth during long cycles, gives medical machinists the repeatability needed for implant and surgical instrument components in titanium and stainless steel. The CAT 40 Big Plus spindle interface and 15,000 RPM top speed cover the tooling range most medical shops already run.

Mold, Die, and Tooling Production

Die and mold shops use the NHP 5000's through-spindle air and coolant system to machine pre-hardened tool steel and cut plastics cleanly, both applications DN Solutions names directly for this feature set. The one-piece Meehanite cast iron bed with center-through chip disposal keeps swarf clear of large tombstone setups, and the qualified edge locators built into the pallet system speed fixture alignment when a shop runs multiple mold components up to a Ø800 mm x 1,000 mm-high workpiece. A 60-tool double-arm ATC with random access keeps the spindle supplied through long, multi-operation mold jobs, and Ellison's spindle rebuild service keeps that precision in spec over the life of the machine.

Engineered for Unmatched Precision and Structural Stability

The NHP 5000's design prioritizes stability and precision for demanding applications. Its foundation is a one-piece Meehanite cast iron bed with a step guide structure, offering excellent rigidity, dampening, and vibration absorption. All axes feature heavy-duty 45 mm roller linear motion guides that provide three times more rigidity and twice the life compared to ball bearing types, ensuring superior cutting performance. To maintain part tolerances, the machine incorporates Smart Thermal Monitoring software with hardware sensors on the spindle and main casting bed, which compensates the Z-axis for thermal growth. Further rigidity is achieved by the Big Plus Spindle System with a CAT40 shank, which ensures simultaneous taper and flange contact for maximum tool-spindle connection stability.

Optimizing Workflow with Advanced Automation and Intelligent Management

The NHP 5000 is meticulously designed to optimize workflow and maximize machine uptime. Its servo-driven drum style Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) facilitates exceptionally fast tool-to-tool changes in as little as 0.9 seconds for tools under 8 kg, with a standard capacity of 60 tools and options up to 275 tools. The Automatic Pallet Changer (APC) boasts a rapid 9-second pallet change time, complemented by manual pallet rotation at the setup station to enable part changeover during machine operation, virtually eliminating downtime. Comprehensive coolant and chip management systems, including 215-225 psi thru-spindle coolant, flood coolant, and center-through chip evacuation with an overhead shower wash-down, ensure efficient operation and extended component life. An eco-friendly grease lubrication system further reduces maintenance and waste.

Advanced Control and Process Monitoring for Enhanced Reliability

The NHP 5000 is equipped with a sophisticated suite of technologies to enhance operational control and safeguard manufacturing processes. It features a Fanuc 31i-B Control system and AICC II 1000 block look-ahead for advanced machining capabilities. Tool Load Monitoring continuously checks spindle and axis motor loads, providing wear and breakage settings that trigger alarms and stop operations, protecting the machine, tooling, and parts. Adaptive Feedrate Control dynamically adjusts the feedrate based on spindle load, reducing cycle times, optimizing cutting conditions, and preventing air cutting. The machine is also Renishaw probe ready, including the RMI-Q radio receiver and GUI software, enabling precise part feature finding and tool setting for superior process control and reliability.

FAQ Section

What are the key performance specifications of the NHP 5000's spindle?

The NHP 5000 features a maximum spindle speed of 15,000 RPM. It is equipped with a powerful built-in spindle motor delivering 18.5 / 37 kW (25 / 49.6 hp) (S3 25%) and a torque of 303 Nm (223.6 ft-lbs) (S3 10%). The spindle utilizes a BIG PLUS CAT40 shank for maximum rigidity and has rapid acceleration from 0-15,000 RPM in 1.5 seconds.

How does the NHP 5000 ensure high precision and stability during machining operations?

The NHP 5000 achieves high precision and stability through a one-piece Meehanite cast iron bed for superior rigidity and vibration absorption. It employs heavy-duty 45 mm roller linear motion guides that are three times more rigid than ball bearing types. Accuracy is further enhanced by cooling through the center of the ball screw shaft, support bearings, and ball nut, and by Smart Thermal Monitoring software that compensates the Z-axis for thermal growth. The Big Plus Spindle System also maximizes rigidity through simultaneous taper and flange contact.

What features contribute to the NHP 5000's high productivity and minimized non-cutting time?

The NHP 5000 is engineered for high productivity with features such as an ultra-fast 0.9-second tool-to-tool change time for tools under 8 kg, via its 60-tool drum type double arm ATC. It also offers a rapid 9-second pallet change time with its automatic pallet changer, which allows manual pallet rotation at the setup station to enable part changeover during machine operation. Its rapid traverse rates of 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) across X, Y, and Z axes further minimize movement time.

What are the coolant and chip management capabilities of the NHP 5000?

The NHP 5000 features a comprehensive coolant and chip management system, including 215-225 psi through-spindle coolant directly at the tool tip, along with air through spindle functionality. It provides flood coolant from a large 760-liter (200-gallon) separate tank with an oil skimmer. For efficient chip disposal, it includes a center-through chip disposal design with base flushing and an overhead shower coolant wash-down to prevent chip accumulation.

Can the NHP 5000 be integrated into automated manufacturing systems?

Yes, the NHP 5000 is designed for integration into automated systems. It can be equipped with optional Linear Pallet Systems (LPS) or Rotary Pallet Systems (RPS), which are cost-effective solutions for providing multiple pallets to support longer periods of unmanned operation or reduced setup times in varied production environments. Additionally, Matrix Type tool magazines are available for extra-large tool capacities to enhance productivity in automated setups.