Cutting Tool Engineering reported on June 30 that Max Eickworth GmbH, a Bremen-Arsten manufacturer of aviation and aerospace components, integrated a Zimmermann FZP27 portal milling machine to expand production capability. The report said the CNC 5-axis gantry machine is used for large-volume aluminum or ureol components, has X-axis travel from 118.11 to 787.40 inches, Y-axis travel from 98.43 to 157.48 inches, Z-axis travel from 59.06 to 78.74 inches, a 24 kW spindle at 18,000 rpm, Heidenhain TNC7 control, and multiple 2-axis milling-head options. It also said the machine can support work from automotive 1:1 models to large aircraft parts, boat hulls, railcar components, prototypes, and production parts. For CNC buyers, the impact is that large-part machine selection must be proven with workpiece envelope, material, fixture and checking method, control/head configuration, prototype-versus-production intent, acceptance method, and service expectations before a model or platform is locked. RFQs for vertical turn-mill-grinding centers, gantry-type vertical platforms, and CNC vertical lathes need explicit proof requirements rather than relying only on nominal machine size.
What this means for CNC buyers
For large-part CNC RFQs, include the workpiece envelope, material, target platform, prototype-versus-production intent, fixture and checking method, required head or turret configuration, control expectations, acceptance method, installation constraints, and service responsibilities before final model selection.
RFQ details to prepare
- Part drawing, sample photos, material, blank size, diameter, height, and weight.
- Current process route, number of setups, transfer points, clamping risks, and bottleneck operation.
- Required turning, milling, drilling, tapping, grinding, boring, inspection, or automation needs.
- Tolerance, surface finish, inspection method, target cycle time, annual quantity, and destination country.
- Preferred model range, factory space limits, loading method, packing, installation, and support expectations.