The PS-Series is built with cast iron components that deliver rigidity and torsional stiffness. The solidity ensures that cutting forces are effectively delivered to the part, and the castings’ symmetry, the use of core-cooled ball screws and support bearings, and a closed-loop temperature compensation system, ensure tightest tolerances and minimal variations during long runs.
Makino reports its PS-Series machines are “the new standard” for production machining among vertical centers, with reduced cycle time, greater productivity, better product quality and lower investment cost. The PS-Series machines also have a proven design legacy, with technologies drawn from several Makino machines. Rigid construction, thermal stability, and spindle versatility make it suitable automotive, aerospace, medical and other small-component manufacturing applications.
”Makino’s PS-Series comes standard with a high power 33.5 HP, high speed 14,000-rpm CAT40 spindle delivering 130 ft-lbs peak torque. No other vertical comes standard with these features,” according to VMC product manager William Howard. “The PS-Series is fully equipped and ready to run all of a manufacturer’s production parts. It brings the productivity of a Makino horizontal machining center to a vertical platform at a great value.”
The PS-Series is available in two models: the PS65 and PS95. The smaller PS65 features X-, Y- and Z-axis travels of 26, 20 and 18.1 in., respectively; a 36.2×20-in. table; and a maximum workload of 1,323 lb. The larger PS95 has X-, Y- and Z-axis travels of 36.2, 20, and 18.1 in., respectively; a 46×20-in. table; and a maximum workload of 1,763 lb. Both models have an easy-to-access, reliable, 30-tool-capacity automatic tool changer as a standard design; a 50-tool version is optionally available.
Based on a traditional C frame, the PS-Series was developed using FEA techniques for the cast iron components that are the source of its rigidity and torsional stiffness. The construction ensures the quick, efficient transfer of cutting forces through the structure of the machine — from the spindle, to the column and then to the machine bed. The castings’ symmetry, the use of core-cooled ball screws and support bearings, and a closed-loop temperature compensation system, establish the tightest tolerances and minimal variations during long production runs.
Designed for flexibility and high productivity, the PS-Series’ standard 14,000-rpm CAT40 spindle (HSK-A63 optional) optimizes speed, torque and horsepower that job shops need to confirm their competitive position. Duty-rated at 33.5 HP (24.2 HP continuous) and 130 ft-lb. peak torque (70.5 ft-lb. continuous), these spindle characteristics offer efficient, highly productive machining over a range of materials. Large-diameter bearings, air-oil lubrication, and jacket-spindle temperature control deliver long-term thermal stability and stiff, rigid, chatter-free cutting.
The PS-Series chip and coolant systems were developed to enhance the machine’s productivity. Configured with flood, overhead shower, flush and through-spindle coolant as standard features, chips are removed from the cutting zone efficiently and effectively. Spiral chip augers at the front and rear of the worktable remove chips and coolant from the cutting zone quickly and efficiently, into a standard lift-up chip conveyor (LUCC).
The PS-Series is guided by Makino’s new Professional P control software that is configured for various job-shop and production applications. A large, color LCD, menu-driven, touch-sensitive screen, makes information easy to access. The automation system is generously configured for the workload of any shop, with 4,200-foot program storage, with 400 registerable programs, 400 tool-offset pairs, and 48 pairs of work coordinate systems.
