Makino aims pallet changing 5-axis a61nx-5E at aerospace metals

The standard specification Makino a61nx-5E is designed for high accuracy cutting in a range of materials. Options likely to appeal to the aerospace sector, include a spindle rated at 14,000 rpm/240 Nm suitable for machining titanium, and another 24,000 rpm, 80 kW spindle capable of a metal removal rate of up to 4,900 cm3/min in aluminium, 40% higher than the 4-axis machine. Access to the 730 by 730 by 680 mm working area has been improved by employing a more compact rotary table and a slim spindle to minimise potential interference. Another advantage of the machine structure is that it allows for larger workpieces and longer tools. The latest Pro.5 high performance control comes with an improved touchscreen and captioned pictorial icons for rapid input. Other features facilitating operation include a tool data screen for simple tool management; a workpiece setting function for easy 3-axis machining on an angled surface; and simple measuring and setting of the rotary axis centre position. A high speed tool centre point function reduces cutting time while increasing the quality of the cut surface and ensuring smooth control. Tool tip control helps to minimise the effort normally involved in 5-axis programming. Effective heat dissipation and long-term machining accuracy are provided by ballscrew core cooling, support bearing cooling and lubrication, coolant nozzles in the upper and lower parts of the C-axis, and cooling oil circulating through the direct drive B and C axes. An Inertia Active feature measures the inertia of a workpiece and adjusts acceleration and deceleration to optimise control. The Makino a61nx-5E requires up to 30% less power when running in standard Eco mode. It automatically turns off the hydraulic power unit when it is not machining and adjusts the through-spindle coolant to the optimum pressure for each tool.