Product category:
Horizontal machining centres (HMC)
News Release from: NCMT | Subject: Makino a71 and a81 horizontal machining centres
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 26 June 2003
Entry-level HMCs grow in size
Following the introduction last year of an entry-level HMC priced to attract SMEs and mould-makers, two largter models, based on the same design, are now available.
Following the introduction last year by Makino of the entry-level a51 horizontal machining centre (HMC) priced to attract smaller companies, mould makers, subcontractors and others that may be on a limited budget, the Japanese manufacturer has announced two larger models based on the same design Designated a71 and a81, both cost significantly less than the manufacturer's mainstream products of equivalent capacity
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 16 Sep 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Sole UK agent, NCMT, points out that the price differential has not been achieved at the expense of quality and there is little compromise on functionality.
Steps taken by Makino to engineer out cost include a 40 per cent reduction in the number of machine components, which has the additional advantage of enhanced operational reliability.
The half metre cube capacity and 400 mm2 pallet of the a51 has been extended on the two new machines to provide working envelopes / pallet sizes of 730 x 730 x 800mm / 500mm2 and 900 x 800 x 900mm / 630mm2 respectively.
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In either case, what the customer receives is a compact machine with a generous standard specification, including through-spindle coolant, chip conveyor, 40 (60 or 132) station magazine for 50 taper tools (or HSK-A100), pallet changer and a one degree indexing table.
Use of a three-point suspension system allows the machines to be installed and levelled without special foundations, provided that the shop floor is sound.
It is easy to incorporate these lower cost models into existing lines containing full-specification Makino HMCs.
Such an arrangement would allow economical expansion of an FMS using a71(s) or a81(s) to complete simpler tasks while the existing machine(s) carry out cycles that demand faster axis motions as well as more spindle speed and power.
Nevertheless, the new arrivals are fast and highly productive machines in their own right, with the larger model able to accept a 1.2 tonne workpiece on the pallet.
Maximum spindle speed of 10,000 rpm is delivered in 2.4 seconds by an integral 22/15kW motor, whose acceleration to half that speed is an impressive 0.8 second.
Rapid traverse is also fast at 50m/min in all axes for the a71, 60m/min for a81.
Contributing further to minimum non-cutting times are automatic tool change in 1.7 seconds tool-to tool, 3.5 seconds chip-to-chip, and pallet indexing in under 2 seconds for 90 degree rotation with a 500kg load.
Very high precision metalcutting is claimed by Makino, as befits machines with installed weights of 12.5 and 21 tonnes respectively.
Accuracy and repeatability are +/-0.004mm and +/-0.002mm with rotary encoder feedback, or 25 per cent better if linear scales are specified.
Measures taken by Makino to achieve this level of accuracy includes controlling the cooling oil to the same temperature as the bed and recirculating it through hollow ballscrews in all axes.
Makino's own GI (Geometric Intelligence) control allows maximum advantage to be taken of the high speeds and feeds when rough milling, drilling and tapping.
Where higher accuracy is more important than top productivity, three further control modes may be selected. Request a free brochure from NCMT ...
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