Highly productive and extremely accurate five-axis horizontal machining can now produce mid-sized, monolithic aerospace components more economically than ever before. This is due to the introduction of the MAG3, the newest of the expanding Makino MAG-Series machining center product line.

Small- and medium-sized aerospace job shops can now compete in the aerospace structural machining market with the MAG3. It is the ideal machine for producing 80 percent of the aluminum structural components typically utilized in commercial and military aircraft. OEM and Tier 1 suppliers have traditionally dominated this market, a result of the high price barrier of acquiring necessary equipment, a problem eliminated with the purchase of a MAG3.

The new MAG3 adds a 3-meter (9.843-foot), X-travel selection to the MAG-Series product line, which consists of the larger MAG4, MAG7, MAG10 and MAG16. The MAG-Series machines are all equipped with a 30,000-rpm, 80-horsepower, core-cooled spindle that enables extremely high metal removal rates on aluminum components. They are designed to provide a manufacturer with the means to produce parts at the lowest possible manufacturing cost.

Machine Specifications

The MAG3 is designed with the C-axis behind an A-axis nutating rotary head. This allows the tool to orient itself toward any position within a hemisphere. The +/– 110-degree movement of the A-axis is enhanced by the infinite degree of movement capability of the C-axis, providing for exceptional machining flexibility.

It has a 118 x 59 x 39.4-inch (3,000 x 1,500 x 1,000-mm) pallet for maximum travel performance, with a hefty table load weight of 6,613 pounds (3,000 kg). The maximum tool weight for the MAG3 is 17.6 pounds (8kg), with the maximum tool length being 7.87 inches (200 mm) and the maximum tool diameter being 2.95 inches (75 mm).

The cutting and rapid feed rate of the MAG3 is 1,000 ipm (25,000 mm/min) along the X-,Y-, and Z-axis. And, it is 7,200 degrees per minute for the A- and C-axis.

Standard Features and Options

The MAG3 has an automatic pallet changer as a standard feature. Optionally, the MAG3 can be outfitted with a pallet tilt-up station, allowing parts to be loaded on a horizontal plane and then tilted up 90 degrees in order to be automatically positioned in front of the horizontal spindle.

In addition, all MAG series machines can be configured in multiple machine cells, such as the Makino MMC, with automated pallet handling and storage, minimizing part set up time. The MMC employs Makino’s legendary cell control software. The MAG3 also has a 30-tool magazine as a standard feature, while optional magazines can hold 60, 120, 180 and 280 tools. Splashguard protection, air blow and air dryer functions, as well as a manual pulse generator, are also standard features.

A hinge-type chip conveyor is standard, with a filtered scraper-type chip conveyor optional. Neither allows chip accumulation inside the machines. The standard coolant tank capacity of 390 gallons (1,500 liters) can be expanded to an optional capacity of 530 gallons (2,000 liters) to accommodate chip conveyor selection.

For more information on the MAG3 and other Makino equipment, visit the Makino Website at www.makino.com. Learn more “Trade’s Secrets” on Makino technology and how it can help you improve production quality and drive costs out of your company’s aerospace processes.

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