Making its world debut was the HCN-5000 equipped with a high capacity MPP500 automation system, specifically designed for unmanned lights out running.
Built on Mazak’s Palletech expertise, the machine features a Multi Pallet Pool (MPP) which offers high-speed pallet transfer and extended unmanned running, compared to twin or six pallet automation systems. The machine is equipped with a 16 station MPP, but a smaller 10 pallet version, that is field expandable, is available.EMO
The MPP has an economic footprint – up to 37% smaller than comparable Palletech systems and is controlled using the SmoothG CNC, which is equipped with Mazak’s Smooth MPP software application. Smooth MPP facilitates advanced scheduling functions, faster analysis of production results and more efficient system utilisation. It can be accessed remotely on PCs and smartphones.
For those manufacturers keen to embrace Industry 4.0 and drive greater connectivity between their production operations, the high levels of real-time data analysis provided by Smooth MPP can translate into tangible productivity benefits such as reduced non-cutting time and lower indirect labour expenses.
Mazak’s HCN-5000 horizontal machining centre is able to process workpieces up to 800mm diameter and 1,000mm in height, and benefits from an optional 37kW 14,000rpm high torque spindle for processing difficult-to-cut materials such as titanium. The machine also offers rapid traverse rates of 60m/minute and features a tool change time of just 2.6 seconds to minimise non-cutting time. The machine on display at EMO also featured Mazak’s V30-C Superflow high pressure coolant system, which has seven programmable pressures steps operating up to 70 bar.
Also appearing for the first time at EMO was the spindle head from the HCN-16000Q, a horizontal machining centre specifically designed for processing large prismatic workpieces such as oil and gas components, as well as power generation and large marine work.
Given the size of workpieces the HCN-16000Q can process – up to 3,000mm diameter, 2,000mm in height and 10,000kg weight, the full machine wasn’t on display at EMO, however visitors to the Mazak stand were able to experience the machine’s stand-out feature, a specialist 50 taper 3,000rpm, 130mm diameter quill spindle that facilitates high accuracy deep boring work with a W-axis stroke of 550mm. This provides machining accessibility to traditionally difficult-to-reach areas typically seen on oil and gas components.
Controlled by Mazak’s SmoothG CNC, the HNC-16000Q can optionally be equipped with Auto Attachment Changer (AAC) to enable the automated loading of special tools, such as boring heads with internal mechanisms driven by the quill, for producing contoured or stepped bores typical of the aerospace or energy sector.
Completing the line-up, and also making its European debut, was the gantry loading (GL) automation system running two compact FF-5000/40 horizontal machining centres in tandem. Developed for mass production manufacturing operations, the GL system configuration on show at EMO demonstrated a fully automated and high productivity solution for manufacturing automotive engine blocks.
The cell in operation featured one FF-5000/40 (A-type) fitted with an A-axis trunnion table, supported by a B-type fitted with traditional horizontal table. Both machines include a 22kW 12,000rpm main spindle and ultra-fast traverse rates of 62m/minute.
The distinctive configuration featured a gantry robot with separate loading and unloading hands to enable end-users to achieve the fast takt times demanded by mass production. What’s more, with a width of just 1,700mm, the GL automation system is ideal for small floorspaces.
YAMAZAKI MAZAK www.mazakeu.co.uk
