Integrated automation systems in the limelight for Mazak at EMO Milano 2021

At this year’s EMO Milano, Yamazaki Mazak presented twelve machines complemented by a range of automation and technology solutions that promise to deliver the three key customer benefits of productivity, profitability and environmentally-aware manufacturing operations.

The stand showcased a host of new machines, including integrated automation solutions, vertical machining centers and the most recent additions to the Integrex i-H series. Under its theme of “Discover More”, the company displayed two world debuts at the show and another machine being exhibited for the first time in Europe.

In addition, Mazak displayed its latest CNC technology, Mazatrol SmoothEz, featuring a 15” touchscreen and an intuitive operating system to deliver increased efficiency through faster setup, programming and operation for those with limited NC programming experience.

One of the key themes was automation with over half of the products showcased with integrated automation systems on show including the latest generation of its flagship Pallatech system, a new collaborative robot system and Mazak’s latest 5-axis automation solutions for high-mix, low volume work.

Environmentally-aware manufacturing will also be a key focus with technologies such as energy dashboards and digital services helping customers to measure energy utilisation and CO2 impact.

Mazak also exhibited the latest in virtual machining with the next generation of Mazatrol SmoothAi and Digital Twin technology that can deliver machine and engineering data directly to those who need it supporting production plans and business decisions.

Mazak’s Variaxis C-600 simultaneous 5-axis vertical machining center
Mazak’s Variaxis C-600 simultaneous 5-axis vertical machining center, has proved a popular choice in a wide range of industry sectors, including the aerospace and automotive, especially those demanding high-accuracy and performance in an automated solution. At EMO, Mazak exhibited the C-600 with the ‘Platinum 50’ from BMO Automation. Thanks to the combined part and pallet handling capability, the innovative solution is sure to capture the imagination of manufacturing operating with high-mix low-volume productions of complex prismatic components.

The Variaxis C-600 is characterised by its highly agile performance, with no compromise on rigidity. The compact machine, capable of machining workpieces up to 730mm by 450mm and 500kg in weight, has been designed with a large machining envelope and a high-rigidity structure featuring a 600mm fully supported trunnion table with roller gear cam on the B and C axes. Exceptional high- speed performance is delivered with 42m/min rapid traverse rates in the XYZ axes, and a chip-to-chip time of just 4.5 seconds to reduce non-cutting time for faster cycle times.

The machine’s high-rigidity spindle can perform heavy-duty cutting of steel, as well as the high-speed machining of other non-ferrous materials such as aluminium, as it can be configured with four different spindle options. These range from a 12 000rpm standard spindle, up to 15 000rpm high-torque option, or 18 000rpm high-speed and 20 000rpm high-power spindles. In addition, the new Variaxis features a 30-tool magazine as standard, complete with double arm automatic tool changer which can drastically reduce chip-to-chip times. Alongside this standard specification, 60, 90 and 120 tool magazine options also available.

As well as offering excellent operator access and ergonomics, the Variaxis C-600 has been designed to integrate easily with a range of automation solutions, such as MPP and Palletech. Optional extras such as a side loading door, and preparation for hydraulic and pneumatic fixture interfaces are also available to support bespoke automation projects with articulated robots.

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