Makino a900Z

The Makino a900Z is a Z-type horizontal five-axis machining center built on an 800 mm (31.5 in) pallet, 1,400 mm (55.1 in) of X, 1,200 mm (47.2 in) of Y and a Z stroke of 1,185 mm - 1,265 mm (46.7 in - 49.8 in) that depends on rotary position. Its spec table rates it for workpieces up to Ø 1,250 mm x 1,000 mm High (Ø 49.2 in x 39.4 in High) and 1,200 kg (2,640 lb).

The rotary unit follows the Z-type pattern, with direct drive on both axes: B rotates without limit through 360°, and the slant-style C axis moves through 180°. That lets the pallet top sit anywhere between horizontal and parallel to the spindle centerline. B has a rotation rapid rate of 18,000 degrees per minute, and the linear axes rapid at 60,000 mm/min (2,362 ipm) with a 50,000 mm/min (1,968 ipm) cutting feedrate.

Spindle choice is wider than on the a800Z. The standard spindle runs to 10,000 rpm, with 73.8 HP (55 kW) peak power and 532 ft-lbs (721 N-m) peak torque. An 8,000 rpm high-torque spindle is optional for tool materials and hard metals, and the table also lists a 15,000 rpm option, which is the one to look at for aluminum or smaller cutters.

The magazine is where the a900Z separates itself from the Makino a800Z, which lists only 60 tools. Here the 60-tool ring is standard and a 185-tool matrix magazine is optional, enough to keep a family of large parts tooled up without reloading. Tool-to-tool time is 1.8 - 1.9 sec, and tools can be up to Ø 356 mm (Ø 14.0 in) and 30 kg (66 lb).

A two-pallet automatic pallet changer, closed-loop temperature control on all axes and the Fanuc-based Pro-6 control with Super Geometric Intelligence (SGI) come as standard. Before installing, plan the foundation and crane access around a part of up to 1,200 kg on an 800 mm pallet.