New Mazak VC-500 AM Combines 5-Axis and Additive Technology to Revolutionize Product Design

Designed and manufactured in Florence, Kentucky, the new Mazak VC-500 AM Hybrid Multi-Tasking machine combines full 5-axis capability and additive technology to revolutionize product design, reduce time to market and cut R&D costs. This new compact, cost effective Hybrid Multi-Tasking machine will make its world debut in the Mazak booth S-8300 at IMTS 2016, taking place September 12-17 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.

The VC-500 AM Hybrid Multitasking Machine brings together Mazak’s considerable expertise in building Multi-Tasking machines, experience with fiber laser technology, additive knowledge and highly efficient Kentucky Mazak iSMART Factory manufacturing operations to produce this exciting new model at very competitive prices.

Ideal for manufacturers who require optimum part finish and high accuracy, the VC-500 AM machine builds part features to near net shape up to ten times faster than other comparable systems quickly and easily without wasting expensive material and losing time by subtracting large amounts of metal from a solid material using normal Multi-Tasking machining technology.

Constructed on a simple, compact 5-axis platform, the new VC-500 AM is very cost effective and accommodates a wide range of part sizes and shapes, making it well-suited for educational institutions and research and development facilities as well.

The VC-500 AM can machine parts up to 19.7″ in diameter, 12″ in height and up to 440 lbs. The additive cladding head can work in the same machining area, depending on the application and location of the features of the part.

The new VC-500 AM offers users geometric freedom vis a vis direct metal deposition, which allows for both additive and subtractive machining capabilities in a single setup. The laser cladding heads of the new Mazak VC-500 AM reside side-by-side with the subtractive machining spindle.

During operation, the VC-500 AM uses fiber laser heat to melt the chosen metal powder that will be used to the grow near-net-shape 3D forms. The cladding head applies the molten material layer by layer, all of which solidify as the desired part surface or features grows. The laser cladding head can also be used to coat chosen sections of the part with metal, allowing the machine to repair worn or damaged high-value components.

Part of the company’s SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY platform, the Mazak MAZATROL SmoothX CNC makes it easy to generate programs for highly complex parts production. It has several advanced functions that allow it to ensure the shortest possible machining cycle times, especially in fine increment programs for simultaneous 5-axis operations and free-form die-mold machining.

Ergonomics also play an important role in the functionality of the MAZATROL SmoothX CNC. A large 19″ display presents all of the critical machine data within a single page view, while the tilt control panel allows for optimum positioning based on operator height. An intuitive multi-touch screen, which is similar to that of a smartphone, enables fast and smooth programming operations. An SD card allows the CNC to store up to 32GB of data.

About Mazak Corporation
Mazak Corporation is a leader in the design and manufacture of productive machine tool solutions. Committed to being a partner to customers with innovative technology, its world-class facility in Florence, Kentucky, produces over 100 models of turning centers, Multi-Tasking machines and vertical machining centers, including 5- axis models. Continuously investing in manufacturing technology allows the Kentucky Mazak iSMART Factory to be the most advanced and efficient in the industry, providing high-quality and reliable products through its “Production-On-Demand” practice. Mazak maintains eight Technology Centers across North America to provide local hands-on applications, service and sales support to customers.