Makino has introduced the a81nx horizontal machining center (HMC). According to the company, the a81nx extends the capabilities of its 1-series predecessor with expanded machining capacity, improved rigidity and stability, improved productivity and enhanced reliability.
"The a81nx builds on the success of the original a81 platform and sets a new standard for large part machining performance," said Dave Ward, Horizontal Product Line Manager at Makino. "There have been enhancements made to the bed and column castings of the machine, expansions in the tool magazine and Y-axis travels, spindle design improvements for faster acceleration and deceleration times, and a host of additional features and advancements to improve ergonomics, maintenance and machine uptime."
When it comes to large part machining, a limited work zone can hinder even the most efficient cutting processes and technologies. This is the reason why the a81nx features a 100 mm extension of the Y-axis column, bringing full-axis travels along the X, Y and Z axes to 35.4", 35.4" and 40.2" (900 mm, 900 mm and 1,020 mm). The increased Y-axis travel is especially beneficial for automotive parts such as engine blocks and cylinder heads, where the critical mating surfaces require feed-on/feed-off milling passes for optimal sealing.
Large parts also commonly contain a substantial volume of features that can range greatly in size, requiring quick accessibility to diverse tool types and sizes. The a81nx automatic tool changer (ATC) is designed to handle larger-diameter, longer and heavier tooling. "This large tool capacity ensures that manufacturers are able to efficiently machine a variety of large part features," said a company spokesperson.
For improved speed and productivity, the a81nx is standardly equipped with a 10,000 RPM spindle that affords 305 Nm of duty-rated torque and 45 kW of extended duty power (26 kW of continuous output). Duty-rated power levels have increased 25% over the previous model. "Such an enhancement dramatically reduces spindle acceleration and deceleration times, saving 20 to 30% in tapping processes," said the spokesperson.
An optional 8,000 RPM, high-torque spindle configuration is also available for manufacturers working with hard metals. With 553 Nm of duty-rated torque and 37 kW of continuous output, this spindle option delivers 19% more continuous power output over the previous high-torque spindle, enabling manufacturers to take on more aggressive cutting conditions in ferrous and difficult-to-machine materials.
Other advanced productivity features of the a81nx include a new GI servo control mode that is designed to reduce pocketing times for aluminum billet applications, and a new chain-type, 80 tool capacity automatic tool change magazine for reduced tool-seek times.
The a81nx bed, column and table castings feature enhanced build qualities, including an increased step height between the front and rear X-axis linear guide for improved strength and higher acceleration. For greater stiffness and reliability in higher load capacities, the machine uses roller-type linear motion guides. The a81nx B-axis table is available in two configurations - index and NC rotary. Each configuration has been redesigned for improved rigidity, including a larger curvic coupling diameter within the index table and the use of a three-roller-type bearing in the NC rotary table for increased rigidity and thrust support.
"With millions of tool changes occurring during the life of a machine, the reliability of the ATC is crucial," said the spokesperson. "The nx-Series machines feature a high-speed servo-driven ball screw that actuates the ATC shutter door, improving responsiveness, ease of set-up and maintenance. The servo axis also reduces exposure of the ATC to the work envelope. The additions of taper-cleaning air-blow station and tool-seat detection ensure that all tools are clean and properly seated in the spindle. The net result is improved reliability and cleaner ATC environments."
The ergonomically friendly, L-shaped door design of the a81nx offers operators greater accessibility to the spindle, enhanced visibility for inspection of the tool or part and coolant drip prevention at the doorway. Additionally, preventive maintenance features on the a81nx have been relocated to a concentrated area on the machine's back panels for easy access.
The safety-guard door on the automatic pallet changer (APC) has an adjustable height for the operation panel and can be moved to match the level of the operator's work platform. A wider APC stocker improves the loading of large fixtures and workpieces and allows easy chip cleaning.
The addition of a tool loading station on all magazines helps improve the ergonomics of handling large, heavy tools. A touch-type human machine interface panel is also available on all 80-tool capacity ATCs or larger, providing an easy way to manage tool data while at the ATC magazine.
For more information contact:
Mark Rentschler
Makino Inc.
7680 Innovation Way
Mason, OH 45040
800-552-3288
www.makino.com
Southwest
TX
Andy Mustaine
Single Source Technologies
1701 W. Northwest Hwy.
Grapevine, TX 76051
877-778-5151
andy.mustaine@singlesourcetech.com
OK
KOMT
9511 E 55th Place
Tulsa, OK 74145
918-664-6064
tulsa@komt.com
LA
Michelle Hanberry
c/o Oliver Van Horn Co.
4100 Euphrosine St.
New Orleans, LA 70125
504-210-3042
michelle-hanberry@ohvanhorn.com
NM
Moncktons Machine Tools, Inc.
928 Canvas Back Rd.
Rio Rancho, NM 87144
505-891-8845
hmorrismmt@aol.com
AR
Bill Myers
Single Source Technologies (SST)
26762 Success Drive
P.O. Box 708
Madison, AL 35758
256-301-0040
bill.myers@singlesourcetech.com
Southeast
NC, SC, VA
Dan Beckman
Single Source Technologies (SST)
415 Brookshire Road
Greer, SC 29651
864-801-8181
www.singlesourcetech.com
W. NC, SC
Chris Beckman
Single Source Technologies (SST)
415 Brookshire Road
Greer, SC 29651
Cell: 864-915-7307
chris.beckman@singlesourcetech.com
E. VA, Northeast NC
Bob Hodge
Single Source Technologies (SST)
1316 Elmwood Drive
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
Cell: 804-720-2198
bob.hodge@singlesourcetech.com
West Central NC, E. SC, W. VA
Bob Winstanley
Single Source Technologies (SST)
148 Hampshire Drive
Mooresville, NC 28115
Cell: 704-577-3391
bob.winstanley@singlesourcetech.com
Central NC, VA
Dan Fredrickson
Single Source Technologies (SST)
415 Brookshire Road
Greer, SC 29651
Cell: 336-831-4246
dan.fredrickson@singlesourcetech.com
AL, GA, MS, TN
Bill Myers
Single Source Technologies (SST)
26762 Success Drive
P.O. Box 708
Madison, AL 35758
Cell: 256-777-8806
bill.myers@singlesourcetech.com
www.singlesourcetech.com
AR, Upper MS, W.TN
Tom Van Hersh
Single Source Technologies (SST)
26762 Success Drive
P.O. Box 708
Madison, AL 35758
Cell: 901-569-2251
thomas.vanhersh@singlesourcetech.com
Central and Eastern TN
Craig Montalbano
Single Source Technologies (SST)
26762 Success Drive
P.O. Box 708
Madison, AL 35758
Cell: 865-805-3686
craig.montalbano@singlesourcetech.com
AL
Jack Nash
Single Source Technologies (SST)
26762 Success Drive
P.O. Box 708
Madison, AL 35758
Cell: 205-612-9371
jack.nash@singlesourcetech.com
GA, FL
Gaylon Gregory
Single Source Technologies (SST)
26762 Success Drive
P.O. Box 708
Madison, AL 35758
Cell: 770-283-4852
gaylon.gregory@singlesourcetech.com
AL, AR, FL, GA, MS, TN
Bob Ash
Single Source Technologies (SST)
Tooling & Consumables
26762 Success Drive
P.O. Box 708
Madison, AL 35758
Cell: 256-200-1100
bob.ash@singlesourcetech.com
FL
Bob Arthur
Robert Arthur Machinery, Inc.
5903 Johns Rd.
Tampa, FL 33634
813-887-4455
sales@arthurmachinery.com
www.arthurmachinery.com
Northeast
CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, NH, NJ,
E. PA, RI, Long Island (EDM only)
Single Source Technologies (SST)
30 Chapin Road, Suite 1208
P.O. Box 655
Pine Brook, NJ 07058-0655
800-336-7283 / 973-227-6601
www.singlesourcetech.com
MA, CT, ME, NH, RI, VT
Able Machine Tool Sales
800 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
413-786-4662
sales@ablemts.com
www.ablemts.com
DE, NJ, MD, E. PA, Long Island
Automation Solutions, Inc.
2 Hagerty Blvd., Ste. 300
West Chester, PA 19382-4956
610-430-3670
inquire@asi-pa.com
www.asi-pa.com
NY
Meagley Machinery, Inc.
8384 Glen Eagle Dr.
P.O. Box 51
Manlius, NY 13104
315-952-8525
W. PA, WV
Allegheny Machine
632 E. McMurray Rd.
McMurray, PA 15317
800-269-4090 / 724-942-4451
www.allegmach.com
Midwest
KY
Technical Equipment Sales
10165 International Blvd.
Cincinnati, OH 45246
800-852-0582
IN
Technical Equipment Sales
4501 Earhart Lane
Ft. Wayne, IN 46809
800-852-0582
OH
Technical Equipment Sales
10165 International Blvd.
Cincinnati, OH 45246
800-852-0582 / 513-874-0160
Technical Equipment Sales
6900 Southpointe Pkwy., Ste. A
Brecksville, OH 44141
800-852-0582
MI
Single Source Technologies (SST)
2600 Superior Court
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
248-232-6232
ctg@singlesourcetech.com
MN, ND, SD
Productivity, Inc.
15150 25th Ave. N
Minneapolis, MN 55447-1981
763-476-8600
productivity@productivity.com
WI
Preston Giles
Single Source Technologies (SST)
W229 N2510 Duplainville Rd., Unit 2
Waukesha, WI 53186
262-960-0463
IL
Preston Giles
Single Source Technologies (SST)
1135 Jansen Farm Dr.
Elgin, IL 60123
847-468-1295
NE
Productivity, Inc.
13435 A Street
Omaha, NE 68144
402-330-2323
prone@productivity.com
IA
Productivity, Inc.
9440 Atlantic Drive SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
319-632-4288
proia@productivity.com
KS
Mark Rehwinkel
Makino - Direct Wichita
2333 S. West St.
Bldg #100, Suite #103
Wichita, KS 67217
513-573-3607
mark.rehwinkel@makino.com
MO
Preston Giles
SST-Midwest
1135 Jansen Farm Drive
Elgin, IL 60123
847-468-1295
West
N. CA, NV
John Cardana
Clancy Machine
3942 Valley Ave., Bldg. K
Pleasanton, CA 94566
925-249-2299
Cell: 925-575-4011
jcardana@clancymachinetool.com
S. CA
Scott Venter
Single Source Technologies (SST)
17800 Newhope Street, Ste. K
Fountain Valley, CA 92708-5429
Cell: 714-329-1439
scott.venter@singlesourcetech.com
S. CA (Inland Empire, San Diego)
Wes Colony
Single Source Technologies (SST)
17800 Newhope Street, Ste. K
Fountain Valley, CA 92708-5429
Cell: 714-904-3804
wes.colony@singlesourcetech.com
S. CA (Los Angeles, Orange County)
Bill Gocke
Single Source Technologies (SST)
17800 Newhope Street, Ste. K
Fountain Valley, CA 92708-5429
Cell: 714-659-0552
bill.gocke@singlesourcetech.com
S. CA (San Fernando Valley,
San Gabriel Valley, Santa Clarita Valley)
Rob Wood
Single Source Technologies (SST)
17800 Newhope Street, Ste. K
Fountain Valley, CA 92708-5429
Cell: (805) 844-1331
rob.wood@singlesourcetech.com
AZ
David Gundersen
Single Source Technologies (SST)
17800 Newhope Street, Ste. K
Fountain Valley, CA 92708-5429
Cell: 602-228-0347
david.gundersen@singlesourcetech.com
MT, ID, WY, UT, WY, CO
Mark Smith
Moncktons Machine Tools (CO)
637 Osage Street
Denver, CO 80204
Cell: 303-917-3072
msmith@mmtdenver.com
OR, WA
John Ellis
Ellis Machinery
6226 20th Street E
Fife, WA 98424
253-926-6868
john@ellismachinery.com