Matsuura Launch Mill Turn Concept Machine

With a concept machine exhibited at EMO 2005, Matsuura has developed a 5-axis Mill / Turn / Grind multi pallet machine - the CUBLEX-25, and will start full production in Q3 of 2006.

The concept machine is currently placed with an established Matsuura customer in Japan for full evaluation under actual production conditions in an arduous machining environment.

Three current issues within the machine tool industry are centred on achieving longer unmanned operation, more utilisation of 5 axis machining & better process integration.

Matsuura has achieved proven & reliable unmanned operation using the multi-pallet system on our class leading horizontal machining centers - the H.Plus Series, & has encapsulated the essence of 5 axis machining combined with long periods of unmanned operation on our market leading 5-axis vertical machining centers which make up the MAM72 Series.
The CUBLEX-25 has been designed & developed to address the issue of better, sustainable & flexible process integration.

The CUBLEX-25 is a machining center where turning & grinding functions are combined with 5-axis milling functions. Compared to the conventional lathe-based mill-turn, the CUBLEX-25 maintains 100% milling performance. Therefore, by utilising the expandable ATC & APC options and the extensive process integration capabilities of the CUBLEX-25, high-speed high-accuracy machining is possible, together with extended unmanned operation.

For turning operations, a unique mechanism is used to lock the spindle with a rotary table (C axis) which is capable of high speed (3,000 min -1 ) rotation. The rotary table direct drive motor is specially developed for the high-speed rotation required for turning, while maintaining the precision positioning capability required for milling. Additionally, grinding operations are possible through the simultaneous rotation of the spindle and rotary table.
Matsuura has also developed a unique & powerful yet supremely user friendly CAM software package, suitable for the unique functionality of the CUBLEX-25.

CUBLEX-25 Characteristics
Integration of milling, turning and grinding (optional) functions on one machining center
Special C axis unit is used to perform both milling and turning functions, designed and built in-house by Matsuura.
Max. rotation speed; 3,000 min-1(turning mode)
High-speed rotation; 200 min-1is achieved even in a milling mode.
High-resolution scale feed back system is provided as standard.
Unique lock mechanism is employed on the spindle for turning.
An HSK-A63W (ICTM Standard) spindle profile for complex machining centers is used.
This allows the use of tool holders for both machining centers and turning.
This machining center achieves both vertical and horizontal turning by rotating the B axis (tilting axis).
Rapid traverse rate (X/Y/Z axis): 50 m/min, Acc./Dec. 0.6G achieved
Feedrate (X/Y/Z axis): 50 m/min, Acc./Dec. 0.4G achieved
The AC 5.5/7.5 kW and 15,000 min -1 high-speed spindle is provided as standard.
Double access (from the operator’s side/ from the machine front side) improves operability.
The double-grip type of high-speed pallet change system reduces non-cutting times.
Pallet change time: 4.2 sec. (PC2)
Efficient swarf removal system: Extended machining operation and dry/semi-dry machining are taken into consideration.
Increased angle of the guard shape + spiral chip conveyors on the right/left-hand sides
Proven unmanned operation
Tool magazine: expandable up to 240 tools
Pallet changer: Non-PC, PC2, PC10
Swarf management (discharged from the rear and the side of the machine)
For more information about the CUBLEX-25, or to order a video CD of this machine tool, please call us on 01530 511400 or email sales@matsuura.co.uk