a40 – Purpose-built for aluminum die-cast parts machining

By Niraj M Wanikar, Chief Editor, CNCTimes.com, 2016-01-02 14:42:00

400mm horizontal machining centers are common solutions for high-volume small-parts production. These machines are designed to address a broad variety of part types and materials. Unfortunately, the same high-power spindle that is a necessity for heavy-cutting ferrous applications translates to sluggish performance and wasted costs when machining near net shape aluminum die-cast parts. Die-cast applications are unique. Your parts and your industry have very specific manufacturing challenges. Why use a generic, general-purpose machine tool for the production of your die-cast components? Well, until recently, there really were not many alternatives.

Introducing the Makino a40, a first-of-its-kind horizontal machining center purpose-designed and built to address the challenges of non-ferrous die-cast parts production.

Makino understands that one of the largest drivers of per-piece costs is the cycle time. Cycle time drives the number of machines required, but it also has far-reaching cost implications affecting labor, floor space, utilities and durable tooling. The a40 features Makino’s intelligent ROI design, a collection of innovative technologies designed to slash unproductive non-cut times from your part process.

• Responsive #40 spindle accelerates to 12,000 in 0.5 seconds.
• Quickly complete common tapping operations with the 6,000 RPM Rigid tapping synchronization speed.
• Minimize feature-to-feature positioning time with a linear axis that reaches full rapid traverse rates 18 percent faster than typical competitors.
• Inertia active control (IAC) evaluates fixture and tool weights to optimize acceleration performance of multiple machine systems.

Unplanned downtime is devastating in high-volume die-cast production machining. Reliability of your machining system is a paramount consideration. The a40 uses several of the robust, proven systems from Makino’s 1-Series horizontal machining centers. Systems like single-piece X- and Z-axis covers, center trough chip/coolant management and dual-supported ATC mechanisms have solidified Makino as the industry leader in reliability. The a40 leverages these proven technologies, but then advances reliability with new systems ensuring reliable operation.

• Standard vision-type broken-tool detection supports unattended operation by quickly validating the condition of the cutting tools after each tool change.
• Dedicated tool taper cleaning nozzles wash the tool taper with 20μ filtered coolant with each tool change, ensuring contamination-free tool clamping.
• Three-stage coolant filtration with 20μ hydro-cyclone eliminates coolant tank sludge common with non-ferrous part machining, extending time between coolant system preventive maintenance or cleaning. 

Don’t settle for a machine designed for general-purpose use. Contact Makino to see how a purpose-built machine delivers a competitive advantage in per-piece costs. The new a40 is your machine for your industry.

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