D500 tackles issue of cumulative inaccuracies

Makino’s D500 sequel to the V55-5XA vertical-spindle, 5-axis machining centre, launched in 1999 minimises cumulative inaccuracy inherent when the number of simultaneously interpolated axes increases. The new machine also offers faster movement in the linear and rotary axes when supporting heavy workpieces up to 350 kg on the table, or 300 kg on the pallet of APC configurations. Under these loads, rapid traverses of 48 m/min in X and 50 m/min in Y and Z are achieved, as are 50 rpm positioning of the 360 deg C-axis table and, surprisingly, of the +30/-120 degA-axis trunnion as well. Acceleration and deceleration during cutting have been achieved by upgrading the drive to the rotary axes, traditionally the weak links in full 5-axis machining.