HIGH ACCURACY AND SPEED COMBINED WITH EXCELLENT AUTOMATION CAPABILITIES
Makino‘s D500 5-axis machining center is designed for complex part production where part quality is paramount.
Posted: October 29, 2010
Makino‘s (Mason, OH) D500 5-axis machining center is designed for complex high-quality part production. “This machine combines the agility of a full 5-axis machining center with the accuracy inherent in every Makino,” says Tim Jones, Makino product manager. “Add unmatched applications engineering to the mix, and this is a very powerful offering for any job shop.”
The work zone for the D500 is 500 mm x 450 mm. The X-, Y-, and Z-axes provide strokes up to 550 mm, 1000 mm, and 500 mm, respectively. Rotary table axes A and C provide rotational motion of +30 to minus 120 deg on the A-axis and a full 360 deg on the C-axis. The D500 is capable of feedrates of 50 m/min.
In addition to the D500, Makino offers 5-axis machining centers based on both a vertical machining center and horizontal machining platform, including specialty 5-axis machining centers designed to machine large aerospace structural components. Makino utilizes three direct drive motors for the D500’s C-axis rotary table and the A-axis trunnion. One direct drive motor controls the C-axis motion. Two direct drive motors control motion in the A-axis — one at each end of the trunnion. The dual motor design provides greater torque and rigidity. Most importantly, twist and torsion in the trunnion is eliminated to achieve superior dynamic accuracy.
The machine features roller linear guides across all linear axes for extra rigidity. Y- and Z-axes are located above the work zone, the X-axis is located in the bed side of the machine. Greater accuracy is achieved with independent axes, in which movement remains uninfluenced by the characteristics of combined axes. The architecture of the D500 is a closed-loop design that increases overall stiffness and rigidity of the machine structure. This means all force-impacted points of the machine are in close proximity to its support structure.
This five-axis machine includes Makino’s Thermal Stabilizer system that includes core-cooled ball screws and heat insulation systems. This system allows for sustainable dynamic accuracy in unstable shop environments. Twin internal chip conveyors remove chips from the work zone efficiently where they are evacuated from the machine by a lift-up chip conveyor. The D500 provides great operator access to the work table for machine interaction and setup purposes, with a ceiling opening to allow easy crane access to the machine. The machine can be easily upgraded for automation. An automatic pallet changer can be added to the machine at any time. Additionally, a stand alone machine can be up-graded and integrated to a full scale pallet system that can include Makino a51 horizontal machining centers.
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