SCM has introduced two new CNC machining centers that enrich and complement its range for nesting processing: “morbidelli x50” and “morbidelli x100.” We discussed these with Bruno Di Napoli, Business Unit Manager of SCM’s Work Centers and Drilling Division.
Innovations at SCM are unstoppable. The Rimini-based giant recently unveiled its new CNC work centers, “morbidelli x50” and “morbidelli x100,” at an event held at the company’s headquarters in Rimini. These two models add to the already extensive “morbidelli x” range, and we spoke with Bruno Di Napoli, Business Unit Manager of SCM’s work centers and drilling division, about them.
Bruno Di Napoli
“We’ve studied every detail to make these machines fit modern needs, with particular attention to accessibility and operational sustainability. It’s been an interesting challenge: five years ago, we introduced the “morbidelli x200” and “morbidelli x400,” which received excellent feedback right away. This success motivated us to continue developing new solutions and upgrades that would help us maintain our leading position in the nesting sector, where competition has intensified,” explained Bruno Di Napoli. “Once again, the driving force behind these new solutions is the company’s desire to focus on the customer and their experience using the machine.
Whether it’s software programming aspects, digital connectivity, ergonomics, or ease of use, our goal is to always ensure the operator works in the safest possible conditions without compromising practicality or production efficiency.”
But what are the highlights of the new models from SCM?
“MORBIDELLI X50” AND “X100”: THE INNOVATIONS
In terms of software, in addition to the new “Maestro lab” CAD/CAM design system for both office and machine programming, “morbidelli x50” and “morbidelli x100” feature the “SCM Smart cut” algorithm. This reduces both unproductive times and waste, leading to a reduction in energy consumption and material scrap, making them ideal solutions for cutting smaller nesting pieces. “SCM Smart cut” applies cutting sequences and technologies that, without affecting speed or the piece arrangement in the program, improve finish quality and reduce cycle times. “Thanks to this solution – Di Napoli continues – we can now guarantee zero defects, with all the advantages that come with it.”
Both work centers also feature the “SMS – Spoilboard Management System” software, a solution that, thanks to a precise calculation performed on the machine, helps the operator manage the sacrificial board by proactively signaling when it needs to be ground or replaced.
“morbidelli x50”
“MORBIDELLI X50”
Among the main features of the “morbidelli x50” is the introduction of the High Grip Vacuum technology on the worktable. This ensures even better piece holding thanks to an exclusive deflector patented by SCM, which distributes the vacuum across the entire table, maximizing hold even when the panels are smaller than the machine’s total area.
Another great advantage of “morbidelli x50” is its flexibility, thanks to the “XS Device,” which helps the operator refer to and work directly on the sacrificial board for all pieces, even the smallest ones. Additionally, the “Safe – Safe Advanced Fixed Equipment” protection system guarantees the operator’s maximum safety, thanks to a perimeter photocell system that allows free access on all four sides for full-field operations.
“The pluses of the ‘morbidelli x50’ are completed by the top performance of the drilling units, with the “Ro.Ax” technology running at 8,000 RPM, and the milling units capable of nesting at speeds of up to 40 meters per minute.”
The “x50” was designed from the outset as a stand-alone solution, while the “x100” can evolve into a complete or semi-cell. This allows the customer to start with a targeted investment and, over time, increase the machine’s performance and expand its functionalities according to their development. These solutions ensure productivity, practicality, and safety, which were the primary goals of our project. We also considered the increasing difficulty in finding experienced operators, due to a generational shift that has been slow to materialize, and with younger workers still needing to gain experience. That’s why we designed a machine that’s intuitive and safe, even for less experienced operators. Safety, in particular, is a fundamental value for SCM. For us, an injury is absolutely intolerable. That’s why we’ve developed devices that protect the machine 360 degrees, without compromising efficiency or increasing the machine’s footprint.”
“morbidelli x100”
“MORBIDELLI X100”
The innovation at the heart of SCM’s new nesting work centers is further amplified with the “morbidelli x100.”
Among the standout features is the model’s high versatility in configuration: it’s available in different versions, from the stand-alone machine to the integrated cell with the “flexstore” automatic warehouse, as well as the “push” and “mat” versions. The “push” features an automatic pusher, while the “mat” comes with a motorized discharge conveyor to simplify and speed up the exit of parts, all while ensuring total safety and, in the latter case, without manual intervention.
Another distinguishing feature is the maximum piece holding ensured by the “Smart vacuum” system. This concentrates the vacuum only in areas that still need processing, thus preventing dispersion in areas already nested. This innovation adds to an already highly performing worktable with the “Phe – Phenolic High Efficiency” technology, specifically designed for use with sacrificial panels.
“The ‘X100’ is a technology that can meet the demands of even more demanding customers, with higher production requirements. It can accommodate more powerful spindle motors and work faster, with more tools.”
“ACCORD 500” AND “ACCORD 600”: THE INNOVATIONS
Not just nesting, SCM has also presented upgrades for the “accord 500” and “accord 600” work centers dedicated to panel processing and the furniture world, but still “According to wood.” While the range’s strengths remain unchanged, such as the dual-motor “gantry” structure, the high-performance five-axis operator group, the dust extraction systems for maintaining machine and surrounding area cleanliness, high-capacity tool magazines with the intelligent management system “Maestro power TMS,” and the “Maestro lab” CAD/CAM design and programming software, there are several new additions in the range.
These include the patented “Optizone” system, connected to the “Maestro lab” software, for CNC work centers with bar processing (it will be possible to define the size of the two work areas based on the pieces to be worked during programming), and the new “SVP – Single Vacuum Pods” function for independent piece clamping on each semi-plane. This allows for multiple independent vacuum zones so that pieces can be loaded into the machine with only one vacuum pod activated at a time. These functions allow for optimal waste management and are particularly useful for asymmetric working areas.
Additionally, SCM has increased the Y-axis worktable length to 1,900, compared to the current Y-axis length of 1,600 (for more efficient and simple horizontal processing within pieces clamped with five-axis spindles), and has installed new milling, drilling, and multifunctional units that offer greater configurability for the operator group. Last but not least, the new “accord” models will feature a new chain tool magazine, “Quadro 35,” positioned at the rear of the mobile portal, ideal for those who need easy and quick access to multiple tool stations in a small space.
“We’ve made significant improvements to expand processing possibilities for different materials and products,” commented Bruno Di Napoli. “The drilling heads have been enhanced, offering greater capacity and versatility. The worktables have been optimized in terms of size and performance, while the new spindle motors, equipped with innovative tool-changing systems, are designed to adapt to different configurations and operating spaces. These upgrades allow us to offer highly customized solutions, tailored to each customer’s specific needs, ensuring greater expertise and flexibility in approaching increasingly diversified materials and applications”.
How did the 2023/2024 biennium go for the Work Centers and Drilling Business Unit?
“The year 2023 was complex, with ups and downs, but still positive in the context of a medium-term trend,” explains Di Napoli. “Compared to pre-Covid (2019), the results were significantly better, indicating that the company has maintained solid growth despite global difficulties. 2024 began with uncertainties similar to 2023, but quickly stabilized, with superior performance in several months. Projections indicate that the year will close better than the previous one, partly due to a recovery in purchasing power and the resumption of consumption, which could stimulate new investments in the sector. After the boom related to Industry 4.0 and the post-Covid period, the market is finding a new balance, with signs of recovery and a return to confidence from both consumers and businesses”.
New solutions looking to the future. What are the market demands?
“Productivity and flexibility must always go hand in hand. Today, customers seek customized products, while companies need to offer modular solutions. Another fundamental need is machine ease of use, in response to labor shortages, and digitalization that makes information easily accessible and understandable. To sell successfully, you must thoroughly know your product and understand the customer’s real needs. Only then can you overcome communication barriers and offer concrete solutions to the customer’s daily problems. Listening attentively to both expressed and unexpressed needs is the key to building a trusted relationship and responding effectively to market demands. This is the direction we’ve always followed at SCM.”
What will the pillars of the future be?
“SCM’s research and development path is and will increasingly center on services and digitalization, along with the need to provide customers with efficient, high-performance solutions that are also safe and easy to use. Offering our customers high-value post-sale service is crucial for establishing a continuous, shared relationship and supporting them in any specific need. SCM doesn’t just want to be a supplier, but a partner that, in addition to technology, provides software, services, and constantly updated expertise.”
