Mazak introduces the powerful and competitively priced new VCE-600

Designed and built in the UK, the new Mazak VCE-600 is an impressive vertical machining center with high specifications and competitively priced. This impressive, next-generation vertical machining center is ideal for a wide range of subcontractors, workshops and small suppliers to OEMs. 

The result of extensive market research, the new, affordable VCE-600 includes a variety of features and new technologies that demonstrate industry-leading productivity, performance and ease of use. All this combined with a compact size delivers the quality and service you have come to expect from Mazak. The machine has compact dimensions of 2.9 by 3.12 by 3.14m (h/b/d), appealing to business owners with limited floor space. The VCE-600 has a generous table size of 1,300 x 600mm with X, Y and Z axis displacements of 1,050 by 600 by 600mm, allowing particularly large components to be machined due to the large displacement of the Y axis.

Above this work area is a 12,000 rpm, 18.5 kW, dual-winding spindle with 119.4 Nm of torque, which provides everything a subcontractor needs. In the low speed range, the spindle delivers exceptional torque for heavy milling and drilling work, while at high speed the spindle generates high power for machining light materials and profiling parts. The spndel with taper 40 and internal cooling is supplied with j tools by a 1.9-second, 24-position quick-change ATC that accommodates a maximum tool diameter of 75 mm. To improve operator access to the ATC, an optional ATC door can be specified to reduce setup times. 

In addition to an industry-leading spindle, the new VCE-600 demonstrates its build quality with extremely rigid linear roller guides on all axes that enable the machine to perform both heavy machining and high-speed operations. This is complemented by direct-drive servomotors on all axes and fully ground preloaded ball screws that offer an unparalleled level of precision and repeatability. 

Mark Hall, European Group Product Manager, says of this exciting newcomer to the Mazak range, "The new VCE-600 is the first in a new range of vertical CNC machining centers that will attract much interest from the industry. This is because the specification covers a wide range of applications while offering performance and value. One of the major advantages of this machine for the industry is its versatility. It has a large working range, an industry-leading spindle and the new SmoothEz CNC control that is quick to program - making it great for operators. This new machine is ideally suited for subcontractors and workshops that produce a variety of workpieces, as the specifications mean the VCE-600 can handle anything the industry asks of this machine."

To simplify ease of use and reduce setup times,Mazak has integrated several design features that are both practical and ergonomically friendly to the operator. For example, the VCE-600 is designed with one large sliding door with a large window. The large window provides excellent visibility during machining. The easy-to-open single side door allows the operator to insert or remove parts and tools with one hand while opening the door with the other. Great attention has been paid to operator ease of use and the ability to reduce setup times, this is evident when using the new Mazatrol SmoothEz CNC control. 

The new Mazatrol SmoothEz CNC control has an intuitive 15-inch touchscreen that can provide "Ez Operation" with the ability to be operated like a smartphone or tablet where the display can be customized by easily adjusting the positioning of data to suit the user. By adjusting the display, the operator can check and edit data with minimal screen transition. 

For "Ez Machining," Mazatrol SmoothEz allows customers to use the Mazak Mazatrol 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. 

In addition, the SmoothEz offers 'Ez Setup' where all production data, such as programs, fixture settings, machine models, tool data and coordinate systems, can be synchronized with SmoothCAM Ai by Smooth Project Manager. Regarding the SmoothEz, Mark Hall, European product manager at Mazak says, "For manufacturers with high-mix, low-volume part production, it is critical that we reduce setup times - this is where the SmoothEz performs with several user-friendly features that make it easy to go from part setup to production."

As shop-floor automation becomes more commonplace, Mazak has designed the VCE-600 with the ability to integrate front, left or right side loading doors for robot access, while optional tool and workpiece measurement systems such as the Renishaw RTS and RMP60 touch probe can be integrated. As you would expect from a leading brand like Mazak, there is a plethora of optional extras to meet end-user needs. 

This includes a 30- or 48-position ATC, a selection of tool measurement, setting and fracture detection packages, chip and coolant management packages including coil, cover cooling and also spiral and chip conveyors, plus essential automation options such as automatic door opening, robotic interface and hydraulic or pneumatic fixture preparation. The machine can also be specified with 4^e ase units for added flexibility.