Zimmermann, a supplier of portal milling machines, featured its new 5-axis portal milling machine for lighter weight machining applications aimed at large structures at IMTS 2026 in Chicago Sept. 14-19.    

The FZU22 is part of the company’s FZP/FZU line of portal milling machines that are characterized by precision and versatility, according to the company, Machines are available in two configurations: P (Performance), requiring foundation embedding for direct bed access, and U (Unibody), which features a self-contained bed requiring no added foundation.  

The machines are built on a foundation of thermo(load)-symmetrical design and have features of advanced guide configuration. According to Zimmermann, this design allows the milling machines to be more dynamic and energy-efficient. The symmetrical design eliminates one-sided heating to ensure superior thermal accuracy, while the reduced moving mass allows the machine to operate with exceptional speed and agility, the company said.  

The FZU22 is a 5-axis milling machine capable of processing materials such as aluminum, plastics, wood, and composite materials such as carbon fiber. Its overhead gantry design enables precise machining of models and molds, while features such as a 24-tool changer, Siemens or Heidenhain CNC control, and a 15 kW spindle support accurate machining of complex contours and deep pockets, Zimmermann said. 

The FZU22 also delivers ISO 230-2 accuracy and can be configured with a choice of milling heads to accommodate a wide range of machining applications.  

Optional equipment for the FZU22 includes a touch probe, tool measuring system, work area cover, expanded tool changer, chip conveyor, mist and dust extraction, minimum quantity lubrication and a vacuum system to support a variety of machining applications. 

Other milling machines Zimmermann displayed include: 

• The FZP/FZU42 machine, designed for machining complex aluminum, steel, and titanium components. 

• The FZP/FZU37, a high-precision milling machine designed to machine aluminum and composite materials for industries including aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, and model, tool, and mold making. 

• The FZP/FZU32, designed to process materials such as aluminum, fiber composites, plastics, and Ureol, making it well suited for model, tool, and mold making applications. 

• The FZP/FZU27 line, designed for model and mold making, with the capability to machine large aluminum and Ureol components.