a40 HMC: Made to Automate Aluminum Die-Cast Part Production

Learn more about the a40 horizontal machining center at https://www.makino.com/horizontal-machining-4-axis/a40/ OEM demands for reduced per-piece costs are rapidly driving the need for greater efficiency and uptime in the production of near-net-shape aluminum die-cast components. With its automation-ready design and configuration, the a40 HMC lets manufacturers of die-cast part producers easily slash unproductive non-cut times out of their operations. Shown in this video is the development and performance of an automated machining cell featuring two a40 HMCs with a Fanuc M-20iA robot on rail. Designed to accommodate a variety of automated technologies, the a40 HMC is made to automate. Cell features, such as exterior auto doors, continuous pressure hydraulic fixtures, and part gripper with quick-change coupling and part rotation, enable manufacturers to eliminate manual operations for the highest degree of machine uptime. Additionally, the machine’s responsive 12,000-rpm spindle, inertia active control technology, GI milling and drilling technologies, vision-type broken-tool detection, tool taper cleaning nozzles and cyclonic filtration system further support unattended operation by improving process reliability and minimizing all in-process, out-of-the-cut operations.