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.

Precision Engineering for Unmatched Stability

The NHP 8000 is engineered for long-term reliability and superior cutting performance across a wide range of applications. Its stability begins with a massive, one-piece Meehanite cast iron bed featuring a heavily ribbed, double-wall design to absorb vibration and withstand deformation under heavy cutting loads. Structural integrity is further enhanced by Large Linear Roller Guides (53 mm / 2.086") on all axes, which are three times more rigid and provide two times more life than common ball bearing guides. Accuracy during extended cycles is ensured by the use of oversized (50 mm / 1.97") and pre-tensioned ball screws, which feature ball nut cooling to minimize the effects of thermal growth. This robust structure allows the machine to handle a maximum part size of 1,450 mm (57.08") diameter by 1,550 mm (61.02") height on its 800 mm x 800 mm table, supporting loads up to 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs).

High-Torque Spindle System for Versatile Machining

The NHP 8000 features a powerful, built-in spindle system designed for both heavy-duty cutting and high-speed precision. The spindle utilizes a dual motor winding system that creates a 2-step "virtual gearbox," which is crucial for generating high torque at low RPMs necessary for heavy chipload roughing cuts. The standard 25 / 37 kW (34 / 50 hp) AC motor delivers a maximum speed of 10,000 rpm and achieves 420 Nm (310 ft-lbs) of torque in the low spindle range. Furthermore, the machine incorporates the CAT 50 Big Plus Spindle system, which ensures maximum rigidity by achieving simultaneous taper and flange contact between the machine spindle and the tool holder. This combination of power and rigidity ensures superior performance, rigid tapping capability, and rapid acceleration from 0 to 10,000 rpm in just 3.4 seconds.

Maximized Throughput and Non-Cutting Time Reduction

Productivity is a core focus of the NHP 8000, which minimizes non-cutting time using fast motion and efficient changeover mechanisms. The X, Y, and Z axes share rapid traverse rates of 50 m/min (1,968 ipm). Tooling changes are executed swiftly by the standard 90-tool chain-type Double Arm Automatic Tool Changer (ATC), which achieves a rapid tool-to-tool change time of 2.5 seconds for tools under 12 kg (26.5 lbs). The ATC supports challenging tooling scenarios with a maximum tool length of 630 mm (24.8") and a maximum diameter of 320 mm (12.6") when adjacent pots are empty. For work handling, the servo-driven rotary shuttle Automatic Pallet Changer (APC) facilitates fast changeovers with a pallet change time of 16 seconds. The setup station allows for manual pallet rotation and locking every 90 degrees, enabling part or fixture changeover to occur while the machine is running, thereby maximizing machine uptime.

Advanced Process Control and Monitoring

The NHP 8000 integrates multiple advanced technological features to enhance cutting control and machine safety, overseen by the Fanuc 31i-B Control. Standard features include the Adaptive Feedrate Control (AFC), which dynamically monitors spindle load and adjusts the programmed feedrate to minimize wasted cycle time, detect air cutting, and prevent severe axial overload or catastrophic tool failure. Additionally, the Tool Load Monitoring System (TLM) continually checks the load on the axes and spindle motors, allowing operators to set high and low limits to detect wear or breakage conditions. The machine comes standard with Through Spindle Coolant (TSC), delivering approximately 215-225 psi pressure directly at the tool tip, allowing for more aggressive speeds and feeds. The machine is also Renishaw probe ready, equipped with the RMI-Q radio receiver and GUI software for streamlined setup and measurement.

FAQ Section

What are the primary travel distances for the NHP 8000?

The travel distances for the NHP 8000 are 1,400 mm (55.1 in) in the X-axis, 1,200 mm (47.2 in) in the Y-axis, and 1,370 mm (53.9 in) in the Z-axis. All axes feature a rapid traverse rate of 50 m/min (1,968 ipm).

How does the NHP 8000 ensure tool rigidity during heavy cutting?

Rigidity is ensured primarily by the use of the CAT 50 Big Plus Spindle system. This design utilizes simultaneous taper and flange contact between the machine spindle and the tool holder, maximizing stiffness and preventing movement during machining.

What is the maximum size and weight of a workpiece that can be machined on the NHP 8000?

The machine table (800 mm x 800 mm) has an allowable load capacity of 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs). It can accommodate a maximum part diameter of 1,450 mm (57.08") and a maximum part height of 1,550 mm (61.02") (assuming no hydraulic interface is present).

How does the NHP 8000 manage thermal effects to maintain accuracy?

The NHP 8000 minimizes thermal effects through several features: it uses an oil jacket spindle chiller that circulates cooled oil around the spindle, and it incorporates ball nut cooling on the large-diameter ball screws to increase accuracy during long cycle times.

What systems are included to protect tooling and parts during operation?

The machine features two standard protective systems: Adaptive Feedrate Control (AFC), which monitors spindle load and adjusts the feedrate to prevent severe axis overload or catastrophic tool failure, and the Tool Load Monitoring System (TLM), which continually checks motor load and allows operators to set limits for wear and breakage conditions for each tool.