a500Z

Horizontal Machining 5‑Axis

3D model of a500Z
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a500Z

Horizontal Machining 5-Axis

Reliable and efficient production with 5-axis flexibility


This versatile machine builds upon the industry leading performance and reliability of our nx-series four axis HMC’s, adding a factory built and fully integrated “Z-type” fifth axis to accommodate today’s more complex part geometry challenges in a minimum number of workholding setups and machining operations.

The unique kinematic arrangement of the a500Z minimizes the force path lengths both through the spindle as well as through the workpiece, efficiently transferring both cutting loads and reactive forces into the machine’s three point leveled bed, maximizing both metal removal rates and perishable tool life due to unparalleled system rigidity.

Technical Specifications

The a500Z accommodates workpieces of up to Ø630mm x 500mm high, with payload weights up to 400kg.  The X- and Y- strokes are 730mm and 750mm respectively, with the Z- stroke ranging from 500mm – 700mm, depending on the rotary axes positioning.  Both rotary tables are of the direct drive type, with unlimited 360° movement on the B-, and 180° on the innovative ‘slant style’ C-axis unit.  This allows a full range of workpiece positioning ranging from the pallet top sitting horizontal to the spindle centerline to parallel to the spindle centerline, or anywhere in between these two extremes.  As has long been Makino’s hallmark, all axes on the a500Z have closed loop active temperature control standard, providing not only the superior dimensional control that is inherent to this design, but also extended component life even in the most demanding production environments.  With rapid rates for all linear axes of 60 meters per minute, and a B-axis rotation rapid rate of 45,000 degrees per minute, this agile platform allows for highly efficient machine movements.
 
The a500Z’s standard 14,000 RPM high power spindle offers output capabilities of 37 kW peak power, and 303 N-m peak torque, making is ideal for wide ranging material applications.  The optional 20,000 RPM high speed spindle is offered for customers utilizing primarily small diameter tools in high speed machining applications.  Tool changer magazine sizes range from the standard 60 tool capacity ring type unit, all the way up to a 313 tool matrix type magazine.

The standard automatic pallet changer on the a500Z greatly increases machine utilization, allowing workholding fixture tending on one pallet while the other pallet’s workpiece is being machined.  Since the APC is fully integrated into the core of the a500Z, it offers both unparalleled operation ease and system reliability.

The a500Z comes standard with our Fanuc based Professional-6 CNC control, featuring standard features such as a user-friendly touch screen interface, advanced tool data management, and our patented Makino Super Geometric Intelligence (SGI.5) high speed machining control system.  The Makino a500Z - the industry’s newest standard bearer in the complex production parts machining arena!

*Note: The standard specification may vary depending on the country.

Pallet:
500 mm
X: 730 mm Y: 750 mm Z: 500 mm - 700 mm

B-Axis

360° (unlimited) – Direct Drive

C-Axis

180° - Direct Drive

Spindle RPM

14,000 (std.) / 20,000 (opt.)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63 / BT40

Rapid Traverse

60,000 mm/min

Cutting Feedrate

50,000 mm/min

Maximum Workpiece

Ø 630 mm x 500 mm High

Maximum Payload

400 kg

ATC Capacity

60 (std.) / 133, 218, 313 (opts.)

Tool to Tool

0.9 sec

Maximum Tool Diameter

170 mm

Maximum Tool Weight

12 kg