Mazak takes 12 machines to AMB 2016

AMB 2016

Yamazaki Mazak is taking 12 machines to AMB 2016 in Stuttgart, exhibiting the full breath of its machine range and new SMOOTH Technology, the world’s fastest CNC.

The Mazak stand, which is themed ‘It’s all about you’ in recognition of the company’s continued focus on developing machines which solve specific machining challenges faced by its customers. The Mazak stand will showcase horizontal and vertical machining centres, 5-axis machines, turning centres, a new machine from its entry-level range and, for the first time at a German show, all three variants of the company’s new SMOOTH Technology, namely SmoothX, SmoothG and SmoothC control.

The highlight of the show is likely to be the new INTEGREX i-400 AM, a revolutionary hybrid machine which combines additive manufacturing with multi-tasking capability. The i-400 AM integrates Direct Energy Deposition additive manufacturing technology into a 5-axis multi-tasking machine to offer machine users unrivalled hybrid technology and subtractive manufacturing in one platform.

The INTEGREX i-400 AM makes use of a built-in 1kW fiber laser to melt metallic powder, which is then applied layer-by-layer via interchangeable cladding heads. The heads are stored in the machine’s standard 36-tool magazine and enable the automatic change from additive to subtractive tooling, optimising process cycle time.

The INTEGREX i-400 AM technology can be used to clad a range of material types, including stainless steel, nickel alloys and copper, making it ideal for a range of applications, from repairing existing worn or damaged components or the complete generation of new parts. The machine is equipped with SmoothX control, the 5-axis version of Mazak’s new SMOOTH Technology, which enables the machine to efficiently process prismatic, round and highly contoured work pieces, as well as those near net features which have been created using the integrated additive technology.

Horizontal machining centres will be represented by the HCN 5000/50, a new 50 taper machine with a 500mm square pallet boasting extremely agile performance characteristics, including a 10,000rpm/ 37kW high performance spindle; rapid traverse rates of 60m/min in the X-, Y- and Z-axes; and a chip-to-chip change time of only 3.5 seconds. The 50 taper spindle provides a highly rigid interface for mounting large tools, up to dia. 320mm, enabling a high productivity solution for machining a range of components for automotive, agriculture, construction and the cutting of cast materials.

The machine has the smallest machine footprint in its class, with a floorspace-saving design and overall machine dimensions which measure only 2,544mm x 5,830mm. Importantly, the space-saving design has been achieved without compromising its machining performance and ability to handle large workpieces, with the HCN 5000/50 able to bear components up to dia. 800mm x 1,000mm in height. HCN 5000/50 is also available in a single pallet and A-axis table configuration with integrated hydraulic services, proving a well-designed solution for complex fixturing. The machine on display at AMB 2016 is equipped with the new SmoothG CNC and an 80 tool hive.

Also on the stand will be the VTC-800/30SLR, a new addition to the hugely successful European-designed and manufactured VTC800 vertical travelling column machine series, which is available in both 40 and 50 taper versions. The 800/30SLR incorporates a 1,000mm diameter rotary table capable of carrying a 2,200kg load, which makes it ideal for machining large components, along with a centre partition that enables the set-up and machining of a different component on the right side of the normal table.

The specific machine at AMB 2016 is equipped with a Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl control for those machine users that have standardised on Siemens control in their operations. The SINUMERIK package includes CNC, Mazak spindle with fully integrated Siemens motor and SINUMERIK drives and servo motors. Mazak will also exhibit its MULTIPLEX 6200-II Y turning centre, which is ideally suited to high volume applications, such as the automotive sector. The MULTIPLEX combines two NC turning centres with milling capacity and is capable of performing continuous and simultaneous machining by both spindles, including automatic workpiece transfer from one spindle to the other. The machine is equipped with a 5,000rpm main spindle and is capable of rapid traverse rate of 30,000m/min in the X-axis and 33,000mm/min in the Z-axis.

Entry-level machines remain a vitally important part of the Mazak range and AMB 2016 will showcase the new QT COMPACT. The COMPACT is a high specification, entry-level model boasting Mazak’s integrated spindle technology for the main spindle and Tool Eye as standard – which together offer both improved performance and accuracy. The QT COMPACT comes equipped with a Mazak manufactured driven tool turret and an eight-inch chuck. It is capable of a maximum speed of 5,000 rpm and a peak torque of 167 Nm. The machine is equipped with SmoothC control, incorporating state-of-the-art motion control technology. Richard Smith, Managing Director UK & Ireland Sales Division, for Yamazaki Mazak, commented: “AMB has become one of the major European machining shows and we are delighted to be bringing 12 state-of-the-art machines to the exhibition, from the most sophisticated 5-axis and multi-tasking technology through to entry-level machines. All of the machines on display demonstrate our philosophy of focusing on our customers and devising solutions to the different machining challenges they face every day. I am particularly pleased to be exhibiting all three variants of our SMOOTH Technology for the first time at a German show and our new INTEGREX AM hybrid manufacturing machine, which combines additive and subcontract technology in one platform.”