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SOME NEW TECH FOR MANUFACTURING From machining centers to robots and plenty in between, here is a look at some recent developments in the field. p The Makino a81nx: designed to machine large parts. Horizontal Machining When we talk with the people from Makino about the a81nx horizontal machining center, they make it extremely clear that this is a machine that is designed, engineered and built for applications—large-part machining applications (think blocks and heads)—in the auto industry. (Sure, it has applicability elsewhere, but automotive is something that Makino knows and serves well). The machine has travels of 35.4, 35.4 and 40.2 in. X, Y, Z, respectively. It has a standard 10,000-rpm spindle. The spindle provides 305 Nm of duty-rated torque and 45kW of extended-duty power (26-kW continuous output). If that's not enough, there is an optional 8,000-rpm high-torque spindle that provides 553 Nm of duty-rated torque and 37 kW of continuous output. Roller-type linear motion guides are used to assure stiffness and reliability in high-load situations. The B-axis table is available as either an index or NC type. The index table features a large curvic coupling diameter; the NC rotary table uses a three-roller-type bearing. The automatic toolchanger (ATC) can be sized from 60 to 299 tools. Tool sizes can be up to 27.2 in. in length and 14 in. in diameter. Chip-to-chip time is 3.7 seconds. The a81nx has a high-speed servo-driven ballscrew on the ATC shutter door that is reliable and fast. Speaking of doors, the door on the machine is designed for accessibility. It has an L-shaped design, helping make it easier to get to the spindle. And while it may seem like a small thing, the top of the door is designed such that the operator doesn't have coolant drip down when the door is opened. Compiled by Gary S. Vasilash > Editor-In-Chief Shop-Floor Measuring There are shop-floor measuring machines, and then there is the Leitz SIRIO Xi 6.8.8 for Hexagon Metrology (hexagon- metrology.us). This horizontal-arm machine features 28 temperature sensors so there is real-time temperature compensation. Consequently, the measuring machine provides process stability at temperatures ranging from 15 to 40°C. The unit has an integrated rotary table. It features glass scales. Recirculating ballscrews are used on the drives. There is an automatic stylus changer, and up to 24 magazine positions are available. The SIRIO Xi 6.8.8 is said to be applicable to gear inspection. Also, gear cutting tools (hobs, broaches, shapers, etc.) can be readily and accurately measured by the machine right on the factory floor. AD&P; > November 2014 > FEATURE > Some New Tech for Manufacturing > Gary S. Vasilash > gsv@autofieldguide.com 40