Efficient 5-Axis Horizontal Machining Centre

A new addition to the Makino family of 5-axis machining centres for the production of complex parts is announced by UK and Ireland agent, NCMT. With a working volume of 730 x 750 x 700 mm, the a500Z horizontal-spindle model features a highly rigid structure and low inertia, endowing it with production efficiency similar to that of a 4-axis machine.

The one-piece bed casting, slant-bed design and three-point support offer high stiffness and stability, while the innovative swivelling table has minimal overhang for superior rigidity. High positioning accuracy is assured by the short distance between the A-axis pivot point and the workpiece.

A 303 Nm HSK-A63 Makino spindle ensures productive machining, especially in difficult materials. So too does the ability to use inertia active control during simultaneous 5-axis metalcutting to optimally accelerate and decelerate workpieces measuring up to 630 mm diameter by 500 mm high and weighing a maximum of 400 kg. The standard automatic tool changer accommodates up to 60 cutters and achieves a chip-to-chip time of 2.4 seconds. High-speed automatic pallet change is an additional, efficiency-enhancing feature.

Makino machines are renowned for their temperature control technology and the a500Z is no exception. A thermally symmetrical structure is combined with effective heat removal from the spindle, core-cooled ballscrews and motors to ensure machining accuracy during long hours of operation. Direct-drive motors on the rotary axes are fitted with cooling jackets to suppress heat generation.

Effective coolant and chip management is a necessity if a machine is intended for elevated levels of productivity and consequently generates high volumes of chips. Contrary to the conventional 5-axis trunnion table setup, the a500Z has a wide trough located beneath the table. A generous flow of coolant from a comprehensive washing system that encompasses the pallet loading area prevents chips accumulating by ensuring that they fall directly into the trough.

To complement its enhanced productivity, the machining centre features the Makino Professional 6 (PRO 6) control, which is said to be easy for inexperienced operators to learn.

Features like Geometric Intelligence (GI) advanced motion control reduce overall cycle times. GI Drilling enables the spindle and tool to follow an arc from hole to hole instead of moving along linear paths, reducing non-cutting times. GI Milling is designed to improve 2D profiling performance by letting the user define a tolerance on each corner milling path.

Automation is available for both pallet and parts handling, including the MMC2 and VIP which employ 6-axis robots. Standard automation systems available on the market can similarly be integrated with the machine easily.