The trouble with writing about machine tools is that you’re often referring to images of large and largely nondescript boxes, when it’s what’s under the covers that counts.
Fortunately, a less-than-discreet Mazak employee has shared some racy photos of a few of the company’s machine tools before they’re fully clothed for their formal debut.
This is a fairly basic vertical machining center with a rotary tool magazine. It's fairly unusual due to the table swapping mechanism, a feature normally seen on much larger machines. This is only the second one we have built with this option.
A closer look at the table swap mechanism. Whilst the machine is cutting the work piece on one table, the finished component on the second table can be removed and a new piece loaded, ready to machine once the current job finishes. Finished machine - without the table swap option - in the background.
A much bigger and more complex vertical machining center, without a tool magazine fitted. The magazine is installed much later, and a photo of it in that stage of the build would not allow you to see the bare bones of the machine. Again, there is a more complete machine behind it.
A side view of the same machine as above, showing a clearer view of the axis of movement, in basic terms forward/back, left/right, up/down and swivel head.
Lastly we have a small lathe for you to see. This one has an optional second spindle which allows components to be transferred from the main spindle to finish turning the back of the work piece, eliminating the need for a second machining operation.
The same lathe from a slightly different angle. The 12 station tool turret in the center will accept solid tooling and a small milling drive for more complex work.
All images and captions are courtesy of imgur.com user AlbertHerbetHawkins.
For more information, or to see the machines in their finished state, visit the Mazak website.