Variaxis i-300 Five-Axis Machine Features Auto Workchanger

Appears in Print as: 'Five-Axis Machine Features Auto Workchanger'

Mazak’s Variaxis i-300 simultaneous five-axis vertical machining center is designed for automated small- to medium-size part-processing operations and can machine aluminum and other nonferrous metals for a variety of industries.

Edited by Bart Bishop

Former Assistant Editor, Production Machining

Mazak’s Variaxis i-300 simultaneous five-axis vertical machining center has the addition of a high-capacity auto workchanger (AWC). Designed for automated small- to medium-size part-processing operations, the AMC machines aluminum and other nonferrous metals for a variety of industries, including aerospace, medical and automotive.

The machine comes standard with a multiple drum tool storage system that holds up to 145 tools, while the AWC with 32 positions accommodates workpieces up to 13.779” in diameter, 12.401” high and weighing up to 135 lbs. This combination of tool and workpiece storage capacities is said to allow shops to achieve continuous unmanned operation and single-setup processing.

As production needs increase, shops can expand the AWC and tool storage capacities to 40 workpieces and 505 tools in increments of 60 tools. According to the company, despite this capacity, the machine has a smaller footprint thanks to its stacking 30-tool drum magazines.