iQ300 Precision Micromachining Center

Makino, Mason, Ohio, in June unveiled the iQ300 Precision Micromachining Center, which incorporates the company's latest advancements in machine and spindle design, and offers 0.005µm-scale feedback for sub-micron accuracy. "Electronic components, medical devices and optical products continue to decrease in size and increase in demand," John Bradford, Makino's micromachining R&D team leader, said in a company news release. "With a thermally stable, vibration–free, high-speed spindle ideal for fine detail machining and ultra-precision accuracies, as well as Hybrid ATLM for tool matching and blending, the iQ300 is the perfect micromachining center for these challenging micro applications." The iQ300 features a 45,000 rpm HSK-E32 spindle equipped with Makino's patented core-cooling, under-race and jacket spindle temperature control system that is said to virtually eliminate thermal growth, deflection or vibration, even during long hours of high-speed machining. The worktable measures 600mm x 400mm (23.6" x 15.7") with X-, Y- and Z-axis travels of 400mm x 350mm x 200mm (15.7" x 13.8" x 7.9"), respectively.