Published 10/19/2012

Simultaneous Five-Axis Design Efficiently Machines Multiple Workpiece Surfaces

Mazak offers its versatile Variaxis i-800 machining center with full, simultaneous five-axis capabilities.

Edited by: MMS Editorial Team

Mazak offers its versatile Variaxis i-800 machining center with full, simultaneous five-axis capabilities. The high-accuracy machine is capable of performing multiple and complex curved surface machining on large, heavy workpieces in single setups, the company says. The machine is part of Mazak’s Done-In-One concept and is classified as a Level 4 machine on its Five Levels of Multi-Tasking scale.

With X- and Y-axis travel measuring 28.74" × 33.46" (730 × 850 mm), respectively, the machine can accommodate workpieces as large as 39.37" (1,000 mm) in diameter and 19.69" (500 mm) tall. Its roller gear cam-driven rotary/tilt table provides 360 degrees of rotation in the C axis and +30 degrees through -120 degrees of tilt in the A axis.

The machine is equipped with a 10,000-rpm, 40-hp, 50-taper spindle with a compact nose design to increase the Z-axis stroke to 22.05" (560 mm) and improve overall machining stability by enabling the use of shorter tools. An optional 18,000-rpm spindle is also available. The machine features a cam-driver toolchanger and a magazine capacity ranging from 30 to 120 tools.

The machining center is capable of 1,654 ipm (42 m/min.) rapid traverse rates in the X, Y and Z axes. The MX hybrid roller guide system is said to increase vibration damping, extend tool life, accommodate higher load capacities and eliminate tramp oil in the coolant with a greener, grease-based lubrication.

The Matrix 2 CNC control includes enhanced hardware and software functionalities and faster processing speeds for small-increment operation. A five-axis spline interpolation function in the software provides smooth tool paths from long block-by-block programs, easy tool vector control and shorter cycle times, as well as better surface finishes.

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