multi-axis performers Fidia

muLTI-AXIS PERFoRmERS

Fidia is a global market leader in the design, production and distribution of high-performance milling machines. It is recognised as one of the few companies that is capable of providing complete solutions for the entire milling process. Philip Yorke takes a closer look at a dynamic European company that continues to see strong global growth thanks to its strong customer focus and pro-active development of unique and innovative milling solutions.

Fidia SpA was established in Turin in 1974 by Dr Giuseppe Morfino, who today remains the majority shareholder and CEO of the Fidia Group. Fidia designs, manufactures and markets milling machines and numerical controls for milling systems that produce complex components for the automotive, aerospace and energy sectors. With three major industrial production sites in Italy, one joint venture in China and seven overseas subsidiaries, the Fidia Group employs around 400 people.

Today the company is renowned for the manufacture of highspeed milling machines, and is also recognised as the world leader in the design and production of numerical controls for the machining of complex shapes and surfaces.

During the last few years the company has been gaining access to new markets thanks to its latest ‘GTF’ gantry-type machines, which have taken the global manufacturing industry by storm, both in the mould & die and aerospace industries. Every year, a significant percentage of the group’s annual turnover is invested in new product development. In 1996 Fidia was fully certified to ISO 9001 and the company remains dedicated to a continuous programme of improvement, product reliability, performance, quality and innovative solutions.

Collision-free look-out

If there is one innovation developed by Fidia that sums up its enviable reputation as a global leader in milling software solutions, it has to be the company’s ViMill® real-time 3D virtual collision look-ahead software. This unique technology effectively enables the machine operator to avoid any unforeseen, and often costly, collisions. While milling is in progress, the ViMill® is steadily monitoring any unexpected or potential collision by graphically executing actual milling processes well ahead of time.

In addition, Fidia’s ViMill® 3D anti-collision graphic simulation software is also active in JOG Mode, thus allowing ultra-safe operation of any manual axis replacements. It is well worth noting that a feature this special provides valuable support for the operator, especially in cases of low reciprocal visibility of the tool, workpiece or milling head. From a CNC perspective, recent enhancements include a new V5 software that features new algorithms for tool-path control with three and five interpolated axes including optimisation of the dynamic behaviour of the machine itself.

extensive product portfolio

Currently Fidia’s worldwide sales are comprised of 80 per cent machines and 20 per cent supply of CNC systems to other machine tool manufacturers. The company’s products are based on a modular system which makes them receptive to customisation, effectively making its range of milling machines virtually infinite.

The company’s product portfolio includes the recently enhanced D range of five-axis milling machines which offer both 3+2 and simultaneous 5-axis finishing of surfaces with high-speed spindles.

With countless installations worldwide, the D218 (2000mm X-axis tracel) D318 (3000mm) and D418 (4,250mm) are now newly enhanced to ensure a rapid return on investment.

Today Fidia’s D family of machines offer cutting speeds of up to 22m/min, a new Z-axis counter-balance system and an active cooling system. The broad range of product applications include plastic injection moulds, die casting dies, aluminium aerospace components, graphite electrodes, resin models, tyre moulds and jet engine disc slots, among many others.

In a different sphere of activity, Fidia’s GTF gantry line is characterised by its remarkable versatility, which is thanks to its modular structure, its X-,Y-, and Z-axis, where strokes of several metres can be supplied to match any individual customer requirements. GTF gantry machines by Fidia are ideal for a host of applications in sectors such as automotive, aerospace and general machining. The company’s Y2G series of 5-axis gantry models feature two independent heads either working together on the same workpiece, or on different parts, separated by a bulkhead, thus allowing productivity to be doubled.

In addition, Fidia’s G996 compact, upper gantry milling system is characterised by its strong monolithic structure. This model is specially designed for the machining of small and medium size workpieces, regardless of material properties. A large cast-iron bed provides a perfectly stable platform, whilst its open front doors ensure the widest possible visibility.

Increased global reach

The Fidia Group is a truly global business with facilities operational from the US to China and from Europe to the Indian sub-continent. Furthermore, new sites are being regularly added to its growing global presence. To endorse this, strong demand for its products in North America has resulted in the company taking the strategic decision to move its North American operations from Troy, Michigan, to a new 14,000 square foot headquarters facility in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

“Because our market share and customer base has steadily increased over recent years, we have found the need to expand our existing North American operations. Combine that with our partnering programme with the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Paragon Die & Engineering company to build machines right here in Grand Rapids, it became evident that we required additional manpower and facilities to better serve our existing and future customers. The new expanded facility includes an 8000 square foot warehouse and demonstration area,” said Dr Giuseppi Morfino, CEO of the Fidia Group. n

For further details of the Fidia Group’s latest range of products and services, visit: www.fidia.it