Ready for a new step in the future?

If there's one thing Mazak is good at, besides developing classics of machine tools, it's listening to its customers. A great example is the new VCN700, a next-generation vertical machining center that checks off everything European manufacturing companies look for in a CNC machine. The same label can actually be applied to the VCE-600. This new addition to Mazak's line of vertical machine tools also guarantees unsurpassed productivity.

Machines can't be much fresher off the press. The VCN-700 launches this spring as a vertical machining center for users doing everything from heavy milling to high-speed dynamic machining. But those who were there during Mazak's Open House late last year could already see what kind of meat they will have in the barrel with this newcomer. It got its baptism of fire for the Benelux. That it was a tastemaker at the event is not surprising. The machine was specially developed from the Mazak branch in Great Britain at the request of customers. They wanted their familiar Mazak technology back in a compact machine on which they could still put relatively large pieces. 

Everything for high productivity

No sooner said than done. With axes 1,300 (X), 700 (Y) and 650 mm (Z), the working space can be called generous. The machine was also equipped with a standard 15,000 rpm spindle and has all the technology needed for rapid tool changes. This is provided by the cam-driven double-arm automatic tool changer. In short, everything that one would expect from modern machining machines in order to achieve as little downtime and as many spindle hours as possible. And for those who want just that little bit more and sign up for the optional 18,000-rpm spindle, Mazak provides core-cooled ball screws for stable machine accuracy during longer machining cycles. 

VCE-600: powerful and competitively priced

For this machine, the team across the Channel also consulted its customers. As a result, the new, affordable VCE-600 includes a variety of features and new technology that demonstrate productivity, performance and ease of use. 

The large displacement of the Y axis is remarkable, allowing particularly large components to be machined in a compact machine. Interesting for entrepreneurs whose floor space is limited. Despite its competitive price, in no way has the accuracy that users have come to expect from Mazak been compromised. The extremely rigid linear roller guides on all axes enable the machine to perform both heavy displacement and high-speed operations. The perfect all-rounder, in other words. 

Ergonomics and short setup times

Above the generous working area of 1,300 x 600 mm is a dual-winding spindle capable of 12,000 rpm. The spindle with taper 40 and internal cooling is supplied with tools by a 1.9-second quick-change ATC with 24 positions, which can accommodate a maximum tool diameter of 75 mm. In the VCE-600, ergonomics and shorter set-up times go hand in hand. A good example of this is the large sliding door. The integrated window provides excellent visibility during machining. In turn, the ease of opening the single side door allows the operator to insert or remove parts and tools with one hand. 

The new Mazatrol SmoothEz CNC controller also capitalizes on this trend. It allows customers to use the interface to create, control and edit programs via a 3D model of the workpiece, or alternatively use the full EIA/ISO functionality for G-code programming - giving users the utmost flexibility. User-friendliness makes it easier and faster than ever to go from setup to production.   

YAMAZAKI MAZAK EUROPE Booth number 118

VCN-700 in a nutshell

• Linear roller guide with high rigidity
• Workspace for large workpieces 1300 x 700 x 650 mm
• High-speed spindle 15,000min-1 (optional 18,000min-1, or ultra spindle 60,000 or 80,000min-1)
• Standard 30 tools (optional 48 or 60)
• Direct driven spindle for superior accuracy
• SmoothG control

VCE-600 in a nutshell

• Very stable construction
• Generous table dimensions: 1,300 x 600 mm
• High performance spindle: 12,000min-1
• Standard 24 tools (optional 30 or 48)
• Direct driven spindle for superior accuracy
• SmoothEz CNC control with 15" touch screen