We are a company that builds unique Pentapod CNC machines. These machines are built from parallel kinematics and an icosahedron enclosure. Our latest project was to build a mobile 5 axis CNC machine (PM-Series) for a company in the power plant industry. It seems that this mobile CNC machine excites the mechanical engineering and the CNC machining world.

What is a mobile 5 Axis CNC machine?

The 5 axis CNC machines are computer numerical control devices that are used to create precise and accurate parts. The machine consists of 5 axes: X, Y, Z, A, and B. The 5 axis machine is able to create more complex parts than the 3 axis cnc machines. The axes X,Y,Z are the linear axes and A,B are the rotational axes.

But our 5 axis CNC machines and especially the mobile CNC machine is different from others on the market. Our machine tools are called Pentapod machines. They are built from parallel kinematics and an icosahedron housing. Parallel kinematics means that the parallel movement of the 5 struts leads to a resulting parallel movement of the spindle. This results in greater dynamic, accuracy, and repeatability. The icosahedron housing is a unique feature that gives the machine tools a high degree of stiffness and resistance to vibration so that it can maintain high accuracy during operation.

Basically, we build two different types of 5 axis machines, one is the vertical machine (P-Series) and the other one is the mobile 5 axis CNC machine (PM-Series). The mobile machine was invented later and is specially designed for on-site machining.

This mobile Machine is an open 5-axis machine, which means that have an open frame construction to allow for large workpieces. So the upper part of the machine (the 5 struts and the icosahedron housing) can detached from the lower part and can position this 5 axis machine around a workpiece. So it is possible to machine a large part without moving it.

How is Pentapod different from other CNC machines on the market?

Pentapod is different from other CNC machines on the market because of our unique parallel kinematics and icosahedron enclosure. This 5 Struts parallel kinematic allows a 5 axis machining and an extreme dynamic (up to 1g). The complete spindle can tilt in one direction at 90°. With a rotary table, the specific part can be machined in one setup, so a 5 sided machining is possible without removing the part from the machine.

The icosahedron housing is a great addition to the machine. It gives the machine a high degree of stiffness and resistance to vibration so that it can maintain high accuracy during operation. To machine also accurately by difficult environmental conditions like high temperatures, the icosahedron frame and struts are temperatures stabilized with a constantly circulating water.

But not only machining is possible, but also metal and plastic 3D printing. In the last few years, 3D printing has become increasingly popular. So we decided to integrate this technology into our 5 axis CNC machine. Thank to the new CAM system HY5CAM from the company 1A Technologies, it’s possible to create a 3D Printed part with our CNC machines. That’s revolutionary in the CNC machining industry!

What are the benefits of having a mobile 5 axis CNC machine from METROM?

For 20 years all the Pentapod machines are building by us here in Germany. So we can guarantee a high-quality product. And if there are any problems with the machine, our team of engineers and technicians can help you quickly and easily.

So firstly you benefit from a great partnership with one of the most innovative machine builders in the world. You not only get a great machine but also great support.

Secondly, our mobile 5 axis machines are very accurate and flexible. They are perfect for machining large components such as turbines, tanks, and vessels. And with our mobile 5 axis machine, you can do the machining on-site without moving the part.

Thirdly, our machine is unique on the market. There is no other machine like our mobile 5 axis CNC machine. This machine achieves up to 10 times higher accuracy than the latest robots on the market. High precision with high power – that’s what our machine is made for.

So if you are looking for a 5 axis CNC machine that is accurate, flexible, and unique, then METROM is the perfect partner for you. We can provide you with a machine that will meet your specific needs and requirements. But we also offer on site machining as a service, so you can benefit from our 5 axis machine without having to purchase one yourself.

How will this 5 axis mobile CNC machine help the On Site Machining like in the power industry?

The mobile CNC machines from METROM are specially designed for on-site machining. With our PM-Series, you can do the 5 axis CNC machining on-site without moving the part. This is especially beneficial in the power industry where large parts such as turbines, tanks, and vessels need to be machined with high accuracy.

In power plants there a lot of big parts which wear out after some time and have to be repaired or rebuilt. So to remanufactured a large part is time and cost-intensive. Another option is to dismount a big part like a turbine and bring it to a machine shop. But this option is also very expensive because you need a crane and a truck to transport the turbine. And if the part is very big, it might not even fit in the truck. And without talking about the time which is needed to transport and to repair the turbine. And in these industries, one day of downtime can cost millions.

So the best option is to repair the turbines or vessels on-site with our 5 axis machine. It is not necessary to dismount the complete part. So the 5 axis machine comes to the part and not vice versa. This option is much more time and cost-efficient.

And our mobile machine is also optimized to transport this by truck or also plane with an AMJ Container. Then the machine is very easy to set up. You only need an electrical power connection and to position the 5 axis machine on the part. With a laser scanner, the large part and the machine can be calibrated. So the 5 axis machine knows exactly where it is and can start machining.

In conclusion, the 5 axis mobile CNC machine from METROM is the perfect solution for on-site machining. With our machine, you can save time and money while still getting the high-quality results that you need. If you are in the power or other industries and are looking for a 5 axis machine that can handle large parts with high accuracy, then METROM is the perfect partner for you. We offer both machines and services, so you can benefit from our 5 axis machine without having to purchase one yourself. Contact us today to learn more about our 5 axis mobile CNC machine and how we can help you with your on-site machining needs.