Improving Five-Axis Performance

Makino's D500 five-axis VMC is designed for complex part production where part quality is paramount, the company says. The work zone for the center is 500 × 450 mm. The X, Y and Z axes provide strokes up to 550, 1000 and 500 mm respectively. Rotary table axes A and C provide rotational motion of +30 to -120 degrees on the A axis and a full 360 degrees on the C axis. The center is capable of rapid rates up to 50 m/min and is equipped with a 14,000 rpm, high-power spindle. 20,000 and 30,000 rpm core-cooled spindles are also available on the VMC.

The VMC uses three direct-drive motors for the C-axis rotary table and the A-axis trunnion. One direct drive motor controls the C-axis motion. Two direct-drive motors control motion in the A axis—one at each end of the trunnion. The dual motor design is said to provide greater torque and rigidity than previous models. The length of the trunnion assembly runs parallel to the X-axis motion only, making the trunnion assembly deflection-free during quick axis motion. The center features roller linear guideways across all linear axes for extra rigidity. Y and Z axes are located above the work zone, while the X axis is located on the bed side of the machine.

Tool Center Point control (TCP) allows programming based on the tool tip so that the tool compensation feature can be applied. Further TPC developments improve the cutter path to achieve greater surface quality. Dedicated user-friendly screens are developed to simplify the overall application of five-axis machining. Functions are included to prevent interference between the spindle and the trunnion during automatic operation to improve risk-free production.

An automatic pallet changer can be added to the VMC at any time and can be integrated into the company’s MMC2 pallet system.