FICEP introduces the Gemini, an advanced CNC machine for machining hard metals. The Gemini combines drilling, machining, marking and cutting functions on a moving gantry. It is fitted with powerful spindles and an advanced sub-axis and clamping system, allowing it to easily machine very hard steel grades. The sub-axis system enables helical milling, drilling and machining over a large area in a single setup. This innovation allows tapping holes directly in hard metals, saving on tooling costs. The Gemini provides a more productive and accurate solution than separate drilling and cutting machines. It reduces costs through higher machine utilization and avoiding issues like improper part fit-up from multi-machine processes.

1.
Revolutionary solution for machining and cutting hard metals
FICEP the global leader of innovative CNC machines for the steel construction industry, introduce the
most advanced machine for machining and cutting hard metal plates. The GEMINI range from FICEP
combines drilling, machining, marking and cutting on a moving gantry. They are fitted with a heavy
duty spindles from 15 to 58kW. When combined with the advanced sub‐axis and clamping system, it
has the rigidity and power to easily machine Hardox 600, Bisalloy 600, Raex 450 and Optim 700
steels.
The sub‐axis system allows customers to helical mill, drill and machine an area of 400mm x
3000mm+ in one setup. The great benefit from the sub‐axis gives customers the opportunity to
accurately helical mill holes and then thread mill tapped holes in hard metals. This innovation gives
designers flexibility to save costs using "tapped" holes and machined faces in hard metals, directly
off the cutting machine table. This has the extra advantage of saving tooling inventory, one tap or
mill for multiple hole sizes.
Thread milling gives customers confidence to cut threads due to
a. Smoother cutting with short chips
b. Improves surface finish in many materials
c. Better chip flow
d. Increased tool life
e. Straighter thread
f. Less tool breakage
g. less tooling expense
FICEP is well known in the global construction industry for designing and building a range of metal
working machines for 85 years. The Gemini is an extension on this global experience with the
development of the moving gantry plate working system, designed in Australia and manufactured in
Italy.
Combination moving gantry plate working machines have multiple operations on the one platform,
this gives customers an immediate cost benefit with a reduction in labour, material handling, stock
levels and factory floor space. The Gemini goes further with customers able to confidently machine
and mark plates before cutting. The total result of this approach is to significantly reduce lead time
and improve reliability of deliveries.

2. There are a number of manufacturers of combination machines. They range from small drilling
stations mounting on a standard cutting beam to purpose designed drilling and cutting machine
tools. Efforts to produce value for customers have resulted in machines that are either not rigid
enough, too large, clumsy and expensive. The Gemini is a twin beam structure with the only full
width clamping system ensuring the machining platform is rigid and can drill or machine multiple
operations in one setting. It is the most productive and accurate combination drilling and cutting
machine in the world.
When looking at the price of an advanced moving gantry plate working machine, some customers
immediate reaction is they could get two machines for the same price… and assume that two
machines would have a higher output than one.
Every case is different, and there are no doubt some cases where two machines would be the better
choice, however in many cases the combined machine will produce lower cost parts than two
machines because of the following:
a. Operating costs are halved. You need only one operator
b. No inter‐machine handling, cleanup and part tracking
c. Much less waiting time for cranes and forklifts.
d. No fixturing time and jig making
e. Much higher machine utilization
f. Lower inventory costs
g. More consistent accuracy, fewer rejects
h. Faster and simpler welding, because of better fit up
i. Lower management and supervisory costs, (tracking parts from cell to cell)
j. Less process interruptions ( higher in‐cycle time)
k. Less maintenance costs ‐ one system to look after rather than two
l. More flexibility in response to changed needs
The two versus one argument also makes the mistake of assuming that the loading on two machines
is always balanced such that the drilling machine always has parts ready to drill; this can only be the
case if you create a lot of work in progress by cutting ahead… and even if you do this you cannot be
sure you will have cut the right parts.
The true cost of a part is determined by the amount of resources it consumes and the length of time
it is in process. Most parts made on the advanced moving gantry plate working machine consume
less resources and are finished faster than on the multi machine approach.
FICEP continues to support advanced manufacturing with the Gemini. The Gemini is complimented
by an extensive range of fabrication equipment for construction. Now customers can have one
global supplier for all steel construction steel metal working machines.
For more information please call or email
Bernard Regan
0419891512
bregan@promand.com.au