Mazak Corp.'s VC-500A/5X vertical toolchanger. See automatic toolchanger." title="CNC machine tool capable of drilling, reaming, tapping, milling and boring. Normally comes with an automatic toolchanger. See automatic toolchanger." aria-label="Glossary: machining center">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.