The latest machining center from Sodick, the UX450L, was released in 2023 and officially began sales in Thailand in 2024. In this article, we introduce the features of the "UX450L," the successor to the linear motor driven machining center "UH430L."

Warm up in just 20 seconds! Equipped with a unique thermal displacement function

The "UX450L" is equipped with an in-house developed NC device and linear motor, reducing the spindle head weight by 8.3% to significantly improve axis response characteristics. Additionally, the ATC mechanism has been improved to halve tool change time compared to conventional models, achieving high-speed and high-precision machining. The machine also includes an energy-saving idle stop function that automatically shuts off power supply during periods of inactivity to reduce power consumption.

【Main Features of the UX450L】
■ High-Rigidity Gantry Structure
The newly mounted linear motion guide boasts ultra-high rigidity with low waviness and damping characteristics comparable to a hydrostatic guideway, minimizing vibration caused by rolling elements entering and exiting. This contributes to improved surface quality in micro-precision machining applications.

▲ Structure of the linear motor driven machining center "UX450L"

■ New Spindle with Enhanced Thermal Displacement Compensation
To achieve high-precision machining, thermal displacement is compensated by cooling the spindle with coolant to suppress displacement of the tool tip and postural deformation of the machine body caused by heat generated during spindle rotation. Additionally, the spindle orientation function prevents phase changes during tool loading and unloading to improve cutting edge runout accuracy. An innovative new technology reduces the warm-up time from the previous 15–30 minutes to just 20 seconds, significantly enhancing productivity.

▲ Designed for shallow cutting and high-speed machining, minimizing thermal impact on the tool

■ Machining Recorder Function
Similar to a car's drive recorder, this feature records video and images during machining or when errors occur. These can be displayed on the CNC screen and are useful for investigating causes of machining issues or errors. The recorded data can also be saved to an external USB memory.
Approximately 160 instances are saved in the event of an error
Data is stored for about 5 hours during machining.

■ Simplified Program Creation Function
For tasks such as simple hole drilling, surface machining, and workpiece centering, machining programs can be executed instantly by entering the required data into the parameters on the CNC screen.

High-Precision Machining that Surpasses Ball Screw Drive!
What Are the Characteristics of Sodick’s Linear Motor?

The "UX450L" is equipped with Sodick's proprietary linear motor, which provides significant advantages in precision machining compared to ball screw drive.

【Comparison of Features: Linear Motor vs. Ball Screw】

	Linear Motor	Ball Screw
Advantages	・Direct cooling (patented) ・Excellent acceleration characteristics High roundness ・High durability ・Reduced lost motion ・No backlash	・Can be machined with high torque ・Low cost
Disadvantage	・High cost	・Requires cooling ・Acceleration cannot be increased ・Risk of backlash ・Wear and tear; requires replacement

Sodick's linear motor eliminates lost motion and backlash, enabling higher precision machining.

In recent years, the evolution of smartphones and tablets has increased demand for high-functionality components and high-precision machining. As a result, there has been a shift from manual to machining operations, leading to the development of high-precision machining centers capable of machining high-hardness materials with diamond tools and performing mirror finishing on optical lenses.

Sodick's 'UX450L' is an innovative machining center that is shaping the future of manufacturing. We invite you to experience its outstanding performance firsthand.

If you are looking for machine tools (EDM machines, injection molding machines, machining centers, or metal 3D printers) in Thailand, please contact us using the form below.