Up to now, precision micromachining centers have mainly been built by research institutes and some machine tool makers – with little thought to production costs. To meet the growing demand for a machine that can produce very fine part geometries with superb accuracy at acceptable cost levels, Makino has launched its iQ300 Precision Machining Centre at Euromold in Frankfurt, Germany from December 2nd – 5th. This innovative new machine was on view to the trade public for the first time at this exhibition.
Precision to a new level iQ by name, iQ by performance: this new precision micromachining centre from Makino is the smart response to the ever-greater miniaturization and more complex functionality seen, for example, in mobile phones, other portable digital devices, medical equipment and optical products. The iQ300 delivers precision micromachining with the required accuracy at practical cutting feed rates – something that has been difficult to accomplish with conventional vertical machining centers. Roundness accuracy to within 0.65 μm has actually been measured for a micromachining toolpath radius of 0.1 mm executed at a cutting feed of 100 mm/min. At high cutting feeds of 2,000 mm/min in circular machining (50 mm diam. hole) roundness accuracy was measured to within 0.6 μm with a toolpath radius of 28 mm.
.
The machine was revealed to the world a few times every day by the curtain’s move at Euromold.
A few facts The feed axis mechanism features ultra-precision rolling guideways and linear drive motors. This combination ensures fast responsiveness and a smooth feed action similar to that of sliding guideways. The lubrication supply system has been designed to accommodate machining programmes involving long hours of repeated tiny feeds. The XYZ axes all feature linear motors that are optimally positioned to ensure that their push/pull effect does not affect the rolling guideway straightness. The iQ300 is equipped with a 0.005 μm scale feedback system. The feed mechanism provides excellent responsiveness, moving faithfully to command increments of just 0.1 μm, and minimizes tiny undulations to deliver high-quality machined surfaces. The lines that occur in a machined surface at the time of quadrant reversal and the striped patterns due to fine undulations are suppressed to a level that cannot be discerned by the human eye.
What makes the difference I’ve met Michael Palmieri, Head of Product Mgt BU Die & Mold at Euromold and he explained me the features of the machine. Let’s see a few key features:
- The iQ300 is fitted with a newly developed 45,000 min-1 spindle
- HSK-E32 spindle taper hole adopted
- The cooling efficiency of the spindle motor and bearings has also been improved
- First priority is to have a stable, rigid and accurate mechanical structure, the machine weighs over 8,000 kg. Though all movable parts are light in weight, they are supported by a strong, heavy structure.
- Thermal stability is important in ensuring precision machining over long periods. The iQ300 comes with a number of thermal stability features.
Eurotec will come back on this machine that drives accuracy to a greater level soon. Meanwhile if you need some information you can go there.
MAKINO Europe GmbH Essener Bogen 5 22419 Hamburg Germany Phone +49 40 29809-0 Fax +49 40 29809-400 www.makino.de
