Makino introduces its latest 5-axis vertical machining center, the F5-5XR. By combining speed, precision and flexibility, the F5-5XR meets all requirements for tight tolerance, 5-axis, hardmilling applications. Additionally, this VMC is an affordable 5-axis solution for complex, three-dimensional die/mold applications.
The F5-5XR provides X-, Y- and Z-axis travels of 35.4 inches, 19.7 inches and 17.7 inches, respectively; the 39.4-inch-by-19.7-inch machine worktable offers ample room for the 5XR table and workpiece arrangement as well as additional table space for a vice to accommodate other non-5-axis work and an optional laser Automatic Tool Length Measurement (ATLM) system.
“The F5-5XR offers the same speed and precision of the F5, but with the added flexibility inherent to 5-axis machining centers,” says William Howard, Makino’s vertical machining product manager. “Using simultaneous 5-axis, ‘two-plus-three machining’ or even simple five-face machining techniques, the F5-5XR helps manufacturers reduce part setup and handling, cut lead-times, improve quality and lower costs while providing outstanding precision and fine finishes in very demanding, complex, 3D-contoured part applications.”
Precision Tilting Rotary Table
The F5-5XR’s rotary table design offers advanced performance with increased speed, accuracy and power and facilitates larger workpieces with its expanded work zone.
The table is complete with a dual taper; double-disc braking mechanism generates higher clamping torque for both the tilt and rotary axes, supporting heavier cutting forces in hard materials. The design also offers improved productivity through increased tilt and rotary speeds, all while maintaining precise positioning accuracies with a repeatability of plus or minus 2 arc seconds.
Wide-Ranging Capability
A highly productive 20,000-rpm, HSK-63A spindle is included in the F5-5XR, which incorporates Makino’s patented core-cooling, under-race and jacket spindle temperature control system. The two-range spindle supplies unique, wide-range capability with the stiffness and rigidity at lower ranges for roughing operations. It also delivers vibration-free, chatter-free production of small details and fine features using small tools at high rpm. In addition, a 30-tool magazine provides capacity for a wide array of tooling.
Software
The F5-5XR includes several Makino patented software technologies such as the Professional 5 Control and Super Geometric Intelligence (SGI.4) .
The Professional 5 Control is the perfect blend of a Windows® CE graphical user interface (GUI), touch-screen selection offering instant access to information at one’s fingertips. The efficient PC-like capability has supreme data management, editing and networking ability. Additionally, the system has the storage capability of a data center.
As for the SGI.4, the system is known for its high-feed rate and tight-tolerance machining. The SGI.4 has the ability to machine complex 3-D contoured shapes that involve continuous tiny blocks of NC data. The complex machining makes for faster production rates than the standard CNC systems, all while maintaining accuracy. Moreover, SGI.4 reduces cycle times on dies, complex cavities and cores, and medical parts by as much as 40 percent when compared to most other control technologies.