Makino a120nx

The Makino a120nx is a large production machining center with a 1,000 mm x 1,000 mm (39.4 in x 39.4 in) pallet, 1,900 mm (74.8 in) of X, 1,600 mm (63.0 in) of Y and 1,700 mm of Z. A 1,250 x 1,000 mm (49.2 in x 39.4 in) pallet is available as an option for longer parts.

Makino quotes the work zone in terms of the part. It takes workpieces up to Ø 2,100 mm x 1,800 mm (Ø 82.7 in x 70.9 in) tall, and up to 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) as standard or 5,000 kg (11,000 lb) with the optional specification. At those sizes the weight rating, not the envelope, is usually what decides whether a job fits, so a heavy fixture on a large casting needs to be added up before the optional rating is ruled out.

The standard spindle is an 8,000 rpm High-Torque unit on a CAT50 taper, with HSK-A100 optional. A 20,000 rpm spindle is the alternative for aluminium and small tools. Makino's table names the standard spindle High-Torque but prints no torque or power figure, so ask for the curve if roughing capacity decides the purchase. Rapid traverse and maximum cutting feed are the same on all linear axes: 54,000 mm/min, which Makino gives as 2,126 inches per minute.

One magazine size is listed, 204 tools, taking tools up to 356mm (14.0 in) in diameter and 35 kg (77 lb). Tool-change time depends on the tool: 2.2 sec for a 12kg tool and 3.3 sec for a 35kg tool.

The a92 is the step down. It has 1,520 mm (59.8 in) of X, 1,250 mm (49.2 in) of Y and an 800 x 1,000 mm (31.5 in x 39.4 in) pallet, with a 10,000 rpm spindle as standard rather than the 8,000 rpm High-Torque unit, so the choice between the a92 and the a120nx mostly comes down to part size and weight.