Matsuura develops new 5-axis horizontal machining centre
Matsuura Machining Corporation has developed a new 5-axis horizontal machining centre, TCX-365, and has already started selling this model. Matsuura has so far delivered over 1,000 sets of MAM72 series 5-axis machining centre to the industrial fields of automobile, aircraft, energy, tooling and medical equipment, which are worldwide leaders of cutting edge technologies for 5-axis machining. However, Matsuura has received many requests for productivity improvement of small dia. long parts (cutting drills, turbine blades of jet engines and motors) in the tooling, aircraft and energy fields, which offer high growth potentials.
The TCX-365 is targeted for 5-axis machining of small dia. long parts, and based on the reputed horizontal machining centre, is installed a dedicated 4th-/5th-axis unit developed exclusively by Matsuura. The new machine offers a solution to the existing problems in machining small dia. long parts (with a high ratio of total length L to diameter D): chattering and frequent setup changes to avoid chattering.
Equipped with application-specific units (tailstock & steady rest) which automatically synchronise with machining, the TCX-365 effectively dampens chattering by supporting the part at optimal positions, and achieves a short cycle time with quality surface finish. The machine also allows programmable setups of these support units to eliminate setup changes between outer surface machining and end face machining, and improves the productivity through single chucking operation.
The TCX-365 maintains the expandability of the base horizontal machining centre. The spindle offers a standard spindle speed of 12,000 min-1 or optionally 20,000 min-1 for high-speed machining and the tool magazine offers a standard tool storage capacity of 60 tools (drum type) or optionally a maximum of 520 tools (matrix type), and is sure to meet various customers' requirements. Hainbuch's SPANNTOP is employed for the part clamping mechanism to provide general universality. As an option, a BT#50 or HSK-A100 holder is also available. If the machine is used in combination with a robot system, extended unmanned operation and high-mix variable-volume production can be achieved flexibly.
In addition, Matsuura's original collision prevention software "Intelligent Protection System" is provided as a standard feature to facilitate safe machining operation without collisions.