Five-Axis VMC's AWC Enables Continuous, Unattended Operation

Mazak’s Variaxis i-300 simultaneous five-axis VMC includes a a high-capacity auto work changer (AWC) for flexibility and efficiency. Designed for automated small- to medium-size part-processing operations, the VMC is suited for machining aluminum and other nonferrous metals for a variety of industries, including aerospace, medical and automotive.

The machine comes with a multiple-drum tool storage system that holds as many 145 tools. The 32-position AWC accommodates workpieces as large as 13.779" in diameter, 12.401" in height and weighing 135 lbs. The tool and workpiece storage capacities enable continuous unattended operation and single-setup, Done-in-One processing. Shops can expand the AWC and tool storage capacities to 40 workpieces and 505 tools (in increments of 60 tools), respectively. The stacking, 30-tool drum magazines reduce the machine’s footprint. 

The machine comes with a 12,000-rpm spindle, with spindles as fast as 30,000 rpm available. The spindle/motor design and temperature-controlled coolant speed operation and reduce vibration. The trunnion-style rotary table provides rigidity and accuracy in the A and C axes, while the compact spindle cartridge, cam-driven toolchanger, ballscrew core cooling and MX hybrid roller guide system ease the machine’s use and increase precision.

The VMC features the company’s Mazatrol SmoothX CNC control. Available software solutions include the Smooth Energy Dashboard to help shops meet sustainability goals, Smooth Thermal Shield to calibrate temperature, Mazacheck for axis alignment, and multi-touch capacitive screens for searching through and modifying cutting programs. Smooth AWC keeps track of present and future tool resources at the machine or, with the addition of an optional interface, at an external PC, enabling continuous unattended operation.