Mazak Discover More Midwest Event

On display was the Mega 8800 super high-torque machining center designed for processing difficult-to-machine materials. It provides the thrust force (921 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 spindle rpm) necessary for efficient, accurate and productive heavy-duty cutting of tough materials such as Inconel and titanium.

A Palletech System was shown with two different types of machines: the Orbitec 20 and the Horizontal Center Nexus 6800. Because both the Orbitec and HCN 6800 machines utilize a common pallet size, parts can undergo various turning operations on the Orbitec and then transfer to the HCN 6800 for final processing without having to be re-fixtured. In this system, Mazak’s PMC-WEB cell controller software enables shops to monitor operations, view and change schedules on-the-fly, manage part program files from anywhere on the network, track tool life/breakage and issue instructions to the shop floor.

The Palletech System features this rail-mounted pallet transfer system that provides the automation to move parts from machine to machine and in and out of the pallet rack.

Six multitasking machines were on display, including this Integrex j 400. It features turning spindles with programmable C-axis motion, a tailstock, Y-axis travel, a milling headstock with B-axis travel and a tool magazine with automatic tool changing. Mazak categorizes this machine at Level 3 within the 5 Levels of Multitasking.

A number of suppliers in Mazak’s VIP (Value Inspired Partners) program had table-top displays and/or demos. Here, Vytas Cijunelis of Esprit DP Technology, steps through the CAM programming features in Esprit that help users prepare programs that maximize multitasking productivity. Advanced simulation, he says, enables part programs to be used confidently without time-consuming prove-out on the machine tool. Esprit works closely with Mazak to enhance its effectiveness for this builder’s multitasking machines.