Makino L2 Table

The Makino L2 Table is the table-type version of Makino's L2 compact vertical machining center: a 600 x 400 mm (23.62 in x 15.74 in) table under 400 mm (15.7 in) of X, 300 mm (11.8 in) of Y and 300 mm (11.8 in) of Z, driven by a 16,000 rpm HSK-A50 spindle. Makino designed the L2 for high-volume, small-part manufacturing.

The working envelope is smaller than the table suggests. Makino lists a maximum workpiece of 413 x 267 x 215 mm (16.23 in x 10.51 in x 8.46 in) and 60 kg (132 lb), so the table area is best used for the fixture rather than for a larger part. A two-station vise or a small tombstone fits that limit; a heavy cast fixture may not, so weigh fixture and part together.

Thirty HSK-A50 tools come as standard, against 15 on the L2 APC. Every pocket full, a tool may be 30 mm (1.18 in) across; with the adjacent pockets empty it may be 80 mm (3.14 in). Maximum tool weight is 5 kg (11 lb). The 16,000 RPM spindle is rated 20 HP, and an 8,000 rpm spindle with the same HSK-A50 taper is available. Chip-to-chip time is 3.5 to 4.5 sec, and the axes move at 48 m/min (1,890 ipm) in rapid and in cut, which keeps air time short on parts with many small features.

At 3 feet wide x 7 feet deep, the machine suits dense production floors. Makino says it can run fully unattended around the clock and slot into any workpiece flow, from an operator moving parts by hand to robotic transfer. The table lists no machine weight or spindle torque, so ask for both when planning a cell.