Process
Technical Insights
When a workpiece exceeds the standard stroke, many buyers immediately look for a machine with a longer travel. In fact the X-axis stroke of all three models can be extended to order, so a long workpiece alone is not a reason to change model. What does need confirming early are the four points below.
1. Will the extended machine fit the shop floor
Extending the stroke directly increases overall length and footprint. Before ordering, check the actual extended dimensions against aisle width, door width and the intended station, and leave room for operation and loading. This is the point most often overlooked and hardest to fix on installation day.
2. Number and spacing of fixtures
The number and spacing of support points directly affect vibration and dimensional consistency. The longer the workpiece, the more intermediate support is needed to prevent unsupported spans from deflecting and chattering under cutting force. Fixture type should follow the section shape, using several pneumatic clamping zones where necessary.
3. Segmented machining and witness marks
- When the stroke covers the full length, prefer one setup to avoid witness marks
- If segmentation is unavoidable, allow overlap and keep a unified datum
- Place the locating datum for long parts as close to the machining area as possible
4. Loading and unloading method
Beyond a certain length, manual handling raises both labour intensity and safety risk. Decide at the proposal stage whether auxiliary supports, lifting devices or roller conveying are needed, rather than improvising after the machine arrives.
Travels and load capacity across three models (all travels extendable to order)
| Model | X / Y / Z travel (mm) | Table size (mm) | Max. table load | Typical workpiece length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WGT-3000G | 3000 / 350 / 300 | 3000 × 350 | — | Precision light-alloy profiles up to 3 m |
| WGTA-4500 | 4500 / 450 / 400 | 4500 × 460 | 3000 kg | Steel and aluminium profiles up to 4.5 m |
| WGTB-6500 | 6500 / 650 / 500 | 6500 × 650 | 5000 kg | Heavy beams and large parts up to 6.5 m |
Frequently asked questions
- Does extending the X axis reduce machining accuracy?
- On a properly engineered machine, extension mainly affects floor space and deflection control rather than the command accuracy at control level. Confirm two things: whether bed support and guideway specification are upgraded to suit the extended travel, and whether the builder states an acceptance standard for accuracy in the extended condition. Have both written into the technical agreement before you order.
- Do workpieces over 6 m have to be machined in sections?
- Complete them in one setup wherever possible. When travel covers the full length, avoiding sectioning eliminates witness marks and repeat-locating error. Where sectioning is unavoidable, allow an overlap between sections, keep a common datum across programs, and fit re-settable locating stops on the fixture so the relationship between the two sections stays repeatable.
- How should clamp spacing be determined for long workpieces?
- The rule is that support must sit close to where the cutting force acts, so no unsupported span can deflect or chatter. Spacing follows section stiffness: thin-walled, small sections need closer support. In practice start with more supports than you think you need, record hole position deviation and chatter per span, then relax to an economic spacing and freeze it in the fixture drawing. Several pneumatic clamp groups working by zone are what keep clamping force identical from part to part.
- Does a workpiece longer than 6 m mean we have to buy a more expensive model?
- No. Travel can be extended to order, so length alone is not a reason to change models; the choice depends on material class and required operations. What you do need to settle early is whether the extended machine fits the building - aisle widths, door widths and the intended station - and whether you need auxiliary support stands, lifting gear or roller conveyors. Those cannot be improvised after the machine arrives.
Providing the workpiece length range, section dimensions and a shop floor plan usually gets you a complete proposal covering stroke, fixture layout and loading recommendations before quotation.