MECAL Ariel in practice
The video shows the stated model, product family or application. Equipment and the operating cycle for your configuration are confirmed separately.
Design concept
Gantry machining center for drilling, milling and tapping on profiles. The ARIEL family allows selection of the number of axes and the clamping positioning method depending on product complexity and production organization.
Technical data Machine in operation Ask about this model ↗CNC machining centres
How to understand the process.
01 / 04
From geometry to toolpath
In CNC machining, we combine the product drawing, the selected tool and access to the machining locations. The number of axes indicates how the tool can be oriented, but by itself it does not tell whether a specific part can be produced.
The animation explains the application principle. It is not a simulation of the motion or equipment of model MC 304 Ariel 5A MMI.
What defines this version ↓Key features of MC 304 Ariel 5A MMI
- Design: 5 CNC axes.
- MMI: independently motorized clamping units for simultaneous positioning.
- General data · Total installed power: 20 kW (28 kW)
- Electrospindle · Power: 10 kW / 18 kW
- Independent motorized clamps for automatic positioning.
- Materials in the manufacturer’s programme: steel, aluminium. Suitability is checked for the specific profile.
- Preparation of machining in CadCam3D; links with CAD/CAM and file import are coordinated according to the software.
- Possibility of connection to the production information system; interfaces and additional equipment according to configuration.
How to compare the version
When comparing versions, we also check the positioning of the clamps, tool space and programme preparation. The axis stroke differs from the actual usable dimension of the profile; clamping, tool length and machining angle are also important.
X-axis travel (not the workpiece dimension)7480 / 9480 / 11480 mm
Y-axis travel (not the workpiece dimension)1400 mm
Z-axis travel (not the workpiece dimension)700 mm
Number of machining units/tools12 / -
Selected data from the technical table. Multiple values mean different configurations; details are listed below.
Version details
Technical data.
| General data | ||
|---|---|---|
| Electrical supply | 400 V – 50/60 Hz – 3 ~ + N + PE | |
| Total installed power | 20 kW (28 kW) | |
| Electrospindle | ||
| Power | 10 kW | 18 kW |
| Maximum speed | 24000 | |
| Tool clamping | HSK F63 | |
| Cooling | Liquid cooling | |
| Compressed air pressure | 7 bar | |
| Air consumption | ||
| Total | 800 Nl/min | |
| Machine | 300 Nl/min | |
| Tool cooling | 250 Nl/min (per unit) | |
| Noise emission | ||
| Equivalent continuous sound level (Leq) | 79 dB(A) | |
| Tool magazine | ||
| Version | Turret magazine (on the gantry) | Single-position rotary magazine (on the gantry) |
| Number of machining units/tools | 12 | - |
| Number of saw blades | - | 1 |
| Tool data | ||
| Collets (standard/option) | ER 25 / ER 32 | |
| Maximum end mill length | 150 mm | |
| Maximum disc milling cutter diameter | 200 mm | |
| Saw blade data | ||
| Outer diameter | 450 mm | |
| Bore diameter | 32 mm | |
| Thickness | 3,8 mm | |
| Number of teeth | 108 | |
| Total machine mass | 7000 / 8000 / 9000 kg | |
| Axis data | Speed | Length |
| Axis X | 80 m/min | 7480 / 9480 / 11480 mm |
| Axis Y | 60 m/min | 1400 mm |
| Axis Z | 40 m/min | 700 mm |
| Axis A | 110 °/s | ± 181° |
| Axis C | 120 °/s | ± 321° |
The values apply to the specified model or family. More values in a row mean different versions or equipment. Standard and optional equipment as well as final dimensions are confirmed for the quotation configuration.
Technical source for this model external link
The manufacturer's original documentation opens in a new tab.
MECAL Machinery / MC 304 Ariel 5A MMI external page ↗Software / MC 304 Ariel 5A MMI
From data to machine.
From geometry to machining
The basis is the geometry of the profile and the product. Where import is supported, you transfer it from the CAD program via the appropriate module.
Define operations, tools and clamping in CAM. A drawing alone is not yet a ready machine program.
Simulation helps check the planned cycle against the entered machine, tool and clamp data. It does not replace checking the actual setup and carrying out a safe trial cycle.
Schematic view of the function · options depend on the model and equipment.- CadCam3D
- In the graphical environment, prepare the profile machining and the machine program.
- Cadlink · additional option
- Import of STEP and IGES 3D geometry from an external CAD program. After import, operations, tools and clamping must be checked.
- Production data
- For this model, the manufacturer lists MES connectivity, including OPC UA. We agree the data set, transfer direction and required modules with your system; an available interface does not mean that an ERP connection is already implemented.
Compatibility is confirmed using a sample file for the selected controller, software and machine equipment. Import, simulation and execution are separate steps: tools, clamping, machining access and a safe trial cycle must be checked.
Close-up view
Technology in detail.
From production
See it in operation.
YouTube is connected only after your permission for each playback.
Technology in cross-section
Milling of clamped profile
Explore the sequence of motions and flows. Select a phase or move the timeline slider.
01 / 04
Clamping
The profile rests on supports. The clamps hold it outside the machining area; the tool remains retracted.
Approach
The electrospindle, toolholder and milling cutter share a common axis. The assembly first approaches the surface; the cutter then enters the material at the cutting feed rate.
Machining
The electrospindle rotates the cutter. A uniform longitudinal feed at a constant depth gradually forms the slot. The profile and clamps remain stationary.
Retract
The tool is first lifted out of the material. The profile remains clamped until the end of the operation. Multi-sided machining requires the appropriate configuration.
Explanation of the principle with partial sections. The geometry, equipment and speed shown are not a technical simulation of a specific model. The design is verified against the drawing and manufacturer data.
From request to equipment
Let's talk about the MC 304 Ariel 5A MMI model.
Together we will check the suitability and prepare the configuration for your work.