Multi-Axis Machines Open the Door to Countless Possibilities
The speed, versatility, flexibility and precision of multi-axis machines supports a wide range of industries and part sizes.
Posted: February 15, 2023
Boost your shop’s position as an effective, confident solution provider through the utilization of multi-axis machines in the manufacturing process. These machines ensure operators reduce the time setting them up and increase the time they produce parts.
5-axis CNC Vertical Machining Center for All Your Machining Needs
KAAST Machine Tools, Inc. (Aldan, PA) presents the V-Mill 600.5X, a 5-axis CNC Vertical Machining Center, which utilizes a massive gantry structure consisting of a base frame, double racks, and stable crossbeam to ensure rigidity and cutting performance. This model also features cooled ballscrews combined with high quality linear roller guides and a powerful, high-speed spindle with ceramic bearings for superior milling surface. The generously sized worktable diameter of Ø600 mm (23”) can support up to 400 kg (880 lbs.).
The KAAST V-Mill 600.5X CNC features a T-shape machine structure with matching column base width. The table is independently installed on the base and is fully supported through the entire stroke. This machine offers high speed for maximum stability, high precision mold and die machining. The structural portions of the V-Mill 600.5X CNC are manufactured from high quality cast iron, stress relieved and heat treated for deformation-free performance year after year.
A 30-tool magazine for flexible milling and drilling applications is a standard on the V-Mill 600.5X. It can easily accommodate BT-40 shank and includes a precision CAM drive that achieves ± 0.08 mm (0.0032”) positioning accuracy. Tool changing is a fast, smooth, stable motion and the tool change arm is completely waterproof, preventing coolant from entering the arm during use. Users also have the option of adding a pallet changer to avoid the downtime associated with loading and unloading.
KAAST Machine Tools offers one of the most diverse and extensive line-ups of machine tools in the industry, including mills and lathes to grinders and saws, and from brakes and rolls to presses and ironworkers.
Spend Less Time Setting up Machines and More Time in Production
Mazak Corp.’s (Florence, KY) SYNCREX Swiss-style Series encompasses models featuring seven, eight and nine-axis configurations that are optimized for precision high-production of small parts.
Models include the SYNCREX 25/8, 25/9X and the 38/9. These sliding headstock machines are all constructed on the Mazak High Damping Composite Casting. This unique, high-rigidity base provides greater vibration damping characteristics, less thermal growth and greater part surface capabilities when compared to a cast iron base machine.
The SYNCREX 25/8 and 25/9X machines each provide a maximum turning diameter of 1.0” (25 mm); the SYNCREX 38/9 handles bar stock up to 1.5” (38 mm). The SYNCREX “9X” models deliver added part processing flexibility as they are capable of full 5-axis contouring while using the B-axis tool post.
Mazak’s SYNCREX machines accommodate a maximum of 36 tools in a standard configuration: 20 static and 16 live. Mazak offers a full catalog of modular tool holders allowing their customers the tooling flexibility to meet their part requirements.
Additionally, Mazak offers an optional MT Tablet which creates a twin-screen system. The MT Tablet allows the operator to work with offline programming systems (ESPRIT or AutoDesk-PartMaker) at the machine to help reduce setup time and increase production.
Mazak SYNCREX machines sport the new MAZATROL SmoothSt and MAZATROL SmoothSt5 controls. Both controls feature the optional Mazak Swiss Setup Assist for fast and easy job setups along with the optional Mazak Dynamic Chip Control functionality. With Mazak’s intuitive and user-friendly screens, the customer can quickly and easily touch off tools and prepare the machine for automatic cycle. Spending less time setting up the machine and more time in production.
Like all Mazak machine tools, SYNCREX machines are backed by Mazak’s comprehensive two-year warranty, industry leading MPower complete customer care service and support program, and lifetime parts availability.
5-Axis Machining Center Provides High Precision for Processing Smaller Workpieces
Mitsui Seiki’s (Franklin Lakes, NJ) PJ 303X 5-axis machining center provides maximum precision and versatility in processing of workpieces up to 230 mm tall and 280 mm in diameter (9″-x-11″), and 20 kg (44 lbs.) in weight. Typical applications cover an extensive range of critical parts such as lens molds, medical products, EDM electrodes and fuel cell components.
While many in the industry may think of Mitsui Seiki machines for heavy duty machining of large, critical components, the PJ 303X is designed to accurately machine smaller parts. Its X-, Y-, and Z-axis travels are 300 mm, 325 mm, and 200 mm (11.8″, 12.8″, 7.9″) respectively. A-axis rotation is +40˚-to -100˚, and the C-axis rotates a full 360˚. High-speed linear motors move the X-, Y- and Z-axes, while the rotary axes employ direct-drive motors. Rapid traverse speed for the X-, Y-, and Z-axes is 20 m/min (66 ft/min).
A 50,000-rpm, HSK-E25 taper spindle offers high-speed machining capability. An automatic tool changer engineered to store up to 24 tools as large as 40 mm (1.57″) in diameter and 100 mm (3.9”) in length provides tooling versatility.
To maximize precision, the attachment surfaces of the ways as well as other critical areas of the PJ 303X are hand-scraped. Advanced spindle thermal displacement technology is standard, including a symmetrical gantry column structure that accommodates thermal deformation fluctuations and a thermal compensation mechanism for the machine spindle/head.
Operator-friendly features further enhance precision, including a 15” display with touch panel capability than can be moved to the most convenient position relative to the work envelope. The control is the new FANUC F31i-B5 with the i-H Pro control panel. The machine’s double-stage rotary door provides wide access for visibility and setup.
The PJ 303X is a compact 1,755 mm (5.75′)-x-2,375 (7.79’)-x-2,890 (9,48’) (W x L x H) of floor space, and weighs approximately 5,500 kg (12,000 lbs).
Mitsui Seiki USA COO Bill Malanche said, “The compact PJ 303X machining center provides high precision, speed and versatility for the processing of an important range of part sizes across a wide variety of applications.”
Versatile, Competitive 5-Axis Tool Grinder
Star Cutter Co.’s (Farmington Hills, MI) NXT 5-Axis Tool Grinder is a versatile tool grinder that offers a small footprint with a large grind zone, providing the ability to run both small and large diameter wheels. Featuring a modular design, it can be easily configured to meet specific customer grinding and resharpening applications while maintaining a competitive price point.
The NXT wheel pack and coolant manifold is configurable per application with up to five stations, offering the flexibility to handle everything from high mix/low volume production through low mix/high volume applications. It also has two
spindle options — a 28kW, 20,000 rpm Auto HSK for general manufacturing or a 15kW, 24,000 rpm Auto HSK for manufacturing, regrinding and high rpm applications. In addition to the automation solution, other options for process enhancement include a clearance-optimized flip-up, air-actuated tailstock and other various workholding solutions.
With the NXT, preventative maintenance is improved through real-time tracking of temperatures, spindle hours and bearing travel distances. Key to the system’s functionality is the control software, featuring the latest Flexium Tools with NUMROTO 4.3.0, as well as an ESPRIT CAD/CAM for freeform grinding with 3D simulation and special capability for medical components.
The NXT 5-Axis Tool Grinder has a 6.5’ W by 7.5’ L footprint with a 30.2”-x-19.9”-x-25.6” (LWH) grinding zone and ability to run tools up to 10” (250 mm) in diameter. It has FANUC robotic automation with 0.196”–to- 1.250” (5-to-32 mm) gripper assembly.
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