Proprietary technologies for superior results

Makino has developed a library of proprietary software programs designed to help
improve the performance of our machining technology. From our pioneering Super Geometric
Intelligence technology that showed the industry how to achieve high speeds with
enhanced finishes, to our unique real time crash avoidance software, Collision Safe Guard,
these exclusive Makino technologies can help improve the productivity of virtually
any machining process.
Collision Safety Guard
Makino is pleased to introduce a real time crash avoidance software called Collision Safe Guard. This system utilizes the actual servo commands from the Fanuc control to model the machine motion. This motion is matched to part and tool models to ensure that the machining system is accurately depicted. Collision Safe Guard’s look ahead capabilities allow Makino’s T series 5 axis Horizontal Machining center to detect a collision and stop the actual machine motion prior to an actual crash. The Collision Safe Guard system runs on Makino’s MP Max machine tool management system. The Collision Safe Guard system is complemented by Makino’s AST3 spindle technology. Collision Safe Guard monitors the virtual machining world while AST3 uses displacement sensors to detect real word error conditions that cannot be modeled.
Core-cooled ballscrews
A closed-loop temperature compensation system utilizing core cooled ball screws and associated support bearings assures quicker thermal stabilization and minimized thermal growth. The design provides the tightest tolerance and minimal variations during long production part runs.
HEAT Technology
H.E.A.T. (High Energy Applied Technology) is a new advancement from Makino
in Wire EDM Technology that dramatically reduces cutting times while maintaining
exceptional part straightness, and 1 or 2 pass cutting accuracy. Results are being
achieved in real world applications, including poor flushing conditions, non-sealed
nozzle applications, uneven surface thickness and through holes, as well as parts
up to six inches tall!
BellyWIZARD™ Technology
An exclusive Makino technology, BellyWIZARD reduces part “belly” by as much as 40%
more than competitive wire EDM technology. It improves machining throughput by reducing
the number of trim passes necessary, compared to competitive wire EDM systems.
Spindle core cooling/under race lubrication
Makino's spindle core cooling and under race lubrication system is used to suppress
spindle thermal distortion. This patented technology has a proven record of outstanding
performance with Makino's high-speed spindles.
The spindle core cooling system circulates a large volume of temperature-controlled
cooling oil through the center of the rotating spindle to cool it directly from
the inside. With under race lubrication, the cooling oil circulated through the
spindle flows through holes in the inner bearing races to lubricate the bearings
as well.
Flush Fine Finishes
Makino’s proven Flush Fine (FF) advanced milling process virtually eliminates the
need for polishing. FF is a high-speed, high-definition and low-heat machining process
pioneered by Makino. It combines high spindle speeds with precisely controlled,
high pressure coolant or forced air to blast away chips and prevent heat buildup
in the workpiece or the tool. This permits high-speed machining with greater thermal
stability and chip control, resulting in a superior accuracy and finish, plus high
metal removal rates and longer tool life.
High-Quality Surface Finish: HQSF™ Technology
Available exclusively on Makino’s S-Series of Ram EDMS, HQSF™ uses a powder additive
mixed with the dielectric fluid to improve electrical conductivity for more consistent
discharging and spark diffusion.
HQSF eliminates secondary discharges that waste energy while permitting increased
efficiency of the sparks for a superior finish without a loss in metal removal rates.
In addition, the HQSF technology allows for achievable surface finish capabilities
that are 50 percent better than that of conventional achievable surface finishes,
regardless of discharge surface area.
When finish requirements are less than 8mm Rmax, machining speed is markedly faster
with HQSF than with conventional methods. The stability of the machining process
reduces machining time variation, making it easier to set machining conditions.
HQSF uses a special additive called µSc that is non-toxic and costs 90% less than
oil-based or metallic additives. Lasting ten times longer than previous additives,
it can be used for both roughing and finish machining, thereby eliminating the need
for a second dielectric system. Thus, HQSF makes unattended operation possible,
greatly improving throughput while reducing costs and machining time.
Professional 5 Controls
With an integrated control system and access to editing program lists and monitoring
functions, the Professional 5 control provides the user with more control and customization.
It also offers friendly operation with a touch sensitive 12" LCD screen
and a graphical user interface. To monitor your operations and store data, we provide
Makino proprietary "DataCenter" software that allows you to store data locally and
provide you full ethernet capability to transfer and edit data. Expandable with
a compact flash card and PCIMCIA card slot.
Professional P Control
Makino’s new Professional P Control and software is configured to support a wide variety of applications in the job-shop and production environment. With a large color LCD, menu – driven, touch – sensitive screen, information is only a “touch” away. Configured with generous program storage (4,200-foot), 400 registerable programs, 400 tool-offset pairs and 48 pairs of work coordinate systems, the Professional P provides ample standard capabilities for production shops of all sizes.
SGI: Super Geometric Intelligence
The newest version of Makino’s patented super geometric intelligence technology,
SGI.4 provides higher processing capability with higher machine acceleration/deceleration
rates, finer resolution feedback and machine construction characteristics to deliver
high-performance machining. SGI.4 consistently maintains higher feedrates and accuracy.
SGI.4 anticipates what the servo lag or following error will be for upcoming toolpath
changes. It then moves the machine tool to that point ahead of the actual feedback
from the servo drive, compensating for servo error to achieve a more accurate toolpath.
SGI.4 provides coordinated compensation in all three axes simultaneously. This on-the-fly,
three-dimensional compensation lets Makino machining centers track precisely to
programmed toolpath on mold contours and complex geometries, even at five times
or more the feed rates for conventional machines. Simultaneous coordination and
correction of axis motions enables the machining centers to create smooth, curving
3-D cuts for superb finishing accuracy and surface quality.
SmartTools™. Machining smarter.
SmartTools are unique, patented and highly flexible tools that reduce cycle times,
setups and costs, while enhancing quality and operational throughput and production.
Utilized by Makino’s technologically advanced machining centers, SmartTools eliminate
manufacturing steps and multiple setups. They can also eliminate the need for special
purpose machinery, reducing equipment cost and simplifying manufacturing processes.
SuperSpark Technologies
SuperSpark no longer refers to a single, specific technology, but to a family of related technologies that were developed to aid in machining under a variety of conditions. SuperSpark IV is the next step in the development of the original SuperSpark technology developed in 2001. This base technology improves cycle times and reduces wear during roughing and finishing, especially with tapered electrodes. Also included in this technology package are: SuperSpark Graphite, for machining small, deep details with graphite electrodes where flushing is impractical; SuperSurface, for producing uniform surface finishes over large areas; SuperEdge, which allows machining of internal radii down to .0004”.
Wire Wizard™ Software
Wire Wizard™ software is an easy-to-use control system for Makino wire EDMs designed
for total part processing. The software has three main components — Programming,
Set-Up and Operation — which provide the basic needs for any application. WireWizard
prompts the operator through the process. WireWizard’s simple, interactive operation
makes the learning curve negligible, providing an easy transition for any operator.
Makino’s Wire Wizard™ also offers an estimating feature that will actually calculate
part-manufacturing cost. With minimal input from the operator, the control software
will output total machining time, consumable costs and can even output total part
cost if an hourly shop rate is applied. This allows customers to monitor, control
and drive out operational costs.
WireWIZARD combines the ease and convenience of a large 15” touch screen control
with the reliability and performance of a Windows CE® operating system.