Five-Axis Machining Center for Efficient Job Shop Production

Makino’s T1 five-axis horizontal machining center is designed for industrial component manufacturing and aerospace job shop applications where machining both soft and hard metals is required. X-, Y- and Z-axis travels measure 1,500 × 1,300 × 2,000 mm (59.1" × 51.2" × 78.7"), and the A axis tilts +45 to -110 degrees, enabling a -90-degree spindle centerline positioning to 550 mm (21.6") beyond pallet center, coupled with a deep-chest column design. The 1,000-mm (39.3") pallets accommodate workpieces ranging to 1,500 mm in diameter by 1,500 mm tall (59.1" × 59.1") and weighing as much as 3,000 kg (6,600 lbs).

The T1 machining center features an A/B-axis configuration that eliminates the need to tilt the workpiece by shifting A-axis motion to the spindle side. The configuration is also said to avoid shifting mass deflections caused by tilting the workpiece, promoting accuracy. The B-axis rotary table offers a 360-degree rotational speed of 3,600 degrees per minute, supported by 10,000 Nm of continuous torque (29,000 Nm peak). The spindle-tilting A-axis offers 6,300 Nm of continuous torque (20,000 Nm peak) and a compact 400-mm (15.7 inches) pivot distance.

The direct-drive spindle with HSK-A100 interface enables machining in a range of materials, including titanium, nickel-based alloys and aluminum. Continuous power of 56 kW (75 hp) is maintained from 1,000 rpm to the maximum 12,000-rpm level. High-pressure, high-volume, through-spindle coolant delivers as much as 1,000 psi at 26 gpm. Twin coolant tanks each store 264 gallons of water-soluble coolant, and a cyclonic filtration and temperature controller ensure that clean, thermally stable coolant is continuously available. Twin internal hinge conveyors and a dual-layer lift-up chip conveyor remove chips from the machine. The 60-station automatic toolchanger and automatic pallet changer help to ensure uninterrupted operation. A 137-station ATC is also available. The machining center can be integrated with Makino Machining Complex (MMC2), an automatic pallet transfer and storage system for unattended operation.