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.

Maximizing Throughput with Extreme Speed and Efficiency

The NHP 5500 2nd Generation is engineered to deliver high material removal rates and cost-effective operation through reduced non-cutting time. The machine features aggressive motion specifications, including a rapid traverse rate of 60 m/min (2,362 ipm) across the X, Y, and Z axes. Productivity is further boosted by extremely fast acceleration/deceleration rates, with Y and Z axes exceeding 1G. Utilizing the double arm ATC, the machine achieves a tool-to-tool change time of just 1.7 seconds (for tools under 8 kg), and the rotary shuttle type Automatic Pallet Changer (APC) facilitates part changeover in only 12 seconds. This combination of speed and rapid automation ensures high throughput, making the NHP series highly efficient for demanding production schedules.

Achieving Unmatched Precision Through Structural Integrity and Thermal Management

To ensure superior performance and maintain tight tolerances, the NHP 5500 2nd Generation incorporates a robust structure and advanced thermal compensation systems. The machine rests on a one-piece bed made from fine grain Meehanite cast iron offering excellent rigidity and vibration dampening, and utilizes a stable 3-point leveling system for ease of installation. High precision is guaranteed by widely spaced, heavy-duty 53 mm Linear Roller Guides on all axes. These roller guides are designed to be 3 times more rigid and offer 2 times more life than standard ball bearing guide ways. Thermal stability is actively managed through ball screw shaft and nut cooling, a spindle oil chiller, and Smart Thermal Monitoring software that compensates the Z-axis for thermal growth. This integrated design achieves exceptional positioning accuracy, with X and Y axes rated at 0.008 mm (0.00031”).

High-Torque Spindle Performance and Large Work Envelope Capacity

The NHP 5500 is built for robust machining performance, capable of handling challenging materials and heavy-duty parts. It is equipped with a powerful, built-in 10,000 RPM spindle delivering a maximum torque of 644 Nm (475.3 ft-lbs). The machine uses the CAT 50 Big Plus Spindle System, which ensures maximum rigidity by achieving simultaneous taper and flange contact between the machine spindle and tool holder. The standard Automatic Pallet Changer (APC) accommodates a large working area suitable for parts up to 900 mm (35.43”) in diameter and 1,100 mm (43.3”) in height. The 500 mm x 500 mm pallet surface supports a substantial maximum load of 800 kg (1,763 lbs), providing the necessary stability for heavy cutting applications.

Integrated Intelligence for Reliable, Unattended Operation

Reliability and protection are enhanced by integrated software and control features operating on the Fanuc 31i-B Control. The machine utilizes Adaptive Feedrate Control (AFC), which monitors the spindle load during cutting and automatically adjusts the programmed feedrate to compensate, maximizing efficiency, and minimizing wasted cycle time during air cutting. Furthermore, the Tool Load Monitoring System continually checks loads on all axes and the spindle motor, allowing operators to set high and low limits for overload and under-load conditions. This system is critical for detecting missing or broken tools, triggering an alarm, and stopping operation to protect expensive parts, tooling, and the machine itself. The NHP 5500 2nd Generation is also Renishaw probe ready, supporting the use of spindle probes or tool setters to keep the spindle running and increase profitability.

Standard Structural and Operational Features:

Roller Guide Ways: Three times more rigid and two times more life than ball bearing guide ways.
Thermal Control: Standard ball screw cooling, spindle oil chiller, and coolant chiller capable of heating or cooling to maintain consistent machining state.
Chip Management: Sludge free coolant tank (1,000 liter capacity) combined with a factory drum/scraper conveyor, ideal for fine chips from cast iron and aluminum applications.
Spindle System: CAT 50 Big Plus for maximum rigidity via simultaneous taper and flange contact.
Coolant System: Standard Through Spindle Coolant (TSC) delivering approximately 215-225 psi pressure directly at the tool tip for aggressive feeds and speeds.

FAQ Section

What structural elements ensure the NHP 5500 maintains high rigidity during heavy cutting?

The machine is constructed with a one-piece bed made from fine grain Meehanite cast iron. All axes utilize Large Linear Roller Guides (53 mm), which are 3 times more rigid and have 2 times more life compared to common ball bearing guide types, optimizing weight and force distribution for superior cutting performance and stability.

How does the NHP 5500 2nd Generation mitigate thermal distortion for long cycle times?

Thermal effects are minimized through several standard features: cooling through the center of the ball screw shaft, the ball nut, and support bearings. The system also uses Smart Thermal Monitoring software with hardware sensors to compensate the Z-axis for thermal growth. Additionally, a coolant chiller maintains a consistent coolant temperature, which helps eliminate thermal growth effects.

What is the efficiency rating of the Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) and Pallet Changer?

The standard 60-tool, pot type double arm ATC provides a reliable tool-to-tool change time of 1.7 seconds (for tools under 8 kg). The standard rotary shuttle type Automatic Pallet Changer (APC) has a pallet change time of 12 seconds.

What safety features are included to protect tooling and parts during operation?

The machine includes a Tool Load Monitoring System which continually checks the load on the spindle and axis motors, allowing high/low limits to be set for wear and breakage. It also features Adaptive Feedrate Control (AFC), which monitors spindle load and initiates a “Feed Hold” condition and alarm state in the event of severe axis overload or catastrophic tool failure.

What is the primary benefit of the Big Plus Spindle System used on the NHP 5500?

The Big Plus Spindle System utilizes the CAT 50 standard and surpasses other spindle concepts by providing simultaneous taper and flange contact between the machine spindle and tool holder. This maximum rigidity is achieved because the tool is pulled in until the tool flange touches the spindle face, ensuring superior cutting performance.