The rigid Mega-8800 HMC from Mazak is designed to efficiently machine tough materials such as Inconel and titanium. The machine is equipped with a continuous, 4,000-rpm, 100-hp (74-kW) integral motor spindle that generates 774 foot-pounds of torque. A rapid traverse rate of 1,219 ipm is available on the X and Z axes, and 1,016 ipm on the Y axis. The HMC provides 5,530 foot-pounds of torque in the X and Z axes, and 5,800 foot-pounds in the Y axis.
Machine travels measure 55" × 47" × 52" (1,400 × 1,200 × 1,325 mm) in the X, Y and Z axis, respectively. The machine’s MX hybrid roller guide system is designed to increase vibration damping and extend tool life. For precise four-axis indexing and machining, the NC rotary table rotates 90 degrees in 3.2 sec. and features one-degree minimum increments. The table incorporates Mazak’s high-precision, 360-degree position coupling and accommodates 57" × 57" (1,450- × 1,450-mm) workpieces.
Cam-driven tool changing reduces non-cut times with 5-sec. chip-to-chip tool-change cycles, the company says. The machine’s automatic toolchanger stores as many as 60 tools and at diameters ranging to 10.24" (260 mm). The standard two-pallet changer is pre-engineered to interface with Mazak’s Palletech manufacturing system for unattended operation. The 31.5" × 31.5" (800- × 800-mm) pallet can accommodate a maximum load of 4,850 lbs (2,200 kg).
The Windows 7-based Matrix Nexus 2 CNC enables both conversational and EIA/ISO programming. The control provides 3D machining simulations, time-study analysis and the Mazak Voice Advisor, which assists operators during setup.
While much focus is placed on the machinery that moves parts, the features most important for automating five-axis machining are arguably found in the machine tool itself.
Lathes represent some of the oldest machining technology, but it’s still helpful to remember the basics when considering the purchase of a new turning machine.
