Both pneumatic and hydraulic components have a lot of things in common, but the most important things we need to understand about this market are that:
Manufacturers have tight production times
Precision components are of utmost importance
Manufacturers normally work a huge number of different components
As Makino, we have decades of experience in this market and our a1 series are the most successful machines when production gets complicated. From the a51nx for small valves and ABS blocks up to the a92 for big industrial pump housings, we have the solutions and experience to help you build a competitive advantage.
Makino machines are designed and built with the rigidity and accuracy needed to achieve the highest performance rates on the most difficult materials. When using our a81nx equipped with the optional 8,000 rpm high torque spindle that can develop over 1,200 Nm (S6 10%), manufacturers find they have a neat solution for their cast-iron components.
The slant column, ultra-heavy load roller-type linear guides, robust roller-style B-axis table bearings in combination with our own-build spindles ensure stable cutting across the complete working area of our machines.
As in hydraulic components the positions between holes are always critical, we see tolerance values that are challenging to most manufacturers.
To achieve the required tolerances we need to have a proper positioning for all the holes and in each position. For linear positioning the a1 series linear roller guides with the optional scales and the one-piece bed casting provide the rigidity the system needs to maintain accuracy.
The B-axis on the taper #40 machines is a direct-drive table that can accurately position the table. On the bigger machines the NC tables with the three roller-type bearings deliver the rigidity the system needs to achieve the required tolerance.
For example, when cutting a bore diameter 100 from B0 and B180 degrees in A6061 on our a81nx, we can achieve a concentricity below 5 µm
Lights Out Machining and the Elimination of Repeat Setups
As we mentioned above, hydraulic and pneumatic manufacturers have huge portfolios of components they need to deliver to customers. That is why there is a demand for mid-sized batches with a high mix of production.
When these manufacturers need to automate, they require a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) that can supply the pallets, programs and manages the orders in terms of priority for the customers. Makino's MMC2 and PZ series automate your processes for efficient operations. This FMS provides the tool, program and production management you need to make you successful in the highly competitive semiconductor industry.
The latest trend in this market is to try to reduce the number of setups and complexity of machining process. As a result, manufacturers are starting to move to 5-axis machines, a leap that can sometimes feel scary.
If you’re facing this situation, Makino's a500Z and a800Z are the right solution for you. These machines have the cutting capability of a 4-axis machine, can be automated, and deliver a precision close to 4-axis machines – with the added advantage of helping you reduce the total number of setups.
If you want to step to 5-axis machines, there’s no need to hesitate. Makino application engineers are ready to help you build your competitive advantage.
.jpg.aspx?width=80% ;ext=.jpg&)
