Machining Small, Highly Complex Medical Parts

This advanced machine tool is available in compact three- and five-axis footprints that fit easily into most facilities so shop owners don’t have to sacrifice valuable manufacturing floor real estate.

Mazak Corporation (Florence, KY) demonstrates the fast cycle times and superior surface finishes delivered by the Vertical Center Nexus Compact. Designed specifically to accurately and efficiently machine small, highly complex medical parts, this space-saving, high-speed, five-axis vertical machining center exceeds the medical industry’s growing demand for lean manufacturing and precision.

The Vertical Center Nexus Compact is available in three- and five-axis 65 in x 88 in (1,651 mm x 2,235 mm) compact footprints that fit easily into most facilities so shop owners don’t have to sacrifice valuable manufacturing floor real estate. The machine table measures 25.6 in x 15.7 in (650.2 mm x 398.7 mm) and accommodates parts up to 661 lb (330 kg). The new Mazatrol MATRIX 2 CNC control and five-axis machining capabilities significantly shorten design-to-market time, allowing doctors to quickly fulfill the needs of their patients.

The MATRIX 2 CNC control optimizes five-axis machining with enhanced hardware and software functionalities that are easy to use. Control hardware performance is much faster with higher processing speeds for small increment operation. A five-axis spline interpolation function included in the control software provides smooth toolpaths from long block-by-block programs, easy tool vector control and shorter cycle times as well as superior five-axis surface finishes. This advanced control comes on the five-axis machine model, while the user-friendly MATRIX NEXUS CNC control is used on the three-axis model.

The Vertical Center Nexus Compact gets its power and versatility from a robust, high torque 25 hp, 12,000 rpm CAT 40 spindle and axis travels of 19.69 in (500 mm) in X, 16.93 in (430 mm) in Y and 20.08 in (510 mm) in Z. The machine delivers aggressive performance for tough materials such as stainless steel, Inconel and titanium that are used in medical and other applications. An optional 40 hp, 20,000 rpm spindle is also available.

Three linear axes attain high-speed rapid traverse rates of 1,417 ipm (36 m/min) and fast feedrates of 315 ipm (8 m/min). The machine also accommodates a 20-tool magazine (30 tools optional) to further increase part production versatility.

For rigid and precise five-axis machining, the rotary/tilt table is constructed with durable high-speed roller drive technology so the table can rotate and tilt at speeds of 100 rpm and 75 rpm, respectively. The table supports a maximum workpiece weight of 66 lb (30 kg), tilts at angles from minus 20 deg to 120 deg and provides a holding torque of 249 ft-lb and machining torque of 63 ft-lb. With a table OD measuring 3.94 in (100 mm) and ID of 1.57 in (40 mm), the rotary/tilt table accommodates the machining of small, complex five-axis parts.

The Vertical Center Nexus Compact uses the MX Hybrid Roller Guide System to dampen vibration and extend tool life, handle higher load capacities, accelerate and decelerate faster to shorten cycle times, consume less oil for “Greener” operations, and last longer with less required maintenance for long-term accuracy. www.mazakusa.com