MAKINO'S MCC-VG SERIES HORIZONTAL MACHINING CENTERS
AUBURN
HILLS, MI–September 2006– Makino’s Variable Geometry (VG) equipment revolutionizes the
machining of large dies and molds. The MCC-VG Series of horizontal machining
centers provide a new concept of simultaneous three-axis machining and slanted
hole machining, accomplished by tilting the spindle at an optimum angle for
outstanding access to the machining point.
The tilted
spindle on the MCC-VG Series machines allows for the use of shorter tools to
achieve high-efficiency machining. This prevents the spindle and the tool from
colliding with the table.
Deep mold
cavities and cooling holes can be machined in the same workpiece setup.
Slanted holes can also be machined continuously at various angles without
changing the setup.
The VG comes with Makino’s patented through coolant spindle technology, which
is unique in the marketplace on an angled-head machine. This technology
enhances the speed and accuracy of drilling angled holes, as opposed to
traditional fixed head machines, due to the natural flushing out of the
chips.
Visit Booth # 8301 in Hall A of the South
Building during the 2006 International
Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois,
September 6 through 13 to learn more about this and other technological
innovations.
Also plan
to visit Booth # D-4110 in the EDM Pavilion at IMTS to see demonstration on
equipment and processes that meet the demand for micro-dimensions and
ultra-high precision EDMing.
Polish-free
machining of large dies and molds
An automatic non-contact tool measuring device (retract type) accurately
measures and corrects the position of the tool tip. Even when machining at
different spindle angles, level differences at the seams of finished surfaces
are minimized.
The
position of the tool tip is measured with high accuracy under actual machining
conditions, and compensation for spindle thermal distortion is automatically
applied in three dimensions as machining proceeds. This function works to
minimize level difference in finished surfaces and its result is that step
between each machined surface is within 3um.
Makino’s patent-pending tool tip position calculation function is used when
drilling slanted holes. It measures a calibration value in advance for every
tilt angle of the spindle. Those values are used to correct the tool tip position
automatically after the spindle has been indexed. This eliminates the need to
measure the tool length each time after indexing the spindle.
Spindle
delivers exceptionally high efficiency and accuracy
The MCC-VG has a spindle speed of 12,000 min-1. Spindle taper hole is 7/24
taper No. 50, and the spindle drive motor is 18.5/11kW (40% ED/cont.). The
high-speed and high-rigidity spindle is supported by cylindrical roller
bearings having an inner diameter of 100 mm, enabling it to execute a wide
range of jobs from roughing to finish machining.
Makino’s
unique spindle core cooling system is used to cool the rotating spindle
directly from the inside. This minimizes thermal distortion to ensure that the
position of the spindle and face does not vary, even during long hours of
machining.
This
spindle core cooling system circulates temperature-controlled cooling oil
through the center of the rotating spindle to cool it directly from the inside.
The temperatures of the spindle and the jacket are constantly coordinated so
that the bearings can be optimally preloaded in all speed ranges.
Other
features enhance speed, accuracy
The Makino MCC-VG
Series delivers high acceleration even with a maximum table load of 15 tons.
The table has a 3,000 x 1,600 mm working area. The Y- and Z-axes both adopt two
ball screws and two drive motors, while the X-axis features two ball screws and
four drive motors.
This ball
screw and motor alignment generates exceptionally high acceleration on
the X-axis, which can have huge impact in reducing cycle times and
achieving fantastic finishes. Combined with the VG head, this technology also
allows you to achieve fine finishes in deep cavity corners and detailed
features with detail similar to smaller precision machines.
Despite
being large in size, these machines can also agilely machine small, intricate
shapes quickly without slowing down. The result is substantially shorter
machining times.
X-axis
travel is 2,500 mm on the MCC2516VG, and 3,000 mm for the MCC3016VG. Y-axis
travel is 1,600 mm on both the MCC2516VG and the MCC3016VG. Z-axis travel is
1,300 mm on both the MCC2516VG and the MCC3016VG. Rapid traverse and cutting
feedrates (X/Y/Z-axis) are 16,000 mm/min. There is a 30-tool automatic
tool changer, with a maximum tool weight of 20 kg and a maximum tool length of
550 mm. Maximum tool diameter is 125 mm.
The MC-VG
Series also has a large opening to facilitate easy handling of big workpieces.
The MCC2516VG has an opening of 3,500 x 2,150 mm; and the MCC3016VG has an
opening of 3,975 x 2,1560 mm. The splashguard ceiling and doors open together
to create a large opening for easy loading of big workpieces onto the angle
plate inside the machine with a crane.
The
semi-floating slideway system is used to facilitate a top cutting federate of
16 m/min even for heavy workpieces. This system sends compressed air between
the table slideways to adjust the pneumatic pressure automatically according to
table load changes. As a result, slideway resistance is always kept at a low
level to reduce lost motion.
The angular
guides are hardened, ground to an ultra-precision finish and are integrated
with the bed for high rigidity to ensure outstanding straightness. With their
superior vibration damping performance, the guides absorb the effects of
cutting vibrations to provide uniform machined surfaces of high quality.
Makino’s
GI.3 control technology moves the tool smoothly along the commanded path, and a
high-response servo and high machine rigidity work in concert to deliver superb
machining accuracy that does not change even at high cutting speeds. Also
available are Super GI.3 control and Super GI.4 control that provide a
substantially improved capacity for processing tiny blocks of NC data.
Makino is a
global provider of advanced machining technology and application support for
the metalcutting and die/mold industries, dedicated to driving out more costs
from your manufacturing operation than any other competitive machine tool
manufacturer. Makino manufacturing and service centers are located in the
United States, Japan, Germany, Singapore, Italy, France, Korea, Taiwan, Turkey,
China, Mexico, Brazil, and India, and are supported by a worldwide distributor
network. For more information call 1.800.552.3288.
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Images: JPG
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Contact
Brandon Rhoten
HSR Business to Business
513.671.3811
makino@hsr.com