Makino’s a51nx-5XU 5-axis HMC

Mason, Ohio – Makino’s a51nx-5XU 5-axis horizontal machining center offers a newly designed 5th-axis table and work-pallet magazine, enabling manufacturers of complex parts to obtain high levels of utilization and efficiency.

The linear X-, Y-, and Z-axis of the a51nx-5XU are built from the same proven structure as Makino’s industry-leading a51nx horizontal machining center. Its rigid bed casting with three-point leveling system provides a solid foundation for all critical machine components. A tiered-column design redirects machining forces and resists deflection even high in the Y-axis. These features are further complemented by high-performance linear guides, for long-term reliability. Altogether, the a51nx-5XU design offers dynamic stiffness and exceptional vibration management for the highest degree of cutting stability.

A 5th-axis table built to last
With increasing demand for small-part 5-axis machining, many companies are adding aftermarket fifth-axis rotary tables to 4-axis machining centers. However, these 5-axis retrofits frequently offer less rigidity and pose several challenges in cable interface management. The a51nx-5XU avoids these issues with a single casting design that houses and integrates the B- and C-axis twin direct-drive motors. This single-piece casting provides ideal rigidity and a minimized profile that reduces interference between the spindle and worktable. All cables are concealed to the roofline of the machine’s splashguard and can be easily accessed and managed outside of the machining area. The a51nx-5XU rotary table design eliminates the stack-up errors, loss of rigidity and cable management challenges common to many table-on-table designs.

The design of the large direct-drive motors within the B- and C-axis enhance the productive capabilities of the a51nx-5XU, providing rapid traverse rates of 75rpm and 150rpm to minimize non-cut times. Jacket cooling of the direct-drive motor stators and bearing perimeters eliminate all risk of thermal deformation to help maintain repeatable, high-accuracy performance with exceptional quality. The C-axis also benefits from a BT-style 50-taper Big Plus (BBT50) interface and clamping mechanism, which provides location and clamping of the workpiece within the 5-axis machine envelope.

Integral automation efficiency
Traditionally, one of the biggest challenges associated with 5-axis part production has been automated capabilities. This is why engineers designed the a51nx-5XU with a work-pallet magazine (WPM) that simplifies pallet changes in horizontally oriented 5-axis applications, and facilitates unattended operation for more value-added labor demands.

The WPM takes the place of a traditional horizontal pallet changer, providing manufacturers with automated load/unload capabilities for maximum machine utilization. This technology follows a similar design to that of Makino’s proven matrix tool magazine, ensuring quick and reliable transfer of workpieces between magazine and machine worktable. The standard WPM offers storage capacity of 22 different workpieces with sizes up to 300mm in diameter by 300mm tall. An optional, larger capacity WPM provides storage of up to 58 workpieces with diameters up to 200mm. Parts are mounted directly to the 50-taper dual-contact tool holders (BBT50) and stored in the WPM matrix. This capability makes the a51nx-5XU a solution for continuous, unattended manufacturing in both high-mix, low-volume and low-mix, high-volume production environments. 

The WPM system includes a dedicated work-setting station (WSS) for loading and setup operations, providing convenient and ergonomic operator access. A nearby work data management panel allows operators to process data defined per pallet and manage work schedules. Priorities can be set and changed for each pallet, helping to accommodate for engineering changes or urgent one-off part orders. For advanced levels of scheduling control and machine networking, the a51nx-5XU can also be equipped with Makino’s MAS-A5 control system.

Source: Makino