Mazak recently introduced its VORTEX i-800V/8 5-axis vertical machining center equipped with two-pallet changer and the capability to easily integrate into Mazak PALLETECH Automated Manufacturing Systems. The high-volume part-production machine joins the company’s Four Quadrant Machine Selection Guide that helps manufacturers identify – for their particular part application – the most relevant and cost-effective 5-axis or Multi-Tasking Mazak machine configuration.
With 31.5" pallet changing, the VORTEX i-800V/8 significantly boosts machine utilization and makes for continuous uninterrupted production. The simple and efficient form of automation allows operators to load, unload and inspect parts on one pallet while the machine works on the other undisturbed. Or to extend fully automated production even further, the VORTEX i-800V/8 can be part of a PALLETECH pre-engineered system that offers one, two or three-level pallet stocker configurations.
The VORTEX i-800V/8 is equipped with the new MAZATROL SmoothX CNC that is a key element – along with new machine hardware and servo systems – of Mazak’s SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY. As a dramatic evolution in the advancement of machine tools SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY is a complete process-performance platform that spans the entire part-production landscape, from programming and setup to metal removal operations and automation to monitoring and data collection/transfer.
Ideal applications for the VORTEX i-800V/8 include larger, slightly less complex workpieces that require 5-axis machining and no turning operations. The machine provides a part-working size of 59" in diameter and 59" high via ample axis travels of 66.93" in X, 59.06" in Y, 45.28" in Z and 360-degrees in C to easily accommodate these types of parts often found in the aerospace and heavy construction vehicle industries.
A robust 10,000-rpm, CAT-50 taper, 50-hp spindle with 150-degree B-axis tilt capability ensures speed, power and agility for highly involved 5-axis machining. To better match machine capability to application, Mazak also offers the VORTEX i-800V/8 spindle in a 5,000-rpm version for heavier material removal as well as a 15,000-rpm one for higher speed machining.
A standard 43-tool magazine (80, 120, 160, 180, 240 and 348-tool capacities optional) provides ample room for large amounts of tools needed for continuous automated production from one job to the next. The machine’s automatic tool changer handles tools up to 11.81" in diameter and to 25.50" in length.