Maintain High Standards with Pioneering Multi-axis Machine Tools
High performance multi-axis machines and their supporting automation components provide consistency in metal-cutting processes.
Posted: February 16, 2024
Multi-axis machines, such as 5-axis machines, are well-suited for a wide range of manufacturing applications, able to machine complex geometries and achieve intricate details in parts production.
Mill/Turn 5-axis Machining Center Handles Range of Parts
GROB Systems, Inc. (Bluffton, OH), a global leader in the development of manufacturing systems and machine tools, offers the G550T, which is part of the GROB 5-Axis Turning Centers Line, capable of machining a part by milling and turning in a single setup, saving time, costs and floor space. The GROB-cycle power skiving NC user-cycle produces spur and helical internal and external gears at defined angles. Power skiving is up to 10 times faster when compared with shaping (internal gears), and up to four times faster vs. hobbing (external gears).
The G550T Mill/Turn 5-Axis Machining Center offers optimized milling and turning performance for a broad range of part materials, and is equipped with a Siemens 840D SL control, 14,500 rpm spindle, and an HSK-T100 tool interface. For maximum stability, the G550T features a powerful mill-turn table with t-slots arranged in a star shape. Three linear and two rotary axes permit five-sided machining, as well as 5-axis simultaneous interpolation, with a swivel range of 230° in the A-axis and 360° in the B-axis. The drive design is based on two symmetrically located ball screws and weight compensation in the Y-axis, and wear-free torque motors in the A and B axes.
Five-axis Machine Offers High Performance
A recently introduced HMC range shows how JTEKT Machinery Americas Corp. (Arlington Heights, IL) is meeting the growing need to produce a wide variety of components with high metal removal rates, short cycle times and superior surface finishes. The JTEKT 5-axis range offers high performance and high reliability with economical operating costs.
The FH630SX-i 5-axis horizontal machining center is designed for complete, complex part machining in a single setup. Axis travels are 31.5”, 33.46” and 41.33”, X, Y, and Z axes. The pallet size is 24.8″-x-24.8″ (630 mm-x-630 mm) and the table, which can manage a workload of 3,000 lbs., is fully CNC. Rapid feed rate in each axis is 60 m/min. of 2362 ipm. The tilting spindle option comes with a robust C-axis drive train and an enlarged C-axis swivel range of 230° for machining wider components from roughing, to finish cuts including intricate 5-axis ball milling.
JTEKT Machinery Americas Corp.’s FH630 in action.
Compact Machine Eases Automation
Mazak Corp.’s (Florence, KY) VARIAXIS C-600 Vertical Machining Center makes full simultaneous 5-axis machining and automation integration easily accessible for any shop. The user-friendly, compact machine fulfills demands for speed, stability and power while it offers a range of tool capacities. The machine is a solid “first step” into 5-axis machining for some shops and is a highly capable machine with a versatile sheet-metal enclosure ready for a comprehensive range of automation solutions. As an initial automation option, shops can install a two-pallet changer on the VARIAXIS C-600, a simple solution that virtually eliminates the non-cut time associated with part loading and unloading.
The machine also provides both front and side automatic door operation. It also features features 30, 60, 90 and 120-tool magazines as well as “random access” magazines that eliminate the typical wait time with other types of fixed-address tool systems. This option is ideal for shops with workpieces that have short machining cycle times.
Mazak offers four spindle options for the VARIAXIS C-600 to help shops find the ideal balance of speed and power. On the control side, the MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC is made specifically to maximize full 5-axis machining performance while running peripheral functions.
Updated Horizontal Machining Center Handles Larger Workpieces
Mitsui Seiki’s (Franklin Lakes, NJ) popular HU100-TS tilt-spindle 5-axis horizontal machining center is built to handle machining of medium to large, hard-metal workpieces. The machine’s powerful rotary table and high torque tilting head arrangement facilitates production of complex parts that are not ideally machined on other kinematic solutions due to mass, movement, or part flexibility/distortion. The updated HU100-TS line provides exceptional rigidity and accuracy to profitably mill materials such as titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, and other alloys common in aerospace, power generation and other high-value applications. It also accommodates even larger workpieces ranging from 1,900 mm (76″) long and 1,250 mm (50″) in diameter to 2,500 mm (98”) weighing from 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs.) to 8 tons (17,600 lbs.). X-, Y- and Z-axis travels can be configured to satisfy application and production needs. The B-axis rotation of 360˚ combined with A-axis tilt range of -30˚ to +120˚ provide versatility.
The machine’s HSK-A100 taper spindle provides up to 150 kW (201 hp) power and 1508 N-m (1,112 lb.-ft.) torque. The automatic tool changer has capacity for 120 tools (up to 540 optional).
Powerful 5-axis Functions in a Compact Footprint
Okuma America Corp. (Charlotte, NC), the U.S.-based sales and service affiliate of Okuma Corp., offers the latest addition to its 5-axis vertical machining center lineup — the GENOS M560V-5AX. This machine builds upon the foundation of the company’s flagship vertical machining center series (GENOS M Series) by bringing 5-axis capabilities to the table.
This machine tool is an impressive next-generation product evolved from two of the company’s best-selling vertical machining centers — the GENOS M560-V which has become a standard-bearer in the industry, and the GENOS M460V-5AX, which launched in 2017 as an answer to a market need for an affordable, compact 5-axis vertical machine, with no compromise on the design or accuracy.
This vertical machining center is built with a double-column machine design, affording it maximum structural integrity. The machine offers an impressive working envelope with a 500 mm table and wide axis travels (X: 1,050 mm, Y: 560 mm, Z: 460 mm), while still maintaining a compact footprint of 2,515 mm-x-3,750 mm. Further optimizing the machine’s design is a trunnion table positioned parallel to the front of the machine, which allows for easier access to the table and good visibility during machining. The machine comes standard with a 60 ATC (automatic tool changer) magazine and can also accommodate tools measuring up to 400 mm in length. It also comes standard with Okuma’s Thermo-Friendly Concept, an on-board thermal and energy management technology to support both stable, high-accuracy machining and reduce energy consumption. For additional energy savings, users can add the optional ECO suite plus energy-management system.
Key specs of the GENOS M560V-5AX include:
- Table Size: 500 mm
- Max Workpiece Dimensions: 700 mm x 500 mm
- Spindle Maximum Speed: 15,000 min⁻¹
- Spindle Motor Power: 22/18.5 kW
- Axes Travel: 1,050 mm (X-axis), 560 mm (Y-axis), 460 mm (Z-axis)
- Floor Space (w x d): 2,515 mm x 3,750 mm
- Weight: 10,000 kg
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