CATO CBS300 Five-Axis Gantry Type Machining Center: A Core Equipment for Solving Machining Challenges of Complex Aviation Components

As a "Five-Axis Expert" with decades of dedication to five-axis machining, CATO Precision Machinery (Guangdong) Co., LTD has always positioned itself as a pioneer in precision machining technology for core components in the aviation, aerospace, and navigation industries. Relying on profound technical accumulation, it specializes in machining complex parts and addressing industry-wide machining pain points. Among its product lineup, the CBS300 Five-Axis Gantry Type Machining Center from the CBS series stands out with core advantages of high rigidity, high precision, and high stability. It delivers outstanding performance in demanding scenarios such as aviation multi-layer rotor machining, making it a preferred equipment in the high-end manufacturing field.

1. Machining Challenges of Aviation Multi-Layer Rotors: CATO CBS300  Practical Breakthrough

As a key power component, the machining precision of aviation multi-layer rotors directly determines the operational stability and safety of equipment. Its thin-walled design and deep-cavity structure place extreme demands on the rigidity and precision control capabilities of machining equipment. In this practical case, the CATO CBS300 successfully completed the machining of aviation multi-layer rotors made of 6010 aluminum alloy, accurately overcoming core challenges.

With a diameter of 220mm and a length of 160mm, the workpiece features thin walls (prone to deformation) and deep machining depths—issues that easily lead to cutting vibration and dimensional deviations. By precisely matching machining parameters with core technologies, the CBS300 uses cemented carbide tools and adopts a refined cutting strategy: spindle speed of 3000 rpm, feed rate of 2000 mm/min, cutting width of 0.15mm, and cutting depth of 0.05mm. This enables high-precision forming of the part, perfectly avoiding deformation and vibration risks, and demonstrating strong capabilities in machining complex components.

2. Core of Five-Axis Machining: Multi-Dimensional Linkage Empowers Precision Manufacturing

The core value of a five-axis machining center lies in its ability to achieve integrated machining of workpieces at any angle in 3D space through the coordinated control of three linear Axis (X, Y, Z) and two rotary Axis (A, C). Compared with traditional equipment, it significantly reduces the number of clamping operations, eliminates positioning errors, and provides an efficient solution for machining complex-structured parts.

For the thin-walled, deep-cavity machining challenges of aviation multi-layer rotors, the core bottleneck lies in the coordinated control of equipment rigidity and precision: thin-walled parts are extremely sensitive to cutting vibration, while deep-cavity machining requires stable feed response and positioning precision from the equipment. The structural design and core component configuration of the CATO CBS300 precisely address this pain point.

3. Core Technical Highlights of the CBS300: Independent Innovation Forges Machining Advantages 

3.1 Gantry-Type High-Rigidity Structure: A Solid Foundation for Stable Machining

The CBS300 adopts a Gantry-type high-rigidity structural design, with the overall structure enhanced and optimized to deliver excellent load-bearing capacity and stability. Compared with traditional structures, its three Axis are not affected by workpiece size or weight during high acceleration/deceleration movements. This not only ensures stability during high-speed machining but also provides sufficient rigidity for rough machining, effectively suppressing cutting vibration and offering structural support for thin-walled part machining. This design is particularly critical in aviation part machining, as it minimizes precision deviations caused by structural deformation.

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         3.2 Direct Drive Technology: Dual Breakthroughs in Precision and Efficiency

The X-Axis and Y-Axis of the equipment are equipped with high-performance linear motor direct drive technology, combined with a high-precision linear scale feedback system. This completely eliminates traditional mechanical transmission structures, achieving backlash-free and high-response motion control. The high acceleration/deceleration performance and rapid response capability brought by linear motor direct drive, together with high-rigidity roller guides, not only ensure excellent precision in five-axis linkage machining but also maintain low noise and low vibration during refined cutting. Additionally, it features easy maintenance, significantly reducing equipment operation and maintenance costs.

Meanwhile, the A-Axis and C-Axis are equipped with a self-developed precision five-axis turntable by CATO, driven directly by torque motors. It also boasts the advantages of no mechanical transmission, no backlash. Combined with high-precision encoders, it achieves accurate positioning and dynamic control during machining, maintaining stable precision even during high acceleration/deceleration movements and perfectly adapting to multi-angle machining requirements of complex curved surfaces.

3.3 Self-Developed Built-In Spindle: Core Power Guarantee

As the "heart" of the machining center, the spindle directly determines machining precision and stability. The CBS300 is equipped with a self-developed HSK-E40 built-in spindle by CATO. Leveraging the company’s core technical accumulation in spindle design, manufacturing, and assembly, combined with refined modular production in a constant temperature and humidity workshop, the spindle achieves performance advantages of high rigidity, high speed, high power, and high torque.

The spindle adopts a forced cooling method to precisely control the temperature of the motor and front/rear bearings. This completely eliminates runout and vibration during long-term high-speed machining, maintaining stable precision—one of the key factors enabling it to handle long-term refined machining of aviation multi-layer rotors.

3.4 Multi-System Compatibility: Meeting Diverse Machining Needs

To adapt to machining scenarios and operating habits across different industries, the CBS300 offers flexible controller options: the Siemens Sinumerik One system as standard, with Heidenhain TNC640 and CATO C80 Plus systems available as options. Among them, the Heidenhain TNC640 system features high-speed program segment processing, dynamic collision monitoring, and intelligent machining cycles, enabling efficient programming and safe machining of complex parts. The Siemens Sinumerik One system excels in intelligence and digitalization, providing reliable control guarantees for high-precision five-axis linkage machining.

        4.  Industry Adaptation: Empowering Multi-Scenario Applications in High-End Manufacturing

Relying on core technical advantages, the CATO CBS300 not only performs excellently in aviation multi-layer rotor machining but also accurately adapts to various core aviation components such as impellers, blisks,. It can easily handle machining challenges such as aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, thin-walled deep cavities, and complex curved surfaces, serving a wide range of fields including aviation/aerospace/navigation, precision medical care, and high-end molds. Addressing the φ300 table size limitation of the CBS300, the CBS series also offers a full range of models from CBS200, CBS400 to CBS1250. These models fully cover machining needs for workpieces of different sizes and weights, completely resolving machining pain points across multiple scenarios.

As a representative of independent innovation in the high-end CNC machine tool field, CATO transforms core technologies into practical solutions, injecting impetus into the upgrading of high-end manufacturing. If you have machining needs for complex aviation parts or high-precision components—regardless of workpiece size—please consult CATO’s dedicated technical consultants to unlock customized machining solutions for the CBS series and embark on a new journey of precision manufacturing together!

As a representative of independent innovation in the high-end CNC machine tool field, CATO has always focused on technological breakthroughs. Through the full range of high-performance equipment such as the CBS300, it transforms self-developed structural design, direct drive technology, and spindle technology into industry solutions, injecting core impetus into the upgrading of China’s high-end manufacturing industry.

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