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Product category: Vertical machining centres (VMC)
News Release from: NCMT | Subject: MA-550VB and MA-650VB vertical machining centres
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial Team on 05 February 2001

More metal removal capacity in a smaller
space

Compared with the VMC which it supersedes, the smaller Okuma MA-550VB's cutting capacity is doubled to 720 cm3/min and the 40 m/min rapid feeds in X and Y are 2.6 times higher.

Japanese machine tool builder, Okuma, describes its new MA-550VB and MA-650VB vertical machining centres as the first of a new generation Compared with the VMC which it supersedes, the smaller MA-550VB's cutting capacity is doubled to 720 cm3/min and the 40 m/min rapid feeds in X and Y are 2.6 times higher

Machine footprint is an impressive 30 per cent less and the Y-axis column feed allows easy access to the working area for component handling.

Spindle power is also up by 50 per cent to 22 kW (10 min) / 11 kW (continuous) and the top speed of 6,000 rev/min is achieved in 1.8 seconds.

Alternatively, 12,000 rpm and 25,000 rev/min spindles may be specified.

ATC time for transferring the 50 taper tools from the 32- or 48-station chain-type magazine to the spindle is also fast at 2.4 seconds.

Overall, non-cutting times are considerably compressed, allowing high productivity.

In addition, a so-called 'Super Hi-NC' option for 3D data processing enables complex milling to be carried out faster, for example at cutting feed rates of 3.6 m/min.

Contributing to the generous metal removal figures is the two-step variable gearing on the spindle motor which delivers the maximum 1,120 Nm torque over a wide speed band from 187 to 750 rev/min in first gear and from 1271 to 5,000 rev/min in second gear.

When face milling S45C steel with a 160 mm diameter cutter, the figure of 720cm3/min is achieved.

Drilling capacity is 65 mm diameter at 0.31 mm/rev feed rate and tapping is up to M42.

The Y-axis movement, now effected by the column rather than the table, utilises an unusual combination of a linear roller guide and a direct column-to-bed hardened and ground slideway either side of the ballscrew.

Similarly, the X and Z axes employ roller and sliding elements.

This is said to promote speed as well as rigidity for taking heavier cuts.

Despite its 1,300 mm by 560 mm by 560 mm working envelope, the MA-550VB occupies only 9 sq m of floor space.

Positioning accuracy of +/- 1 micron and repeatability of +/- 0.2 micron are quoted, assisted by features such as cooling of the slideways.

To reduce spindle growth to under 10 microns, a spindle cooling system has also been incorporated.

Okuma has developed jointly with another Japanese company, Taiyu, an environmentally friendly, hybrid coolant system option for machine.

It delivers a mixture of oil and water to the cutting area, minimising the amount of costly neat oil consumed and at the same time enhancing the cooling effect.

Two independent separator tanks are employed to recycle independently the oil to the through-spindle coolant system and water to jets mounted around the spindle.

The capable Okuma OSP-U100MCNC system provides comprehensive MDI programming options as well as controlling the machine and any additional equipment, such as a twin pallet changer option. Request a free brochure from NCMT ...

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