Breton Hawx machining centre

The self-supporting monolithic structure and the cross rail, carriage and ram assembly with its box-in-box architecture were designed to raise the level of precision and repeatability over time while maintaining high acceleration and speed.

The end result is a new, markedly higher benchmark for machining centres in this class.

Hornet, the head designed by Breton for this machining centre, is extremely rigid to ensure greater precision at the point most sensitive to stress, even in the most demanding machining operations.

Up to 29% more working area for the same external dimensions.

Both versions of the HAWX are built with one-piece structures, calculated using FEM methodology to optimise structural strength in relation to weight and footprint. As a result, thanks to its ultra-compact design compared with its main competitors, the Hawx offers larger machining volumes for the same floor space. Integrating the mechanical components and options into dedicated spaces inside the load-bearing structure was fundamental to this.

The Hawx has been designed for both dry and wet machining, ensuring that the dust, chips and fluids generated during machining are properly managed.

The axis guideways are well protected by bellows, and the main drive components are pressurised to keep out contamination. The roof bellows contain dust within the working area and stop it reaching the guideways. The Z-axis ball screw is enclosed and well protected. In addition to the labyrinth seal, the head is fitted with a wiper with a chevron seal, which provides complete protection when machining aggressive or abrasive materials or when using coolant. The tool magazine is located outside the machining area to protect the tool tapers.

The Breton Hawx comes with a dual safety system as standard, which includes an emergency brake on the Z-axis to prevent the axis from dropping. All pneumatic controls and actuators are monitored by safety valves and contacts.

The use of top-quality components makes it possible to carry out operations safely with the guards open, such as tool checks and workpiece inspections with the spindle rotating at low speed.

The ECO anti-collision system prevents accidental collisions between components, not only in automatic cycles but also during JOG movements.

The aim is to maximise return on investment, taking the machine's entire life cycle into account.

The modular, low-energy IO-Link system makes it quick and easy to replace sensors or install additional ones, reducing maintenance time and costs.

Maintenance costs are reduced by the VCS Rotary kit, which monitors and calibrates the machine automatically.

Protecting the servomotors with bellows and pressurisation increases reliability and extends component life, while for wet machining solutions, self-cleaning or consumable-free filter systems considerably reduce downtime and the extra costs associated with filter replacement.

 Fast response, technical expertise and speed of both on-site service and spare parts dispatch are all hallmarks of the Breton brand. These services, combined with sound engineering choices such as the use of premium components and remote servicing, enable the Hawx to achieve the highest availability rates.