Yamazaki Mazak continued expanding its entry-level portfolio of machines with new range extensions, spindle options and innovative machine and automation pairings at EMO 2023.
Machine affordability has been a key focus for Mazak in recent years with the objective of bringing the benefits of its technology to non-Mazak users and those who, in the past, have believed that Mazak’s levels of machine specification and performance were out of reach.
The CV5-500 entry-level 5-axis machining center has been central to delivering affordable machining solutions targeting small workshops transitioning production methods from 3-axis to 5-axis capability.
The machine is ideal for high-mix, low-volume serial production work. When twinned with an automation solution, it can provide lights out and unmanned running capability for even the smallest sub-contract workshop – ultimately increasing machine utilisation, shortening payback and driving profitability.
The CV5-500 was specifically designed for ease of automation and the machine at EMO 2023 showcased that with an automated cell consisting of a 24 pallet-changer and a large capacity tool stocker housing 204 tools.
In addition, the machine displayed the optional 60,000 rpm Ultraspindle for high-speed super-finishing of intricate workpieces. Powered by an electro-spindle with a brushless DC motor, the speed is programmable by M-codes and S-commands, while the unit can be tool changed in an automatic cycle for seamless operation.
The VCN series has also been expanded and is now available in three models: the 700, 600 and 500. At EMO, Mazak exhibited the VCN-700 vertical machining center developed with a large 700 mm Y-axis making it ideal for die and mold applications.
Since its initial launch, the number of available options to yield more productivity and efficiency has increased. At EMO, the VCN-700 model featured a large capacity 60-tool magazine and an 18,000 rpm HSK-A63 high-speed spindle featuring a 30 kW built-in motor.
Alongside this, the VCN-600, which has a 600 mm Y-axis stroke, along with 1050 mm in the X-axis and 600 mm in the Z-axis. The VCN-600 exhibited at EMO is equipped with a 48-tool magazine and a high-performance 15,000 rpm 22 kW spindle.
With ease of automation at the heart of the design concept, the displayed model was integrated with an MA-35/400 robot cell which utilises the VCN’s sideloading capability for an optimised floor layout with uninhibited operator access.
The final entry-level machine on the Mazak stand at EMO 2023 was the VCE-500 vertical machining center designed and built at Mazak’s European Manufacturing facility in the UK.
The VCE-500 is the sister machine of the VCE-600, a highly affordable vertical machining center ideal for entry-level machine users looking for superior productivity, fast payback and improved profitability.
The machine boasts a class-leading 12,000 rpm 18.5 kW spindle and has a compact footprint making it ideal for small sub-contract workshops, but with a spacious machining envelope of 500 mm in the Y-axis, 800 mm in the X-axis and 550 mm in the Z-axis.
The VCE-500 is equipped with SmoothEz CNC, Yamazaki Mazak ‘s entry-level CNC technology, with a 15-inch capacitive touch screen for intuitive operation. While programmers benefit from the best of both worlds with MAZATROL conversational and EIA/ISO G-code programming languages included as standard.
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