Max Eickworth Expands Production with 4th Zimmermann Portal Milling Machine
The recent sale of a Zimmermann FZP27 to Max Eickworth marks a significant expansion for the German-based specialist, which focuses on everything from aerospace fixtures to 1:1 automotive models. For a manufacturer with such a diverse portfolio, the appeal of this 5-axis portal milling machine lies in its ability to treat massive scale as a secondary concern. It is designed to handle enormous workpieces without losing the high-finesse accuracy required for precision toolmaking and metrology.
The FZP27 is defined by its gantry-style architecture. By moving the gantry over a stationary workpiece, the machine maintains a rigid, vibration-resistant environment -- essential when working with materials like aluminum or ureol. Its reach is particularly impressive, offering an X-axis that can extend up to 787 inches, paired with a Z-axis clearance of nearly 79 inches. This cavernous workspace allows it to swallow boat hulls and railcar components just as easily as it handles intricate aircraft prototypes.
Under the hood, the machine focuses on high-speed efficiency. It packs a 24 kW spindle capable of 18,000 rpm, driven by the intuitive Heidenhain TNC7 control. However, the real flexibility lies in the modular head system. Users can swap between various 2-axis milling heads -- such as the S2, C2, C3, or VH10 -- to tailor the machine's torque and reach to specific geometries.
For shops like Max Eickworth, which juggle a mix of high-tech metrology and heavy-duty fabrication, the FZP27 serves as a bridge. It offers the speed for rapid prototyping and the thermal stability for long-run production, ensuring that even at nearly 800 inches of travel, the final cut remains as accurate as the first.
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