5-axis machining center Ecospeed F

universalfor aluminumfor aluminum alloys

Overview
Starrag's Ecospeed F series is a modular family of 5-axis machining centres developed for aerospace structural parts. Introduced in 1999 and continuously evolved, the series integrates the Sprint Z3 parallel-kinematic machining head and scalable machine sizes for components from ~1 m up to 8 m.

Fields of application
Many leading aerospace manufacturers use Ecospeed machines for a wide range of structural components:

• Typical customers: Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, LM, BAE Systems, NG, AVIC, CATIC, UAC, Gulfstream, Textron, Hondajet, Pilatus
• Example parts and cycle times: wing rib — Aluminium-Lithium — total cycle (3 set-ups): 19 h 26 min; spar — Aluminium — total cycle (2 set-ups): 4 h 15 min; C-frame — Aluminium — total cycle (2 set-ups): 8 h 42 min; stringer — Aluminium — avg. cycle (2 set-ups): < 12 min/m; trailing edge bracket — Aluminium — total cycle (2 set-ups): 27 min

Spindle
Starrag has delivered more than 2,000 spindle units. The Ecospeed line offers a real 120 kW motor spindle to maximise MRR:

• Short, stiff spindle shafts for high rigidity
• Compact construction reduces collision contour and required tool length
• Torque characteristics optimised for hard-metal machining

Sprint Z3
The Sprint Z3 parallel kinematic head mounts three radial linear drives in a barrel-shaped headstock. A spindle platform is connected via rigid levers and ball joints; equal motion produces linear Z travel while differential motion achieves A/B tilting. Synchronized motion enables any path within a spherical cone of ±45°.

Machine sizes

• F1540 — 4000 x 1500 mm — 3,000 kg
• F2040/2540 — 4000 x 2000 mm (4000 x 2500 mm) — 4,000 kg
• F2060/2560 — 6000 x 2000 mm (6000 x 2500 mm) — 5,000 kg

Features
Options and features for aerospace aluminium machining include:

• Integration of angle milling and drilling heads to extend access
• Angle heads: compact collision contour; continuous 6-axis machining ±135°; access to tight areas down to ~60 mm
• Cell controller: software for automatic FMS cell control (pallet handling, buffers, load/unload)
• Tool magazines: WERO rack type — 129 or 300 pockets; shank HSK-A63 / HSK-A80; max tool length 250 mm; max diameter per location 80 mm; max weight 7 kg
• Flexible manufacturing systems integration for optimised material flow and chip handling

Technical specifications

• Series: Ecospeed F (5-axis machining)
• Spindle: real 120 kW motor spindle
• Delivered spindle units: >2000
• Sprint Z3: parallel kinematics — spindle motion within spherical cone ±45°
• Angle heads: continuous 6-axis machining ±135°; compact collision contour; access to ~60 mm
• Tool magazine options: 129 / 300 pockets; HSK-A63 / HSK-A80; max tool length 250 mm; max diameter 80 mm; max weight 7 kg
• Representative machine sizes: F1540, F2040/2540, F2060/2560