Makino’s new F-Series vertical machining centers are designed for chatter-free cutting, agility for high-speed hard milling, and accuracy for tight-tolerance blends and matches typical of complex, 3D-contoured geometry associated with die/mold and medical production. According to Makino’s vertical machining product manager William Howard, “The F-Series has been built from the ground up for speed and precision.”

The smaller model F3 is designed for maximum 33.5 in. long x 19.7 in. wide x 17.7 in. tall workpieces.

The smaller model F3 is designed for maximum 33.5 in. long x 19.7 in. wide x 17.7 in. tall workpieces.

The larger F5 machines workpeices up to 39.4 in. long x 19.7 in. wide x 17.7 in. tall.

“The machine design

begins with a unique axis configuration, featuring no overhangs, and incorporates large castings that provide a robust cutting platform,” Howard continued. “It then integrates 8-mm fine-pitch ball screws and 0.05-micron scale feedback as standard equipment, and the F-Series machines provide superior precision.

“Even the servo systems are tuned for peak performance Together these features reduce variability for hours of continuous, tight-tolerance machining,” he added.

The F-Series has two models: The smaller F3 model has X, Y, and Z axis travels of 25.6 in., 19.7 in., 17.7 in. respectively, a 33.5 in. x 19.7 in. table, and a maximum workpiece size of 33.5 in. long x 19.7 in. wide x 17.7 in. tall.

The larger F5 model features X, Y, and Z axis travels of 35.4 in., 19.7 in., 17.7 in. respectively, a 39.4 in. x 19.7 in. table, and a maximum workpiece size of 39.4 in. long x 19.7 in. wide x 17.7 in. tall.

Both models have a table load capacity of 1,432 lb and a 30-tool magazine.

The standard F-Series configuration has at its heart a 20,000-rpm, two-range spindle that incorporates Makino’s patented core-cooling, under-race and jacket spindle temperature control system. At the lower ranges, the spindle supplies stiffness and rigidity, for roughing operations; and at the higher rpm, it offers vibration-, chatter-free production of small details and fine features using small tools.

The F-Series uses the Makino Professional 5 Control control system, with its Windows CE GUI offering instant access to information and efficient data management, editing and networking, as well as the storage capability of a data center.

Also, F-Series use Makino’s proprietary Super Geometric Intelligence (SGI.4) software for high-feedrate, tight-tolerance machining of complex, 3-D, contoured shapes involving continuous tiny blocks of NC data ensures production rates faster than standard CNC systems, while maintaining high-accuracy. SGI.4 helps to lower cycle times and achievable costs by cutting machining cycle times on dies, complex cavities and cores and medical parts by up to 40% less than most other control technologies.

“The F-Series machines will quickly pay for themselves” said Howard. “The machines deliver positioning accuracies and repeatability in the microns; the spindle assures capability to address a wide variety of tooling and machining applications; and SGI.4 provides unsurpassed accuracy and speed in tough, challenging, complex geometries.”

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