Horizontal Machining Center

The five-axis a500z horizontal machining center from Makino Inc. accommodates today’s complex part geometry challenges in a minimum number of workholding setups and machining operations.

The unique kinematic arrangement of the a500Z minimizes the force path lengths both through the spindle and through the workpiece, efficiently transferring both cutting loads and reactive forces into the machine’s three-point leveled bed, maximizing both metal removal rates and perishable tool life due to system rigidity.

The a500Z accommodates workpieces of up to 24.8 in. diameter × 19.9 in. high, with payload weights up to 880 lbs. The X and Y strokes are 28.7 and 29.5 in., respectively, with the Z stroke ranging from 19.7 to 27.6 in., depending on the rotary axes positioning.

With rapid rates for all linear axes of 60 m/min and a B-axis rotation rapid rate of 45,000°/min, this agile platform allows for highly efficient machine movements.