The Smart approach

Since Mazak launched its conversational CNC system for lathes in 1981, the company claims its range of Quick Turn lathes have amassed a total of over 65,000 installations worldwide.

The Quick Turn Nexus II series offers high performance multitasking type functions capable of manufacturing complex components in very few or even in one machine set-up. However, recognising that not all applications require such multi-axis functionality, Mazak has now launched the all new Quick Turn Smart series, to provide high quality, cost-effective 2- and 3-axis turning centres.

“The new Quick Turn Smart series extends the reach of the Mazak range to deliver even greater productivity for 2- and 3-axis turning applications,” says Mazak's David Jack. “We are aware that all our customers require a machine tool that is built to a high standard, one that will consistently deliver parts to the highest accuracy, and continue to do this for an extended service life. By maintaining the high standards of design and build that the name Mazak stands for, and utilising our global presence, we are able to deliver a machine that satisfies all of these needs at an attractive price.”

The series includes four models, with the Quick Turn Smart 200 and 250 offering 350mm in machining diameter and the Quick Turn Smart 300 and 350 with 420mm maximum machining diameter and up to 102mm in bar diameter. Standard features of the entire range are the high rigidity built in spindle units, NC tailstock with number five Morse taper spindle, 10 or 12 position drum turret, and rapid traverse rates of 30m/minute and 33m/minute in the X and Z axes.

Central to the development of Quick Turn Smart is the new Mazatrol Smart control system, which is designed purely with 2-axis turning and 3-axis milling in mind. By eliminating functions that would be expected on its multi-tasking machines – Y axis, 5-axis machining – for example, Mazak has created a control that is both easy to use and provides a more cost-effective solution to those customers who do not require these additional functions. The operator interface remains as a Windows-based system with a full QWERTY keyboard, as well as the familiar Mazatrol conversational programming with full EIA/ISO functionality as standard.

In addition to the Mazatrol Smart control, the Quick Turn Smart range has a number of productivity enhancing features, which Mazak says may not normally be expected on what is described as an ‘entry level' machine. For improved accuracy, the series is equipped as standard with Mazak's Intelligent Thermal Shield system which monitors the variation in key elements of the machine, as well as alterations in the ambient temperature of the environment and uses this information to automatically adjust the machine's offsets and maintain component accuracy. Similarly, the NC controlled tailstock is a feature normally reserved for more complex, multi-function machines. “The majority of 2- and 3-axis lathes would normally feature a drag and drop style or electronic tailstock but the advantage of the NC tailstock is that the user has much greater control over the unit in terms of positioning and thrust forces – thanks to the direct drive from the ballscrew,” explains Mr Jack.

On the Quick Turn Smart series, the NC tailstock allows for the thrust force to be changed during operation and controlled in 0.1kN increments to a maximum of 5kN (or 10kN for QuickTurn Smart 300/350), with a minimum thrust of 0.5kN when the tailstock is being controlled by the electronic jog wheel on the CNC. The control accepts standard M codes for tailstock position and thrust control and the result is a fully automatic tailstock that is fast, repeatable, accurate and quick to set-up.

Mazak has also addressed the question of the environment when designing the Quick Turn Smart series. Annual power consumption has been reduced by 20% when compared to similar size and specification machines. This relates to an annual CO2 emission of 2.72 tonnes – down from 3.86 tonnes. This reduction has been achieved through a number of innovative design features such as the automatic Eco mode, which switches off the machine when it has not been operated for a set period of time. When the machine senses an operator has arrived, the mode is cancelled and the machine powers itself back up.

Yamazaki Mazak
www.mazak.eu