Automated 5-Axis Machining This multimedia presentation Makino demonstrates weldless molding capabilities only possible with new, cutting edge technologies and techniques. View All Presentation Transcripts
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Makino has developed a new pallet system concept called the work-holding pallet system. This system enables smart workpiece setups suitable for multi-faced machining.

A horizontal machining center serves as the core machine. The first machine pallet has a 4-axis specification. There is another 5-axis specification created by adding a rotary table. This combined use of two different tables achieves highly flexible operation.

One of the strong parts of the horizontal machining center is that chips naturally fall down below. The machine design is advantageous to an unmanned operation, because it avoids the problem of chips getting caught in the spindle taper.

Makino developed the work-holding pallet system to facilitate efficient multi-faced machine in one chucking operation on 5-axis horizontal machining centers.

Work-holding pallets, 30 mm in thickness, are available in two sizes, 400 by 400 mm and 400 by 500 mm. The pallet is provided with multiple holes for attaching the workpiece or a jig plate. The underside of the pallet has two pull-stud bolts for attaching the pallet to a rotary table or an angle plate.

The workpiece is attached to the pallets by bolts that are inserted through holes on the underside of the pallet. The pull-stud bolts have a reference line that can be used for positioning to achieve repeatability within plus or minus 2 microns.

With a total clamping force of 30KN, the pallet is designed to withstand even heavy-duty cutting operations. The pallet system minimizes the use of clamping and vices, which avoids creating areas where interference might occur, and enables multiple faces to be machined in one chucking operation.

An air-vacuum circuit is available as an option for holding a thin, plate-like workpiece using a vacuum chuck. We have just seen the major features of the work-holding pallet system.

In this first process, the workpiece is rough-machined using an angled plate. Then, in the second process, the rotary table is used to execute 5-axis finishing machining. This combined use of two different tables allows highly flexible operation.

Combining a robot with the work-holding pallet system facilitates continuous, unmanned operation. Because the robot’s hand can grasp the pallet, there is no reason to have robot grips, which have to handle different part shapes. One gripper alone can handle a large variety of workpieces.

The work-holding pallet system successfully accommodates high-mix, low-volume production, as well as production with varying levels of volumes.