Shibaura Machine BMC-800

The Shibaura Machine BMC-800 is a horizontal machining center with a 31.5 x 31.5 in (800 x 800 mm) pallet rated for 4,400 lb (2,000 kg). Standard travel is 49.2 in (1,250 mm) in X, 39.4 in (1,000 mm) in Y and 35.4 in (900 mm) in Z, and a 2-pallet parallel shuttle APC is part of the standard machine.

Every linear axis can be lengthened. The extended-stroke option takes X to 63.0 in (1,600 mm), Y to 49.2 in (1,250 mm) and Z to 47.2 in (1,200 mm). With the longer strokes X travel is twice the pallet width, which helps with parts and tombstones that overhang the pallet and with long tools that need room to clear the workpiece. Only one pallet load is listed, so the option buys reach, not weight capacity.

The standard spindle runs 15-5,000 rpm, a range for iron and steel with large cutters and boring tools. An optional high-speed head covers 40-10,000 rpm with an AC 30/25 hp (22.4/18.6 kW) motor and is the better fit for aluminium and smaller tools. Shibaura Machine's table gives a power figure only for the 10,000 rpm head. The rating of the standard spindle and the taper of either are not listed and should be requested.

The magazine holds 38 tools. On a machine that can be fed from a 6, 8 or 10-pallet magazine in place of the standard two-pallet shuttle, that is the figure to look at hardest, because several part numbers running unattended fill 38 pockets quickly once duplicate tools are loaded.

Control is the TOSNUC 999. The BTD-200QS offers a point of comparison from the boring machine side: a 39 x 47 in (1,000 x 1,200 mm) table, 8,800 lb (4,000 kg) and 30 tools. The BMC-800 carries less weight but changes pallets as standard.