Makino a51nx

The Makino a51nx is a 400 mm pallet, 40-taper horizontal machining center: 400 x 400 mm (15.7 in x 15.7 in) pallets, 560 mm (22.0 in) of X, 640 mm (25.2 in) of Y and Z, and a 14,000 rpm spindle with 20,000 rpm optional. It is the smallest of the nx horizontals, and it changes tools in 0.9 sec tool-to-tool and 2.2 sec chip-to-chip.

Makino's focus with this model is time spent not cutting. It quotes 1G-axis acceleration and a standard direct-drive B-axis, and pairs them with 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) rapids and a 50,000 mm/min (1,968 ipm) cutting feed. On small parts with dozens of short drilling and tapping operations, those non-cut seconds are much of the cycle, so the a51nx suits high-volume production more than long roughing passes.

The work zone is larger than the pallet suggests. A part may swing Ø 630 mm x 900 mm (Ø 24.8 in x 35.4 in) and weigh up to 400 kg (880 lb), which leaves room for tombstones carrying several parts per face. Taper is CAT40, with HSK-63 listed in brackets. Tools may be 430 mm (16.9 in) long on CAT or 420 mm (16.5 in) on HSK, 170 mm (6.7 in) in diameter and 12 kg (26.4 lb). The magazine holds 60 tools as standard, and Makino lists 40, 134, 219 and 311 as options, so the machine can be set up for a wide family of parts.

The Pro6 control in its latest version adds Process Tracer and Feed Optimizer, both parts of Makino's iKnowledge software. Makino also lists a machine health monitoring system for proactive maintenance, coolant-tank stirring nozzles that improve cyclonic filtration, one-piece X- and Z-axis way covers and a dual-supported tool-change arm.