VMC can process long, complex mold programs.
Press Release Summary:
Model S56 comes with SGI.4 servo control that provides smooth machined surfaces in high-feedrate machining of complex, 3-D shapes involving continuous tiny blocks of NC data. It utilizes 40 taper, 13,000 rpm spindle with stiffness and rigidity required for hardmilling applications. Linear motion guides on X-, Y- and Z-axes provide rigidity and rapid traverse and cutting feed rates of 1,575 ipm. Table-working surface is 40 x 20 in, and axes travel area is 36 x 20 x 18 in.
Original Press Release:
Makino S56 Upgraded to Improve Performance and Accuracy
MASON, OHIO- March 2008 - The Makino S56 vertical machining center has been upgraded to further improve performance and accuracy, offering an even better value for tool, die and mold shops competing in the global marketplace.
The upgrades include Makino's Pro5 control with SGI.4, a dual spiral chip set, and an even more features to handle heavy-duty cutting and continuous operation. The newly added Makino Pro5 control retains the same popular features as the previous control software with added functionality, including a more user friendly graphical interface, configurable 12-inch touch screen monitor, and a "floating" function which allows for quick access to key information.
The addition of Makino's Super Geometric Intelligence, SGI.4, now enables the S56 to better process long, complex mold programs, at extremely fast speeds, while still enabling high levels of accuracy and finish.
In order to improve the chip handling characteristics of the S56, Makino has implemented a dual, spiral chip screw chip handling system, twice the size of previous models. The coolant tank was also doubled in size, allowing for optimum coolant flow during long machining programs to reduce part growth and improve particulate filtering.
Other improvements to the S56 include a stiffer, heavy cast-iron design and a revised ball-screw support and axis drive system that is shorter, stiffer and more rigid than before. These enhancements, to an already well-accepted design, provide an even more accurate cutting platform.
"These upgrades make the S56 more accurate and user friendly," says Bill Howard, Makino's Vertical Machining product manager. "It is an ideal choice for shops looking to get the most value in a machine tool while still achieving superior machining results."
Makino's S56 VMC blends high-performance machining capabilities with an attractive feature and pricing package to meet the needs of both small and large die/mold shops.
S56 Features and Benefits
The S56 incorporates features that are attractive to technology savvy tool, die and mold shops. It utilizes a 40 taper, 13,000-rpm spindle with the stiffness and rigidity required for hardmilling applications and the speed necessary to provide high surface quality for demanding die and mold applications. As an option, the S56 can be equipped with a 20,000-rpm spindle featuring Makino's patented spindle technology. Heavy cast construction and an axis configuration with no overhangs ensures high machine rigidity resulting in outstanding accuracy over the full range of travel. It is capable of maintaining positioning accuracies to within ±0.0001 inch (0.003 mm) and repeatability of ±0.00008 inch (0.002 mm).
To reduce setups and maximize machine utilization, the S56 is equipped with a 20-tool magazine and automatic tool changer (ATC). The ATC has a quick tool-to-tool exchange time of 1.2 seconds. Linear motion guides on X-, Y- and Z-axes provide the rigidity crucial for superb surface finishes and provide rapid traverse and cutting feed rates of 1,575 ipm (40,000 mm/min). The table-working surface is 40 x 20 inches (1,000 x 500 mm). In addition, the axes travel area is 36 x 20 x 18 inches (900 x 500 x 450 mm).
The S56 includes Makino's proprietary, next generation Super Geometric Intelligence (SGI.4) servo control providing exceptionally smooth machined surfaces-even in high-feedrate machining of complex, 3-D shapes involving continuous tiny blocks of NC data. This feature helps provide the lowest cycle times achievable by reducing machining cycle times on dies, complex cavities and cores by as much as 40% when compared to most other control technologies.
The machine's footprint is a compact 98 inches wide x 106 inches deep (2,497 x 2,690 mm) and is designed for easy maintenance access around the entire perimeter. Other features include an ergonomic swing operator-control panel, fully enclosed chip and splash shield, comfortable work table height, easy access to the work zone, air blow and an air dryer unit.
The Makino S56 VMC provides outstanding machine rigidity, proven high speed machining capability, superb accuracies and superior performance for both the small and large tool, die and mold shop.
Makino is a global provider of advanced machining technology and application support for the metalcutting and die/mold industries, dedicated to driving out more costs from your manufacturing operation than any other competitive machine tool manufacturer. Makino manufacturing and service centers are located in the United States, Japan, Germany, Singapore, Italy, France, Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, China, Mexico, Brazil, and India, and are supported by a worldwide distributor network. For more information call 1.800.552.3288.
