Makino Introduces T1 5-Axis Horizontal Machining Center

By DE Editors

Makino introduced the T1 5-axis horizontal machining center solution for high-efficiency machining across a range of large part applications. The machine's rigid design, cutting capabilities and sizable work envelope make it a good fit for industrial component manufacturing and aerospace job-shop environments, where machining of both soft and hard metals is required, the company says.
 
"The T1 5-axis machining center is designed to handle parts of any shape, in any material," said David Ward, horizontal machining center product line manager. "The T1's unique casting and kinematic structure provide ideal accessibility to large prismatic or cylindrical workpieces."

The machine features a plus 45-degree to minus 110-degree A-axis tilting spindle, which, coupled with a deep chest column design, allows a minus 90-degree spindle centerline positioning to 550 mm (21.6 in.) beyond pallet center. As a result, large workpieces that are 1-meter (3.2 feet) square by 500 to 800 mm (19.6-in. to 31.4-in.) high can be machined in a single five-sided machining process.
 
The T1 is designed for large parts commonly machined in industrial, energy and aerospace industries, and it provides X-, Y- and Z-axis travels of 1,500 mm (59.1-in.), 1,300 mm (51.2-in.) and 2,000 mm (78.7-in.), respectively. Workpiece limitations on the 1,000-mm (39.3-in.) pallets are 1,500 mm (59.1-in.) in diameter by 1,500 mm (59.1-in.) tall. Maximum pallet payload is 3,000 kg (6,600 lbs.).
 
The machine's B-axis rotary table offers a 360-degree rotational speed of 3,600 degrees per minute, which is supported by 10,000 Nm of continuous torque (29,000 Nm peak). The spindle tilting A-axis offers 6,300 Nm of continuous torque (20,000 Nm peak), and enhances spindle and workpiece accessibility with a compact 400-mm (15.7 inches) pivot distance.
 
Traditional approaches for 5-axis machining use trunnion tables for rotary motion. The T1 employs an alternate design with a unique A/B-axis configuration that eliminates the need to tilt the workpiece by shifting A-axis motion to the spindle side, the company says.

The T1 offers numerous capabilities for improved utilization and reductions in non-cut time, the company says. A 60-position automatic tool changer (137-position optional) and an automatic pallet changer ensure uninterrupted operation. The T1 may also be integrated with Makino's MMC2 (Makino Machining Complex), a flexible automatic pallet transfer and storage system which enables long periods of unattended operation. Because it uses the same 1,000-mm (39.3 inches) pallet design as the 4-axis Makino A100E, both the T1 and A100E can reside in the same MMC2 system. This identical design allows sharing of fixtures and workpieces between the machines.
 
For more information, visit Makino.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.