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Friction Stir Welding Integrated with Subtractive Machining



Mazak has taken its Kentucky-built VC-Ez 26 Vertical Machining Center (VMC) to the next level of advanced manufacturing technology. Along with the machine's 40-taper spindle and full range of auto tool changer and chip/coolant management options, the VC-Ez 26 can help shops increase part processing capability with the addition of Friction Stir Welding (FSW).

For traditional subtractive machining, the highly configurable VC-Ez 26 meets many production needs with enhanced operator ergonomics and a generous work area to ease the loading and unloading of workpieces and tools. A fast traverse rate of 1,417 IPM (36 m/min) in the XYZ axes enables higher throughput. For traditional subtractive processing, a 25 HP (18.64 kW), 12,000 RPM (standard) or versatile 29.5 HP (22 kW), 15,000 RPM (optional) spindle offers 81.13 ft-lbs. (110 Nm) of torque for additional production versatility.

To optimize part-size flexibility, axis travels on the VC-Ez 26 measure 50" in X, 25.98" in Y and 25" in Z (1,270 mm x 660 mm x 635 mm), which enable the machine to accommodate maximum workpiece sizes of 55.12" long, 24.02" wide and 22.4" tall (1,400 mm x 610 mm x 570 mm) and weights up to 3,306 lbs. (1,500 kg).

FSW is a solid-state joining process that uses frictional heat and forging pressure with a nonconsumable tool to join two metal plates without melting the workpiece. "Commonly considered a forging process, FSW creates full-penetration, defect-free welded joints stronger than conventional methods and is well-suited for jointing alloys with low melting points, including aluminum, copper and brass, among others. This capability is seamlessly demonstrated on the VC-Ez 26 machine using the Mazak MegaStir Premium toolholder combined with the MT Tablet option for program download and tool monitoring," said a company spokesperson.

All VC-Ez Series machines feature C-frame designs with X- and Y-axis motion via moving the table and saddle. For rigidity and repeatable part precision, guideway systems use Mazak's MX linear roller guide systems, and dual lagged pre-tensioned ball screws help ensure precise axis movement. For increased maintenance free operation, the auger-type chip removal system provides an economical solution; for increased chip volume, the addition of a hinge-type chip conveyor ships affixed to the machine helps eliminate the cost of a second shipping pallet.

The machine is designed for standard or customized automation solutions for unattended production and productivity, including full collaborative robot installations such as Mazak Automation Systems' CC-10 and CC-16 Cobot Cell System models. Additional options include a rotary table, filter tray, dual probe kit, through-spindle and Niagara coolant, auger chip conveyor and Mazak's SUPERFLOW 1,000 PSI high-pressure coolant system. For hands-free adjustment, operators can control an optional programmable coolant and/or air nozzle system via M-code or from a separate control panel for 180°+ range of motion and to teach a specific angular location for every tool.

For ease of control and programming, Mazak's MAZATROL SmoothEz CNC provides dual 800 MHz processors, 512 MB of RAM and a vibrant 15" capacitive touchscreen that includes a full keyboard and displays up to 60 lines of code. Within the control, EIA/G-code and MAZATROL Conversational programming languages support a full range of programming options directly on the machine, while the MAZATROL TWINS function enables use of Solid MAZATROL, Virtual Machining and Cutting Adviser through Smooth Cam Ai and centralized storage and file management through Smooth Project Manager.

For more information contact:

Mazak Corporation

P.O. Box 970

Florence, KY 41022-0970

859-342-1700

www.mazakusa.com

Southwest

Chris Papke

Mazak SW Technology Center

10950 Greenbend Blvd.

Houston, TX 77667

281-931-7770

cpapke@mazakcorp.com

www.mazakusa.com

LA

Richard Cahn

Dixie Mill Machine Tools Co.

901 Tchoupitoulass Street

New Orleans, LA 70152

504-525-6101 / 888-462-9519

rcahn@dixiemill.com

www.dixiemill.com

OK, AR

Butch Cumminsky

David James

Machinery Resources Inc.

5550 South 94th East Avenue

Tulsa, OK 74145

918-622-6495 / 800-448-1878

butch@mritul.com

www.mritul.com

N. TX

Chris Papke

Mazak Corporation

935 S. Kimball St., Ste. 151

Southlake, TX 76092

800-642-6110 / 817-329-6290

cpapke@mazakcorp.com

www.mazakcorp.com

W. TX

Chris Edgar

Magnum Precision Machines, Inc.

12025 Rojas Drive, Suite A

El Paso, TX 79936

915-856-7900

cedgar@magnumabq.com

www.magnumprecisionmachines.com

NM

Chris Edgar

Magnum Precision Machines, Inc.

8448 Washington Place NE

Albuquerque, NM 87113

505-345-8389

cedgar@magnumabq.com

www.magnumprecisionmachines.com

Southeast

Dave Kennedy

Mazak Southeast Technology Center

1075 Northbrook Pkwy

Suwanee, GA 30024

678-985-4800

dkennedy@mazakcorp.com

www.mazakusa.com

NC, SC, VA

Crotts & Saunders, LLC

2709 Boulder Park Ct.

Winston-Salem, NC 27101

336-765-7250

www.crottsandsaunders.com

TN

Dennis McCurry

Pinnacle Machine Tools, Inc.

5912 Toole Drive

Knoxville, TN 37919

865-951-0260

mccurry@pinnaclemachine.net

AL, FL Panhandle

Jerry Edwards

Pinnacle Machine Tool Inc.

141 Nick Fitcheard Road

Huntsville, AL 35806

256-852-0900

edwards@pinnaclemachine.net

GA

Tim Kramer

Premier Engineering Co.

1635 Lakes Pkwy. Ste. U

Lawrenceville, GA 30043-5858

678-442-8382

tim@premierengineering.com

www.premierengineering.com

MS

Richard Cahn

Dixie Mill Machine Tools Co.

901 Tchoupitoulass Street

New Orleans, LA 70152

504-525-6101

rcahn@dixiemill.com

www.dixiemill.com

FL

Perry Leonor

Mazak Florida Technology Center

6895 McCoy Drive, Suite 100

Orlando, FL 60504

689-205-5626

pleonor@mazakcorp.com

www.mazakusa.com

Northeast

New England, E. NY, NJ, E. PA, MD, DE

Greg Kaufman

Mazak Northeast Technology Center

700 Old County Cir.

Windsor Locks, CT 06096

800-436-8900 / 860-292-4400

gkaufman@mazakcorp.com

www.mazakusa.com

W. NY

Bill Miller

A.W. Miller Technical Sales

7661 Seneca St. / PO Box 69

East Aurora, NY 14052

716-652-8282

bmiller@awmiller.com

www.awmiller.com

W. PA, N. WV

Bill Miller

A.W. Miller Technical Sales

3 Tara Drive / PO Box 220

Harmony, PA 16037

724-453-1690

bmiller@awmiller.com

www.awmiller.com

S. WV

Crotts & Saunders, LLC

2709 Boulder Park Ct.

Winston-Salem, NC 27101

336-765-7250

www.crottsandsaunders.com

Midwest

Kevin Bates

Mazak Midwest Technology Center

300 East Commerce Drive

Schaumburg, IL 60173

847-885-8311

kbates@mazakcorp.com

www.mazakusa.com

ND, SD, MN, W. WI

Joel Lundin

Tony Bailey

Northwest Machine Technologies, Inc.

20851 Commerce Blvd.

Rogers, MN 55374

763-493-3660

tbailey@nwmtec.com

www.nwmtec.com

NE, W. IA

Duane Ohlrich

Industrial Systems & Supply Inc.

2760 E. 29th Avenue

Columbus, NE 68601

402-564-4445

ohlrich@industrial-systems-supply.com

www.industrial-systems-supply.com

E. IA

Jeff Everett

Mazak Iowa Technology Center

609 Myatt Drive, Ste. 1

Maquoketa, IA 52060

563-652-6065

jeverett@mazakcorp.com

www.mazakusa.com

E. MO, S. IL

Bill Summers

Municipal Tool & Machinery Co.

2465 Rock Island Blvd.

Maryland Heights, MO 63043

314-994-9905

bsummers@municipaltool.com

www.municipaltool.com

KS, W. MO

Nick Shelton

Concept Machinery -

A Shelton Machinery Company

9900 North by Northeast Blvd.

Fishers, IN 46037

317-845-5588

nshelton@conceptmachinery.com

www.conceptmachinery.com

E. WI

Mike Cekanor

Machinery Systems North

3280 Gateway Rd.

Brookfield, WI 53045

262-781-4850

mikec@machsys.com

www.machsys.com

N. IL, N.W. IN

Eric Hilliard

Machinery Systems Inc.

614 East State Parkway

Schaumburg, IL 60173

847-882-8085

erich@machysys.com

www.machsys.com

E. MI

Steve Addy

Addy Machinery Co.

36055 Groesbeck Highway

Clinton Township, MI 48035

586-741-3000 / 800-ADDY-NOW

steve@addymachinery.com

www.addymachinery.com

W. MI

Peter Addy

Addy Machinery Co.

3757 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Ste. A & B

Grand Rapids, MI 49512

800-AddyNOW

peter@addymachinery.com

www.addymachinery.com

S. OH

Greg Knox

Knox Machinery, Inc.

375 Industrial Drive

Franklin, OH 45005

937-743-2641

www.knoxmachinery.com

S. IN, KY

Nick Shelton

Shelton Machinery, Inc.

9900 North by Northeast Blvd.

Fisher, IN 46037

317-845-5588

nshelton@sheltonmachinery.com

www.sheltonmachinery.com

N. OH

Motch & Eichele

318 Remington Road

Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44224

800-833-9730

www.mande.com

West

CO, E. WY

Randy Breitenbach

Action Machinery International

7790 S. Wheeling Ct. Unit A

Englewood, CO 80112

303-532-2900

randy@action-machinery.com

www.action-machinery.com

WA, OR

Mark Harris

CNC Machine Services, Inc.

7808 184th St. SE

Snohomish, WA 98296

425-788-4500

sales@cncmachineservice.com

www.cncmachineservice.com

N. ID

Dave Fisher

Dependable Machine

88 W Orchard Ave

Hayden, ID 83835

866-967-0146 / 208-714-4652

sales@dependablemachineryrepair.com

www.dmi-cnc.com

AZ, S. NV

Chris Edgar

Magnum Precision Machines

4848 S. 35th St.

Phoenix, AZ 85040

602-431-8300

cedgar@magnumabq.com

www.magnumprecisionmachines.com

UT, S. ID, MT, W. WY

Tom Weaver, General Manager

Smith Machinery Company

41 W Guest Avenue

Salt Lake City, UT 84115

80l-263-6403

tweaver@smithmachinetools.com

www.smithmachinetools.com

S. CA

Richard McCauley

Mazak Western Technology Center

Aerospace Technology Center

1333 West 190th Street

Gardena, CA 90248

310-327-7172

rmccauley@mazakcorp.com

www.mazakusa.com

N. CA

Richard McCauley

Mazak Northern California

Technical Center

47273 Fremont Blvd.

Fremont, CA 94538

rmccauley@mazakcorp.com

www.mazakusa.com

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