June 22, 2004

Indianapolis — Hurco introduces the VM1 Graphite – a powerful new vertical machining center designed specifically for graphite work, but is also ideal for machining plastics and light metals.

“Many of our mold making customers worldwide tell us they need a cost-effective graphite machine,” states Jim Fabris, Hurco Chief Operating Officer and President. “We’ve incorporated some quality components and modifications for dust collection into the proven design of the VM1, and the result is an exceptional graphite machine package.”

The VM1 Graphite has travels of 26 inch x 14 inch x 18 inch with spindle speeds from 20,000-30,000 RPM. The spindle will use 30 taper tooling with the swing arm ATC. To minimize dust contamination, the metal telescoping way covers will have positive air flow. The machine enclosure can accommodate a customer-provided central dust collection system or to an optional system from Hurco. The high-speed spindle is cooled with refrigerated liquid to provide a long life and thermal stability.

Hurco’s easy-to-use UltiMax® control will provide expanded memory and network software to facilitate large CAM generated programs, which are common in graphite electrode work. Converting CAD drawings by using Hurco’s DXF transfer software option and contouring rates up to 600 IPM can also be achieved using UltiMax.

The VM1 Graphite will be officially introduced at IMTS 2004 in Hurco’s booth (A-8117) and available for sale in September 2004.