FLORENCE, Ky., September 20, 2022 – Mazak took its Kentucky-built VC-Ez 26 Vertical Machining Center to the next level of advanced manufacturing technology at IMTS 2022. Along with the machine’s rugged 40-taper spindle and full range of auto tool changer and chip/coolant management options, the VC-Ez 26 showed how virtually any shop can increase part processing capability with the addition of Friction Stir Welding.
For traditional subtractive machining, the affordable, highly configurable VC-Ez 26 meets many production needs with enhanced operator ergonomics and a generous work area to ease the loading and unloading of workpieces and tools. An extremely fast traverse rate of 1,417 ipm (36 m/min) in the X, Y and Z axes enables higher throughput. For traditional subtractive processing, a 25 hp (18.64 kW) 12,000 rpm (standard) or versatile 29.5 hp (22 kW) 15,000 rpm (optional) spindle offers 81.13 ft-lb (110 Nm) of torque for additional production versatility.
To optimize part-size flexibility, axis travels on the VC-Ez 26 measure 50″ in X, 25.98″ in Y and 25″ in Z (1270 mm x 660 mm x 635 mm), which enable the machine to accommodate maximum workpiece sizes of 55.12″ long, 24.02″ wide and 22.4″ tall (1400 mm x 610 mm x 570 mm) and weights up to 3,306 lbs (1,500 kg).
Beyond subtractive machining, Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid-state joining process that uses frictional heat and forging pressure with a non-consumable tool to join two metal plates without melting the workpiece. Commonly considered a forging process, FSW creates full-penetration, defect-free welded joints stronger than conventional methods and is well-suited for jointing alloys with low melting points, including aluminum, copper and brass, among others. This capability is seamlessly demonstrated on the VC-Ez 26 machine using the Mazak MegaStir Premium tool holder combined with the MT Tablet option for program download and tool monitoring.