Compact 5-axis machine efficiently tackles tough materials in small, complex parts production
FLORENCE, Ky., October 22, 2013 – At DISCOVER 2013, Mazak featured its VERTICAL CENTER NEXUS (VCN) COMPACT 5X vertical machining center that provides fast, precise and efficient production of small, highly complex parts, such as those found in the medical and small electronics industries.
With a space-saving 59” (1,499) wide and 116.3” (2,954) deep footprint, the high-speed, 5-axis machine helps conserve valuable shop floor real estate, yet packs the power and capabilities to easily tackle challenging materials such as stainless steel, Inconel and titanium.
Mazak engineered the VERTICAL CENTER NEXUS COMPACT 5X machine to shorten cycle times and improve part surface finishes. It features several technological innovations and capabilities often only found on full-size vertical machining centers. These include a standard robust CAT-40 taper spindle, generous axis travels, large tool storage capacities, full 5-axis capability and a new user-friendly CNC control that simplifies programming, increases productivity and enhances 5-axis machining.
The VERTICAL CENTER NEXUS COMPACT 5X gets its power and versatility from a robust, high-torque 25 hp, 12,000-rpm CAT-40 spindle and axis travels of 19.69” (500 mm) in X, 16.93” (430 mm) in Y and 20.08” (510 mm) in Z. An optional 40-hp, 20,000-rpm spindle is also available.
The machine’s 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). Plus, the VERTICAL CENTER NEXUS COMPACT 5X accommodates 20 tools in its tool magazine (30 tools optional) to further increase part production versatility.
For rigid and precise 5-axis machining, Mazak’s rotary/tilt table on the VERTICAL CENTER NEXUS COMPACT 5X is constructed with durable high-speed roller gear cam drive technology, allowing the table to rotate and tilt at speeds of 100 rpm and 75 rpm, respectively. The table supports a maximum workpiece weight of 66 lbs. (30 kg), tilts at angles from -20 degrees to 120 degrees and provides a holding torque of 249 ft-lb and machining torque of 63 ft-lb. With a table O.D size measuring 3.94” (100 mm) and I.D. of 1.57” (40 mm), the rotary/tilt table accommodates the machining of small, complex 5-axis parts.
On the control side, Mazak equips the VERTICAL CENTER NEXUS COMPACT 5X with the new MATRIX 2 CNC control, specifically for optimized 5-axis machining. The control incorporates both enhanced hardware and software functionalities that make it easy to use while also delivering high accuracy and increased productivity for the machine. The control’s hardware performance is much faster with higher processing speeds for small increment operation, and a 5-axis spline interpolation function included in the control’s 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.
The VERTICAL CENTER NEXUS COMPACT 5X also features Mazak’s MX Hybrid Roller Guide System to deliver levels of durability and reliability that result in long-term accuracy. The innovative way system increases vibration dampening, extends tool life, handles higher load capacities and eliminates tramp oil in the coolant by utilizing a greener grease-based lubrication system.