Massive 5-axis vertical-table machine makes easy work of large aerospace parts
FLORENCE, Ky., October 18, 2016 – Mazak lets shops zero in on extremely fast, efficient and accurate machining of large aluminum monolithic aircraft components with the company’s full 5-axis VORTEX HORIZONTAL PROFILER (VHP) 160 Horizontal Machining Center. The machine is exceptionally well-suited for those shops that wish to move such aircraft component machining operations from an older vertical machine platform to a newer more advanced horizontal one.
Travels on the VHP 160 measure 165.35" (4,200 mm) in X, 59.06" (1,500 mm) in Y and 21.65" (550 mm) in Z, and the machine comes standard equipped with a powerful 107-hp, 30,000-rpm HSK-A63 integral spindle motor that quickly and easily cuts through a wide variety of challenging materials. A 30,000 rpm, 160 HP integral spindle motor is also optionally available.
The standard tool storage capacity is 30 tools, while optional 60-tool and 120-tool magazines are also available for increased machining versatility.
For getting into the cut as quickly as possible, the VHP 160 rapid traverses at speeds up to 1,380 ipm in X and 1,176 ipm in both Y and Z with an acceleration/deceleration rate of 0.5G. The machine features 360 degrees of continuous rotation +/- in the C axis and +/- 110 degrees of tilt in the A axis, with both axes powered by direct-drive motors.
Because of its large 157" (3,987 mm) x 49" (1,244 mm) vertically oriented worktable, the VHP 160 easily accommodates a maximum load capacity of 6,615 pounds (3,000.5 kG). Users can also position the worktable horizontally for quick and easy loading and setup then return it to a vertical position for machining operations. The vertical orientation makes use of gravity and ensures excellent chip evacuation during high material removal operations.
The VHP 160 has a special box-type construction that integrates its base, column and table to provide maximum machining rigidity for overall part accuracy. Furthermore, the machine’s symmetrical base/column construction works in conjunction with an advanced coolant and chip disposal system to minimize heat displacement.
Because the VHP 160 is a flexible system, it allows users to expand the standard single-table machine configuration into a manufacturing cell with the addition of either a 2-table changer or Mazak’s PALLETECH Manufacturing Cell (PMC). With the Mazak PMC, shops can begin with a four-table system and then expand up to four machines and 24 tables.