a500iR

Horizontal 5‑Axis

a500iR

Horizontal 5-Axis

5-Axis Flexibility in a Powerful, Ergonomic Designed Machine
The a500iR five-axis horizontal machining centre is built specifically for high-efficiency machining of small to medium size, complex production components such as monolithic aerospace parts. The machine’s base design is taken from the highly successful Makino nx-Series four-axis horizontal machining centres, allowing the use of many system features that greatly enhance not only machine performance, but also provide superior reliability and minimized sustained operation costs. The a500iR’s unique pallet changer configuration combines the chip-shedding capability of an upright workpiece in front of the horizontal spindle in the machining chamber, along with a horizontal workpiece orientation on the pallet loading station for outstanding ergonomics.

The a500iR boosts productivity through the use of twin direct drive rotary axes, configured in a “rotary on rotary” kinematic structure. The careful positioning of the machining pallet face relative to B-axis centreline allows the resultant C-axis table, pallet, and workpiece mass combination to reside extremely close to the B-axis’ centre of rotation. Results of this to the end user include fast axis movement, high capability machining positioning capabilities, and a minimization of system deflection due to workpiece mass.

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Technical Specifications

The a500iR accommodates workpieces from 700 mm ⌀ to 900 mm ⌀ x 600 mm high, with payload weights up to 400 kg. The X-stroke is 900 mm, Y-stroke is 750 mm, and Z-stroke is 800 mm. Both rotary tables are of the direct drive type, with unlimited 360° movement on the C-axis, and ranging from -110° to +180° (290° total) on the B-axis unit. This allows a full range of workpiece positioning, allowing for “undercut machining” of the fixtured workpiece.

As has long been Makino’s hallmark, all axes on the a500iR 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 high rotary axes rotation rates, this agile platform allows for highly efficient machine movements.

The a500iR’s standard 14,000 rpm high-power spindle offers output capabilities of 63 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, while the optional 24,000 rpm high-speed/high-power spindle in made for maximum productivity in structural aluminium machining applications. Tool changer magazine sizes range from the standard 90 tool capacity ring type unit, all the way up to a 313 tool matrix type magazine.

The innovative automatic pallet changer on the a500iR not only greatly increases machine utilization, allowing work holding fixture tending on one pallet while the other pallet’s workpiece is being machined, but presents the fixture that is to be tended by the machine operator in a flat, horizontal orientation. With this system, the operator has gravity working for them on the loading station, making the setting of heavy workpieces a more ergonomic endeavour.

The a500iR comes standard with our Fanuc based Pro-6 CNC control, featuring standard features such as a user-friendly touch screen interface, advanced tool data management, and our Makino Super Geometric Intelligence (SGI.5) high speed machining control system. Collision Safe Guard (CSG) is also a part of the a500iR’s standard build.

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

Pallet:
500 x 500 mm
X: 900 mm Y: 750 mm Z: 800 mm

B-Axis

290° (-110 to +180°)

C-Axis

360° (unlimited)

Spindle RPM

14,000 rpm (standard) / 20,000 and 24,000 rpm (option)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Rapid Traverse

60,000 mm/min

Maximum Workpiece

900 mm ⌀ x 600 mm (with limitation)

Maximum Payload

400 kg

ATC Capacity

90 tools (standard) / 133, 218, 313 tools (option)

Maximum Tool Diameter

70 mm (without limitation) / 205 mm (with limitation)

Maximum Tool Weight

12 kg