FLORENCE, Ky., September 20, 2022 – To showcase versatile machining performance within the reach of any shop, Mazak demonstrated the Kentucky-designed and built QT-Ez 8MY Turning Center at IMTS 2022. Designed to give job shops and other manufacturers affordable access to Mazak technology and engineering expertise, the QT-Ez 8MY is a horizontal turning machine with an 8" chuck, milling and Y-axis off-centerline capabilities for Multi-Tasking functionality.
The QT-Ez 8MY uses a larger A2-6 spindle nose with 5,000 rpm, 15 kW (20 hp) and 123 ft-lbs (167 Nm) of torque as well as a 2" (50.8 mm) bar capacity. Its standard 6,000 rpm milling spindle provides 10 hp (7.5 kW) and 25.8 ft-lbs (38.6 Nm) of torque. For further increases in productivity and unattended operations, the machine seamlessly integrates with bar feeders and robots.
On the QT-Ez 8MY, Mazak offers an optional 6" chuck for greater maximum rpm capability. Available machine turrets include 2-axis drum style with a bolt-on or a BMT55 turret for rotary tool applications. The no-tailstock option supports chucker-style operations while the standard manual-body tailstock includes a hydraulic quill and #5 live center that provides 1124 ft-lbs (5,000 Nm) of thrust. The optional servo-driven tailstock with #5 live center provides up to 1,574 ft-lbs (7000 Nm) of thrust.
To further aid shops in maximizing productivity, QT-Ez Series machines are designed for easy installation of a range of automation solutions, from simple bar feeders and parts catchers to full collaborative robot installations such as Mazak Automation Systems’ CC-10 and CC-16 Cobot System models.
The CC-10 system – shown with the QT-Ez 8MY at IMTS – uses a FANUC CRX-10iA/L with 10 kg payload capacity, while the CC-16 is built around a Universal Robots UR16e platform with a 35.27 lb (16 kg) payload capacity. Both cobot models come with three available grip systems and use an area scanner with limited fixed fencing for fully collaborative human-robot workflows.
Like all QT-Ez Series machines, the QT-Ez 8MY features a powerful, dependable integral motor headstock, Hybrid MX roller guideways and pre-tensioned ball screws supported at both ends for reliable, thermally stable and precise machine axis movement. A new bed casting design provides outstanding rigidity, as well as streamlined chip flow to help eliminate chip accumulation. For ease of integration, the machine incorporates a 200-230 Volt power supply system.
Along with optional spindles, chuck sizes and tailstocks, the QT-Ez Series is available with a complete range of additional cost-effective and popular options. These include Mazak’s Automatic Tool Eye, chip conveyor, auto door, auto parts catcher and high-pressure coolant systems, all of which make it easy for shops to improve productivity further.
For fast and easy machine programming on all QT-Ez machines, Mazak’s MAZATROL SmoothEz CNC provides dual 800 MHz processors, 512 MB of RAM and a vibrant 15" capacitive touch screen that includes a full keyboard and displays up to 60 lines of code. Within the control, G-code and MAZATROL conversational programming languages support a full range of programming options directly on the machine, while the MAZATROL TWINS function enables use of Solid MAZATROL, Virtual Machining and Cutting Adviser through Smooth Cam Ai and centralized storage and file management through Smooth Project Manager.
The MAZATROL SmoothEz control also features Mazak’s LAUNCHER interface for one-touch access to any required screen for seamless operator navigation. To further streamline programming, the control’s QUICK MAZATROL function simplifies program creation and confirmation through touch screen editing and confirmation of 3D model.