CNC Machine Tools News

Machining a satellite manifold component on a Mazak Variaxis i-600 NEO

Watch the simultaneous 5-axis vertical machining center Mazak Variaxis i-600 NEO in machining action.

Application: Artificial satellite manifold component   |   Material: JIS S45C   |   Size: 250 x 150 x 150 mm

The Mazak Variaxis i-600 NEO is a powerful and versatile machining center that excels in precision, productivity, and sustainability.

The Mazak Variaxis i-600 NEO is a popular choice for manufacturers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and defence, who demand the highest quality and efficiency.

Providing unprecedented precision, the Mazak Variaxis i-600 NEO is the next generation of Mazak’s full five-axis Variaxis i-600 Vertical Machining Center that easily machines multiple and complex curved surfaces on small and medium-sized workpieces in single setups.

A redesigned enclosure and numerous enhancements provide even faster cycle times for DONE IN ONE processing from raw material input to final machining on just one machine.

A 40-taper, 12,000 rpm high-rigidity spindle on the Mazak Variaxis i-600 NEO provides versatility in a wide variety of cutting applications from heavy-duty machining to high-speed cutting of aluminium and other nonferrous materials. Options include high torque and high torque – speed spindle specifications to meet a wide variety of machining requirements.

A 30-tool magazine and reliable cam-driven tool changer deliver exceptional productivity. For additional capacity, there are 40, 80 and 120-tool changer options available.

The machine rapid traverses as fast as 6000 mm/min in the X and Y axes and 5600 mm/min in the Z axis. A full gantry machine construction minimizes vibration during acceleration/deceleration and ensures stability.

Linear roller guides on the X, Y and Z axes provide precise positioning. Additionally, their high rigidity and considerably lower friction enable fast feedrates used over a wide range of machining from heavy-duty to high-speed cutting.

Full gantry construction ensures stable machining accuracy and minimises vibration during acceleration/deceleration. Temperature-controlled cooling oil circulates around the spindle bearings, headstock and ball screw cores to minimise thermal change to the spindle, and to allow high-speed operation. Precision is also enhanced with linear roller guides on the X, Y and Z axes for high-accuracy positioning. The guides’ high rigidity and considerably lower friction enable high-speed feedrates for a wide range of machining applications.

To cool the workpiece and remove chips, the Mazak Variaxis i-600 NEO uses a standard flood coolant system to discharge coolant from nozzles on the spindle housing. Coolant options include through-spindle coolant delivery and Mazak’s SUPERFLOW coolant system that utilizes a high-performance cyclone filter with minimum maintenance requirements.

Ergonomics on the Mazak Variaxis i-600 NEO have been improved for ease of operation with front-side machine access for convenient workpiece loading/unloading and machine setup. Additionally, items that require frequent access for machine maintenance are arranged in one central location.

On the control side, the Variaxis i-600 NEO is equipped with Mazak’s MAZATROL SmoothAi CNC. For fully optimised machining operations, the AI-powered technologies within the MAZATROL SmoothAi control make for fast and easy programming, controlled spindle speed for reduced vibration and greater machine thermal stability. These Mazak technologies include; SMOOTH Ai Spindle, which automatically optimises spindle speed based on sensor feedback to minimise machining vibration for superior part surface finishes; and Ai Thermal Shield, which adapts to and learns from environmental changes to control the effects of heat on machining accuracy.

For additional flexibility, automation options include a two-pallet changer, along with the Mazak Multi-Pallet Pool (MPP) compact multiple pallet stocker system and the modular Mazak PALLETECH System.

Take a look at the Mazak Variaxis i-600 NEO specifications.