Of the 20 machines on display, the stand-out is likely to be the Integrex i-400S machining centre, which is equipped with Mazak’s SmoothX CNC. The latest function on the i-400S is Smooth Gear Cutting software, which combines multi-task machining and Mazak’s most recent developments in gear manufacturing processes, including Smooth Gear Skiving, Smooth Gear Milling and Smooth Gear Hobbing. The software allows the operator to develop complex machining programs by entering gear data via a user-friendly dialogue on the CNC, thus reducing set-up times.
Mazak’s i-400S also features the company’s latest Smooth Spindle Analytics, which provides instant spindle vibration analysis and feedback that can be quickly accessed via the control panel on the shop floor.
A further highlight is likely to be the VCN-530C, a European-built vertical machining centre powered by a newly designed 12,000 rpm milling spindle. The high-speed spindle package includes ballscrew cooling on the X, Y and Z axes that is complemented by Mazak’s Intelligent Thermal Shield to ensure stable machining accuracy.
Cycle times are reduced with feed rates up to 42 m/min, high acceleration and deceleration capabilities, and a chip-to-chip time of 2.8 seconds. Mazak says that the 530C is renowned for its excellent accessibility to the machining envelope and easy programming via the SmoothG CNC.
The new direct diode laser (DDL) version of Mazak’s FG machine range, one of three laser machines that will be on display, is making its UK debut at the open house. Mazak’s DDL is suited to cutting both thin and thick materials, and is capable of cutting high reflectance material, such as copper and brass. The 4 kW DDL resonator is said to offer a 20% productivity improvement. This productivity is derived from its use of nitrogen: a reduction in piercing time, due to the use of a beam-on approach pierce; and an increase in cutting speed thanks to higher light harvesting.
In addition, running costs for the DDL machine are reduced in comparison to CO2, due to lower resonator and chiller unit consumption, as well as there being no need for laser gas.
The machine is also equipped with a newly developed 3D head featuring an independent Z axis and tapping units. Furthermore, laser-light shielding covers have been developed to cover both the loading and unloading sides of the machine.
One of the most popular machines on show is likely to be the Variaxis i-300 AWC (Auto Work Changer), a simultaneous 5-axis automation cell developed specifically for the high-mix, low-volume production demands of market sectors such as medical and aerospace.
The compact yet highly functional automation system builds on the production expertise developed by Mazak as part of its FMS (Factory Management System) offering. A gantry box structure is purposefully designed to support the automation system, and comes equipped with a fully supported trunnion table that houses an HSK-100 work-holding interface for 5-axis applications.
Mazak’s i-300 AWC has a 12,000 rpm main spindle as standard. The AWC allows manufacturers to operate unmanned running capability, with a capacity of up to 32 work holders. To further enhance lights-out machining capability, the machine is equipped with a field expandable magazine that can hold up to 505 tools. The machine features Mazak’s SmoothX CNC.
In addition to machines, the open house will also boast an array of guest speakers, including Paul Shore from the National Physical Laboratory, who was formerly head of the Precision Engineering Institute at Cranfield University. Shore will be discussing the role of precision machining in manufacturing.
Alan Mucklow, managing director UK and Ireland sales at Yamazaki Mazak, says: “Our November open house has become a real fixture in the precision machining calendar. This year’s event, which is focused on how machine users can develop manufacturing excellence, is very much a combined laser and machine tool open house with partners from both areas present on 20-22 November. I am delighted to be displaying a range of outstanding technologies, alongside an array of guest speakers who will share their own experiences of using different technologies and offer a glimpse into the future of manufacturing.”
