Five-axis HMC with pallet changer

The Japanese machine tool manufacturer Makino has introduced an automatic pallet changer to its a61nx horizontal machining centre; it has also added a fifth computer-controlled axis, thereby boosting productivity by reducing idle times and the number of component set-ups needed. The machine has a -110/+180deg B axis, in addition to the 360deg C-axis rotary table, and it is available in the UK is through sole agent NCMT Ltd, Thames Ditton (www.ncmt.co.uk).

The a61nx-5E is designed for high-accuracy cutting in a range of materials. One spindle option, rated at 14,000rev/min and 240Nm of torque, is well suited to machining titanium. Alternatively, an 80kW 24,000rev/min spindle offers metal removal rate up to 4,900cm3/min in aluminium — some 40% greater than the equivalent four-axis machine. Both spindles will find numerous applications in the aerospace industry.

Accessibility to the 730 x 730 x 680mm working volume has been enhanced by a more compact rotary table and a slim spindle. Another advantage offered by the machine structure is that it can accommodate larger workpieces and longer tools. Meanwhile, the latest Pro.5 control comes with an improved touch-screen and captioned icons for rapid data input.

Other functions include: a tool data screen for simple tool management; a workpiece setting function for easy three-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 — plus there is a tool tip control function that helps to simplify five-axis programming.

Features aimed at maintaining thermal stability and accuracy include: cooling of the ballscrew core, support bearing and lubricating oil; coolant nozzles in the upper and lower parts of the C axis; and cooling oil circulating through the direct-drive B and C axes. Moreover, an Inertia Active Control function measures the inertia of a workpiece and adjusts the acceleration and deceleration accordingly for optimised control. The machine also offers an Eco mode that sees it use up to 30% less power by turning off the hydraulic power unit when it is not required and adjusting the through-spindle coolant to the optimum pressure for each tool.