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Mazak Corp.'s VC-500A/5X vertical machining center cost-effectively processes small complex parts, such as throttle bodies, with the full 5-axis machining enabled by the machine’s trunnion-style rotary/tilt table. The machine features the Mazatrol SmoothX CNC, a control that delivers many advanced functions to allow for faster part cycle times and easier EIA/ISO or Mazatrol programming.
Made in Kentucky, the VC-500A/5X comes standard equipped with a robust, high-performance CAT 40, 12,000-rpm spindle that delivers exceptional metal-removal capabilities in all common materials, including steel, aluminum and cast iron. Optional speeds of 15,000 rpm and 20,000 rpm are available to address a variety of part production requirements.
The VC-500A/5X is available with a 30-, 40- or 60-tool magazine. In tandem with the magazine, the machine’s automatic toolchanger provides fast tool exchanges for an overall reduction in non-cut times.
Axis travels for the VC-500A/5X measure 19.88" in X, 19.88" in Y and 20.07" in Z, allowing it to accommodate part sizes up to 19.68" in diameter and 12" high. Rapid traverse speeds for these three linear axes are now 1,181 ipm. To minimize thermal displacement, Mazak incorporates an oil chiller that cools the VC-500A/5X’s head and table. The machine’s trunnion-style rotary/tilt table is constructed with a durable high-speed roller gear cam drive technology for high torsional rigidity and positioning accuracy in the B-axis and a direct drive motor in the C-axis increasing
rotary indexing up to 290 rpm. The table tilts ±110 degrees in the B-axis, rotates 360 degrees in the C-axis and can accommodate workpiece weights up to 440 lbs.
Mazak’s Mazatrol SmoothX CNC on the VC-500A/5X makes it easy to generate programs for the production of highly complex parts. It ensures short machining cycle times, especially in fine-increment programs for simultaneous 5-axis
operations and free-form die/mold machining. These functions include High Gain Feed Forward Control, Smooth Machining Configurator, Smooth Corner Control, Rapid Overlap, Variable Acceleration Control and Intelligent Pocket Milling.
Ergonomics also play an important role in the functionality of the Mazatrol SmoothX CNC. A large 19" display presents all of the critical machine data on a single screen, while the tilt control panel allows for optimal positioning based on operator height. An intuitive multiple-touch screen, which is similar to that of a smartphone, enables fast and smooth programming operations. Program memory expansion allows the CNC to store up to 32GB of data.
Related Glossary Terms
- automatic toolchanger
automatic toolchanger
Mechanism typically included in a machining center that, on the appropriate command, removes one cutting tool from the spindle nose and replaces it with another. The changer restores the used tool to the magazine and selects and withdraws the next desired tool from the storage magazine. The changer is controlled by a set of prerecorded/predetermined instructions associated with the part(s) to be produced.
- computer numerical control ( CNC)
computer numerical control ( CNC)
Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- computer-aided manufacturing ( CAM)
computer-aided manufacturing ( CAM)
Use of computers to control machining and manufacturing processes.
- feed
feed
Rate of change of position of the tool as a whole, relative to the workpiece while cutting.
- gang cutting ( milling)
gang cutting ( milling)
Machining with several cutters mounted on a single arbor, generally for simultaneous cutting.
- inches per minute ( ipm)
inches per minute ( ipm)
Value that refers to how far the workpiece or cutter advances linearly in 1 minute, defined as: ipm = ipt 5 number of effective teeth 5 rpm. Also known as the table feed or machine feed.
- machining center
machining center
CNC machine tool capable of drilling, reaming, tapping, milling and boring. Normally comes with an automatic toolchanger. See automatic toolchanger.
- milling
milling
Machining operation in which metal or other material is removed by applying power to a rotating cutter. In vertical milling, the cutting tool is mounted vertically on the spindle. In horizontal milling, the cutting tool is mounted horizontally, either directly on the spindle or on an arbor. Horizontal milling is further broken down into conventional milling, where the cutter rotates opposite the direction of feed, or “up” into the workpiece; and climb milling, where the cutter rotates in the direction of feed, or “down” into the workpiece. Milling operations include plane or surface milling, endmilling, facemilling, angle milling, form milling and profiling.
- rapid traverse
rapid traverse
Movement on a CNC mill or lathe that is from point to point at full speed but, usually, without linear interpolation.
- toolchanger
toolchanger
Carriage or drum attached to a machining center that holds tools until needed; when a tool is needed, the toolchanger inserts the tool into the machine spindle. See automatic toolchanger.
