Mazak indicated its Vertical Center Nexus Compact offers fast cycle times and achieves excellent surface finishes for manufacturers producing components for medical manufacturing.
Mazak Corp. is introducing a vertical machine center for space-saving high-speed, 5-axis production, a unit it indicated matches lean manufacturing priorities in the medical supply chain. It said the Vertical Center Nexus Compact is targeted at machine shops and OEMs in that segment that produce “small, highly complex medical parts,” and need production systems capable of fast cycle times and superior surface finishes.
The Vertical Center Nexus Compact is offered in 3- and 5- axis designs, and powered by the new Mazatrol Matrix 2 CNC control (on the 5-axis version) it is capable also of shortening design-to-market time significantly. The Matrix 2 CNC control makes part programming simple and fast, and also increases machining speed and accuracy, as well as superior surface finishes often required in medical manufacturing. (Mazak’s user-friendly Matrix Nexus CNC control is featured on the 3-axis model.)
The Vertical Center Nexus Compact gets its power and versatility from a high-torque 20 hp, 12,000-rpm CAT 40 spindle and axis travels of 19.69 in. (500.1 mm) in X, 15.75 in. (400 mm) in Y, and 12.99 in. (330 mm) in Z. The machine is aggressive enough to process tough materials that are common in medical component manufacturing, including stainless steel, Inconel, and titanium. An optional 40-hp, 20,000-rpm spindle is available, too.
With a compact footprint (65 in.×88 in.; 1,651 mm×2,235 mm), the Vertical Center Nexus Compact fits easily into most production sites, so shop owners don’t have to sacrifice valuable manufacturing space in order to achieve high levels of production. The machine’s table measures 25.6 in.×15.7 in. (650.2 mm×398.7 mm) and accommodates parts up to 661 lbs. (330 kg).
Its three linear axes attain high-speed traverse rates of 1,417 ipm (36 m/min) and feedrates of 315 ipm (8 m/min). And, Mazak noted the new machine accommodates 20 tools in its magazine (30 tools optional) to increase part-production versatility even further.
The Vertical Center Nexus Compact is designed Mazak’s MX Hybrid Roller Guide System, which dampens vibration to extend tool life, handles higher load capacities, and accelerates and decelerates quickly for shorter cycle times. This system durability relates to production reliability over a long service life, the builder indicated. Also, the Mazak MX Hybrid Roller Guide System reportedly consumes less oil for “greener” operations, and lasts longer with less required maintenance.
