2019-10-23 06:16:08
Makino recently hosted its 2019 Makino Technology Expo biennial event highlighting many new and improved manufacturing technologies, processes and strategies used to transform machining operations. The three-day event took place at Makino's Technology Center in Auburn Hills, MI.
The exhibition included over 20 machines on display and demonstrations of some of Makino's latest high-precision machining technologies including the following:
• F5 Pro6 VMC demonstrated a radial roughing technique for better metal removal rates, multi-flute and hybrid tool finishing, and a deep rib machining demo.
• DA300 with Erowa ERC 80 showcased pallet automation with the Erowa ERC 80 with 5 axis die/mold parts varying from high-speed hardmilling injection molds/lifters/details to aluminum prototype and blow molds.
• V33i VMC compared its accuracy to the same level as a standalone CMM. Part quality can be verified on the V33i by On Machine Verification (OMV Autodesk)
• a51nx HMC showcased its advantages for die/mold insert part production utilizing a 3-sided tombstone.
• U3 Wire EDM highlighted the Hyper- Drive wire drive system showing ultrahigh corner accuracy and straightness on intricate form geometries.
• U3i Wire EDM demonstrated jetless threading capabilities highlighting the HyperDrive Extreme wire drive system.
• UP6 H.E.A.T. Wire EDM machined a precision die plate illustrating machine stability and repeatability to 1 micron.
• EDNC6 Sinker EDM highlighted the new ES200A generator showing highspeed sinker EDM with low electrode wear in both tool steel and MoldMax.
• EDAF3 Fine Hole Sinker EDM demonstrated automated high-accuracy small hole EDM drilling.
• V80s 5-Axis VMC highlighted 5-Axis continuous machining benefits for die/mold applications. The iSetup control feature allows for fast set-ups of large parts. The dynamic stiffness and control processing capability ensures continuous 5X cutting coupled with Hitachi multi-flute ball nose cutters up to 1000 in reduced cycle times with superior blending of optimum surface finishes.
• D200Z and EDAF2 H.E.A.T. with Erowa Robot: The D200Z graphite vertical increases efficiency to manufacture graphite electrodes utilizing benefits from 5-Axis continuous machining. Graphite electrodes cycle times were reduced by 90% with INOVA burr bit tooling and D200z 2G acceleration. The EDAF2 H.E.A.T. demonstrated Die/Mold support rib machining in the robot cell highlighting the high-speed corecooled HS-Rib Z-axis with 1.5G acceleration that reduces roughing time by up to 65%.
• U6 H.E.A.T. Extreme Wire EDM showed 0.016”Ø wire capability while highlighting cutting speeds 2 to 3 times faster than standard wire EDM machining.
• DA300 5-Axis VMC demonstrated how multi-part setups for multi-axis machining can reduce cycle time.
• D200Z 5-Axis VMC showed 5-Axis Continuous Machining of a 55HRC cavity cutting with 5X motion control smoothing.
• V33i Jig Bore VMC showed a unique application of closed looped, 5-sided jig grinding for the preparation of mold inserts, therefore eliminating manual block preparation.
• iQ300 High-Precision VMC showcased applications for fuel cell technology and automotive lighting molds.
During the expo, attendees had the opportunity to meet with Makino application engineers for one-on-one consultations to identify machining solutions that best fit their needs. Educational seminars were also presented to cover a wide variety of manufacturing solutions including:
• The Predictable Process: Machine setups for predicatble, repeatable Wire EDM and Die/Mold milling processes; predictive solutions for the elimination of downtime; and creating a predictable automation process.
• Makino Medical Solutions: voice control for modern machine tools; choosing the right EDM consumables; competitive medical manufacturing; and a new approach for better results using highfeed cutting and CAM tool strategies.
• Optimizing Die/Mold Applications: Advances in Mold Finishing using 5- Axis Continuous Milling and New Tooling Technology to Minimize Finishing and Polishing Times; and consolidating grinding and milling operations with closed loop tolerance control.
Additionally, event attendees viewed exhibits from various Makino partnering companies including Mastercam, Mitsubishi Tool, Erowa, NS Tool, MST, CAM Tool, BIG Kaiser, Zoller and many more.
For more information contact: Makino Technology Center 2600 Superior Court Auburn Hills, MI 48326 800-552-3288 www.makino.com
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