Roeders' RPT VMCs: A New Standard in Precision Machining

Milling platforms New Roeders RPT Series redefines sub-micron machining for mould making

2025-04-12 Source: Hurco Europe 3 min Reading Time

Related Vendors

LOG_ENT_Meusburger-M-s-dxf_#SALL_#AMS_#V1.jpg ()

Roeders’ new RPT series of vertical machining centres (VMCs) promises to set a new standard in precision for industries like mould and die making. Offering exceptional accuracy, with tolerances half that of existing models, the RPT VMCs integrate advanced temperature control and Nanotol technology to achieve sub-micron precision.

Machining area of the RPT800DSH in which, for the first time, the machine table and rotary axis bearings, in addition to the torque motors, are thermally controlled. Spindle zero point in the Z-axis is measured to sub-micron accuracy using an external, non-contact sensor to enable growth compensation.(Source: Roeders/ Hurco) — Machining area of the RPT800DSH in which, for the first time, the machine table and rotary axis bearings, in addition to the torque motors, are thermally controlled. Spindle zero point in the Z-axis is measured to sub-micron accuracy using an external, non-contact sensor to enable growth compensation.
(Source: Roeders/ Hurco)

German vertical machining centre (VMC) manufacturer Roeders, whose machines are sold into the UK and Irish markets exclusively by Hurco Europe, is in the process of rolling out a new range of milling platforms, with optional integral grinding capability, that can achieve very tight tolerances on workpieces machined on the shop floor.

The RPT series of 3- and 5-axis VMCs are said to be able to achieve tolerances half those obtainable using Roeders' established RXP machines, which already achieve world-class accuracy and surface finish. The latest VMCs can be kept geometrically stable to within ±1 micron, even if the ambient temperature fluctuates as much as three degrees Celsius.

Gallery

Sixth-generation managing director Juergen Roeders in front of an RPT800DSH 5-axis VMC in the assembly hall at the manufacturer's factory in Soltau, Germany.(Source: Roeders/ Hurco)

Achieving this level of precision would normally require the machine tool to be housed in an air conditioned environment, but this would entail considerable expense both to install and to power. Roeders has concentrated instead on holistic temperature management within the machine and has transcended conventional methods with the integration of Precitemp technology to achieve a high level of consistency and repeatability. Three increasingly sophisticated levels of temperature compensation and sensor feedback to the CNC system may be specified by a customer, according to their requirements.

A combination of some or all of the following cooling measures can be involved: temperature control of, for the first time, the machine table and rotary axis bearings in addition to the torque motors in the trunnion-type 5-axis machines, and of the air in the working area, surrounding the axis drives and in upper part of the machine guarding.

Thermal stability of the portal structure and machine bed is maintained by embedded pipework carrying chilled water. There is similar circuitry for the spindle and its surrounding sleeve to prevent growth in the Z-axis, which is monitored to sub-micron accuracy by an external, non-contact sensor. Any remaining minimal residual errors are compensated for by software algorithms derived in the course of the development process of the machines.

During milling, displacements occur orthogonally to the direction of axis travel. Although these lie in the sub-micron range, they can negatively impact surface quality when machining a workpiece using a ball nose milling cutter, for example. So to minimise even these minute movements, Roeders has adopted Nanotol technology, whereby the carriages housing the roller bearings along the linear axes have been optimised to reduce transverse movement, significantly improving precision.

Seco LN4-11 helical milling cutters (Source: Seco)

The structural integrity of the RPT series has been meticulously engineered to minimise vibration. The robust machine frame, coupled with advanced damping technology, creates a stable platform on which the most intricate machining operations can be performed reliably. This foundation underpins an ability to deliver exceptional surface finish and dimensional accuracy, even at high machining speeds.

A big market for Roeders machines worldwide is the mould and die making sector, where the high surface finish obtainable minimises and sometimes eliminates the need for hand finishing. However, there is a tendency for ever higher precision to be specified on drawings in other industries as well, notably aerospace and medical, which RPT machines are well suited to achieve.

Driving the RPT series is the manufacturer's intuitive CNC system, designed with the operator in mind. The control simplifies programming and optimises machining processes, allowing complex toolpaths and advanced machining strategies to be generated. The control system’s user-friendly interface reduces setup times and increases overall productivity.

Subscribe to the newsletter now

Don't Miss out on Our Best Content

Business E-mail

Please enter a valid mailadress.

By clicking on „Subscribe to Newsletter“ I agree to the processing and use of my data according to the consent form (please expand for details) and accept the Terms of Use. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. The consent declaration relates, among other things, to the sending of editorial newsletters by email and to data matching for marketing purposes with selected advertising partners (e.g., LinkedIn, Google, Meta)

Date: 08.12.2025

Naturally, we always handle your personal data responsibly. Any personal data we receive from you is processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. For detailed information please see our privacy policy.

Consent to the use of data for promotional purposes

I hereby consent to Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG, Max-Planck-Str. 7-9, 97082 Würzburg including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG (hereafter: Vogel Communications Group) using my e-mail address to send editorial newsletters. A list of all affiliated companies can be found here

Newsletter content may include all products and services of any companies mentioned above, including for example specialist journals and books, events and fairs as well as event-related products and services, print and digital media offers and services such as additional (editorial) newsletters, raffles, lead campaigns, market research both online and offline, specialist webportals and e-learning offers. In case my personal telephone number has also been collected, it may be used for offers of aforementioned products, for services of the companies mentioned above, and market research purposes.

Additionally, my consent also includes the processing of my email address and telephone number for data matching for marketing purposes with select advertising partners such as LinkedIn, Google, and Meta. For this, Vogel Communications Group may transmit said data in hashed form to the advertising partners who then use said data to determine whether I am also a member of the mentioned advertising partner portals. Vogel Communications Group uses this feature for the purposes of re-targeting (up-selling, cross-selling, and customer loyalty), generating so-called look-alike audiences for acquisition of new customers, and as basis for exclusion for on-going advertising campaigns. Further information can be found in section “data matching for marketing purposes”.

In case I access protected data on Internet portals of Vogel Communications Group including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG, I need to provide further data in order to register for the access to such content. In return for this free access to editorial content, my data may be used in accordance with this consent for the purposes stated here. This does not apply to data matching for marketing purposes.

Right of revocation

I understand that I can revoke my consent at will. My revocation does not change the lawfulness of data processing that was conducted based on my consent leading up to my revocation. One option to declare my revocation is to use the contact form found at https://contact.vogel.de. In case I no longer wish to receive certain newsletters, I have subscribed to, I can also click on the unsubscribe link included at the end of a newsletter. Further information regarding my right of revocation and the implementation of it as well as the consequences of my revocation can be found in the data protection declaration, section editorial newsletter.

In the world of high-precision manufacturing, rapid setup and vigilant monitoring of the machining process are important, so improvements have been made to the operator’s visibility, and access from two sides, into the working area. The doors now open at the touch of a button for added convenience, while automation is also facilitated by the new design. Machine uptime is a critical factor, so ease of servicing has been prioritised. The modular construction and ready accessibility to interior components simplify maintenance procedures, minimising downtime and maximising availability.

(ID:50386278)