Inertia Active Control Technology a Boon to HMC Productivity
April 1, 2012Comments
Makino, Mason, OH, has introduced new horizontal machining center (HMC) technology dubbed Inertia Active Control (IAC). IAC provides improved productivity through direct-drive rotary-table optimization. By effectively reducing non-cut times resulting from table rotation, the technology gives manufacturers improved efficiency and profitability.
“Every second of non-cut time that can be eliminated from the machining process provides manufacturers with a step above the competition,” says David Ward, Makino horizontal product line manager. “IAC technology provides that advantage by evaluating and optimizing the acceleration and deceleration settings on a per-pallet basis.”
The foundation for IAC technology lies in Makino’s direct-drive (DD) rotary-table design that provides inertia feedback from the B-axis motor to the machining center’s control system. Makino’s DD rotary table offers high-speed positioning capability while reducing B-axis complexity and eliminating backlash, caused by wear. Included in the table’s design are cooling jackets that remove heat from the motor and table bearings, ensuring sustained dynamic accuracy. Its fully programmable axis with 0.0001-deg. resolution enables full four-axis contouring capability for complex part geometries. While acceleration and deceleration rates for standard rotary tables typically are set for maximum inertia and weight to ensure accuracy, IAC uses data from the DD rotary table to quickly evaluate and adjust acceleration and deceleration settings to optimal levels for the specific pallet condition.
IAC technology is available on Makino’s nx line of HMCs. These 40-taper centers extend the capabilities of the a-series with a host of technologies for next-generation productivity, accuracy and reliability.
To learn more, visit www.makino.com/ events and register for the New Control Technologies webinar series.
Makino: 800/552-3288; www.makino.com
See also: Makino Die/Mold Technologies
Technologies: Tooling
