Mazak has introduced the Vortex II series of high-speed, simultaneous five-axis, vertical machining centres. The series is available in bridge or bed-type configuration, with axis travels up to 4,200mm x 1,400mm x 610mm in X, Y and Z and corresponding traverse rates of 20m/min (X), 32m/min (Y) and 20m/min (Z), along with a range of high-performance spindles offering up to 18,000 rev/min and 75kW (10-minute rating).
As a result, the Vortex II series is ideally suited to large aerospace components such as wing spars and mould and die work. The machine's five-axis capability is delivered through the use of an A and B axis, on which the spindle is mounted. The +/-40-degree tilting action of these two axes allows cutting tool access to all available faces of the component, while the control provided by the Mazatrol FX (or Fanuc 31i) CNC system gives the ability to cut complex contours at high feed rates.
Providing even greater versatility is the Variaxis II series of vertical machining centres with simultaneous five-axis machining capability. The most recent addition to this range is the Variaxis 630-5X II T. Capable of machining on multiple surfaces of a component by virtue of its trunnion (-120 degrees to +30 degrees of movement) and rotary table configuration (continuous 360 degrees of movement in the C axis in 0.0001 increments), the Variaxis 630-5X II T can also provide a turning solution, thanks to the use of a direct-drive motor for C axis positioning and turning.
This motor provides a turning spindle rotation of up to 1,100rev/min, and turning operations are carried out with the machine's A-axis rigidly clamped in the 0- or 90-degree position, ensuring highly efficient and accurate machining of components requiring turned features. Also providing five-axis capability is the UK-designed and built VTC-800/30SR vertical machining centre. With a 3m X axis, which works in combination with the B axis movement provided by a swivel head (+/-110 degrees), combined with an optional rotary table attachment (providing 360-degree continuous C axis rotation), this fixed-table travelling column machine offers full simultaneous five-axis machining of complex features and contours.
The swivel-head mechanism helps to reduce set-up time and increases the multi-purpose nature of the machine; meanwhile the optional Mazak rotary table can be mounted vertically or horizontally for different applications. Further versatility is provided by the ability to equip the machine with a removable central partition for pendulum machining, to maximise productivity. Feed rates of 50m/min and a powerful 35kW spindle with a maximum speed of 18,000rev/min further add to the performance of this machine tool.
Breton has launched the Ultrix high-speed multipurpose vertical machining centre. The centre has four or five continuous axes for milling, horizontal/vertical turning and grinding of medium-size parts made of superalloys, steel, aluminium and composite. The Ultrix is capable of performing complex milling operations with three, four and five interpolated axes, together with vertical and horizontal turning and grinding, on the same piece.
