Mazak unveils next-gen compact five-axis VMC

Mazak unveils next-gen compact five-axis vertical machining centre Yamazaki Mazak has unveiled a new high-accuracy simultaneous five-axis vertical machining centre, the Mazak VARIAXIS C-600, suitable for a wide range of industry sectors including the aerospace and automotive markets.

The Mazak VARIAXIS C-600, which is the successor machine to the highly successful Mazak VARIAXIS j-600/5X, is being marketed at an attractive price point to provide a high-performance and costeffective five-axis solution. The VARIAXIS C-600 is characterised by its highly agile performance, with no compromise on rigidity. The compact machine, capable of machining workpieces up to 730mm in diameter x 450mm in height and 500kg in weight, has been designed with a large machining envelope and a highrigidity structure, featuring a 600mm fullysupported trunnion table, with roller gear cam on the B- and C-axes. Exceptional high-speed performance is delivered with 42 metres/min rapid traverse rates in the X-,Y- and Z-axes, and a chip-to-chip time of just 4.5 seconds to reduce non-cutting time for faster cycle times. Most importantly, the new Mazak VARIAXIS C-600 comes with a class-leading range of specification options, enabling users to configure the CNC machine tool to match their specific application. The machine’s high-rigidity spindle can perform heavy-duty cutting of steel, as well as the high-speed machining of other non-ferrous materials such as aluminium, as it can be configured with four different spindle options. These range from a 12,000rpm standard spindle, up to a 15,000rpm high-torque option, or 18,000rpm high-speed and 20,000rpm high-power spindles. In addition, the Mazak VARIAXIS C-600 features a 30-tool magazine as standard, complete with a double-arm automatic tool changer, which can drastically reduce chip-to-chip times. Alongside this standard specification, 60-, 90- and 120-tool magazine options are also available. The VARIAXIS C-600 also employs Mazak’s SmoothAi Spindle function, featuring AI adaptive control (patent pending) that suppresses milling spindle chatter by intelligently adjusting cutting technology based on feedback from sensors built into the machine. The modularity of the Mazak VARIAXIS C-600 extends to the variety of coolant packages that are available for different applications up to 70 bar pressure. Dedicated packages for cast iron, aluminium and composite, and casting machining are also available as options. As well as offering excellent operator access and ergonomics, the Mazak VARIAXIS C-600 has been designed to integrate easily with a range of automation solutions, such as MPP and Palletech. Optional extras such as a side loading door, and preparation for hydraulic and pneumatic fixture interfaces are available to support bespoke automation projects with articulated robots. Integration of automation is further enhanced with the new Smooth RCC (Robot Cell Controller) adding advanced capabilities, such as tool and fixture capability check, tool set-up and fixture set-up, while the Robot Setup Assist enables efficient programming of the robot in the same co-ordinate system as the machine. The Mazak VARIAXIS C-600 is equipped with SmoothAi, Mazak’s new artificial intelligence control, which has in-built learning capability to continually improve machine performance. Smooth Machining Configuration Plus allows operators to easily adjust features including cycle time, finished surface and machined shape on the CNC display, according to material requirements. This is especially effective for complex workpieces with contours defined in small program increments. Specific settings can be saved and stored to allow them to be easily used for future cycles. The Smooth Project Manager also allows for easy management of data required to execute machining programs such as tool data, fixtures, co-ordinates, parameters and workpiece 3D models. Further machining accuracy is guaranteed by the new Ai Thermal Shield function, which uses algorithms to automatically determine the volume of compensation needed according to changes in temperature.

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