Mazak offers its 5-axis VC-300A/5X vertical machining center (VMC). “Suitable for the aerospace and medical industries as well as job shops, the VC-300A/5X brings advanced technology and production value to high-precision small parts processing in a space-saving package designed to fit into any manufacturing environment,” said a company spokesperson.

The VC-300A/5X comes standard equipped with a robust, high-performance CAT 40, 10 000rpm spindle designed to deliver enhanced metal removal capabilities in all common materials, including steel, aluminium and cast iron. A 12 000rpm spindle is additionally available to address an even greater range of part-production requirements. An optional 35kW, 20000rpm integral spindle is also available for increased metal removal.

Axis travels for the VC-300A/5X measure 300mm in X, 300mm in Y and 510mm in Z, all with rapid traverse speeds of 24m/min. The machine can accommodate workpieces up to 100mm in diameter, 155mm in height and 155kgs in weight. The machine comes standard with an 18-tool drum-style magazine or optional 24-tool magazine for redundant tooling to allow for unmanned, uninterrupted operations. Its automatic tool changer (ATC) provides fast tool exchanges for an overall reduction in non-cut times.

To minimise thermal displacement, Mazak incorporates an oil chiller that cools the VC-300A/5X’s headstock and spindle. The machine’s trunnion-style rotary/tilt table is constructed with durable high-speed roller gear cam drive technology for high torsional rigidity and positioning accuracy. The table tilts from +20° to -120° in the B-axis and rotates 360° in the C-axis.

Mazak’s MazatroL SmoothX CNC on the VC-300A/5X is designed to easily generate programmes for highly complex parts production. It has several advanced functions that allow the shortest possible machining cycle times, especially in fine increment programmes for simultaneous 5-axis operations and free-form die-mould machining. These functions include High-Gain Feed Forward Control, Fast Rotary Axis Speeds, Variable Acceleration Control and Intelligent Pocket Milling.

Ergonomics also play an important role in the functionality of the Mazatrol SmoothX CNC. A large 19″ display presents all of the critical machine data within a single page view, while the tilt control panel allows for optimum positioning based on operator height. An intuitive multi-touchscreen, which is similar to that of a smartphone, enables fast and smooth programming operations. An SD card allows the CNC to store up to 32 GB of data.

For more information contact Hi-Tech Machine Tools on TEL: 011 608 0088 or visit www.hitech.co.za