V56i for Large Part Hardmilling

Makino has upgraded its V56 vertical machining center. The new V56i, designed specifically for large part, high-speed hardmilling, will provide users with tighter accuracies, sustained dynamic performance, superior surface finishes, and long hours of continuous, unattended operation.

The V56i’s refined spindle provides increased stiffness and rigidity to reduce potential chatter during machining of 50+ HRc materials. An enhanced machine design reduces potential machine movement and associated thermal growth, common errors that could induce inaccuracy during long die and mold applications. These additional features help retain superior accuracy during long periods of unattended operation.

The V56i's worktable is 1,050mm x 550mm with associated travels of 900mm (X) x 550mm (Y) x 450mm (Z). The machine workzone will accommodate a maximum workpiece size of 1,050mm x 720mm x 450mm. The V56i is equipped with the latest version of Makino’s Super Geometric Intelligence (SGI.4) control software to improve federates and accuracy, and reduce part cycle times by 40% or more compared with the prior generation of software.

Refined Spindle
Makino’s V56i includes a shorter spindle for a stiffer, more rigid milling platform than other vertical machining centers of its size. The decreased spindle length allows the V56i to operate vibration free  through a greater range of spindle revolutions per minute with reduced chatter, improved surface finish, and extended tool life. Additionally, an improved lubrication system design provides greater control (or elimination) of spindle thermal growth which typically occurs during long and continuous, high-speed hardmilling of die and mold applications.

The V56i comes standard with a 25hp, 20,000rpm spindle. For higher speed machining, Makino offers an optional 30,000 spindle. Spindle nose configurations are available in Cat #40, HSK 63A and 63F and HSK – E50 to support a wide variety of tooling and applications.

The machine’s strength and accuracy is due in part to its massive castings. Integral, hardened, and ground, hand-scraped guideways provide outstanding geometric tolerances and extremely precise positioning and repeatability. The no-overhang, fully supported construction ensures peak motion performance with no lost motion or unsupported components during motion – which guarantees tight dynamic tolerances for hardmilling of complex, three-dimensional, sculptured surfaces.

Cooling and Lubrication
Makino’s V-series high speed spindle features a patented spindle core cooling system which circulates chilled coolant through the spindle and bearing packages, dramatically reducing spindle growth. The increased lubricant flow of the V56i further minimizes thermal growth for superior accuracy and increased bearing life.

Overall structural temperature control has been enhanced with advanced cooling technologies such as core-cooled ball screws, lubricated ball nuts, a servo motor cooling jacket system, temperature controlled passageways. Greater temperature control through-out the machine minimizes thermal growth during cutting, providing sustainable, long-term, dynamic accuracy.