Swiss-style machine line expands

Author William Leventon
Published
February 01, 2023 - 07:00am

An expanded line of Swiss-style machines offers three different multi-axis configurations aimed at applications requiring precise, high-speed production of small parts.

Manufactured by Mazak Corp. in Florence, Kentucky, the Syncrex series now includes 16 models and four machine sizes that accommodate maximum bar stock turning diameters of 20 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm and 38 mm. Each of these different-size machines comes in seven-, eight- and nine-axis configurations. Also available are Syncrex 9X models capable of full five-axis contouring when the b-axis tool post is used.

Syncrex 20 and 25 systems are traditional sliding-headstock machines with a ball spline-connected guide bushing and main spindle, said General Manager Kevin Bates. The 32 and 38, however, use a dual-drive system for the collet and guide bushing, making them convertible machines that can be run without a guide bushing.

When a single motor drives both the guide bushing and collet, “they’re synchronized through the ball spline drive, reducing vibration and giving better accuracy,” he said.

In addition, the machines produce less material waste than traditional Swiss lathes, said Syncrex Product Manager Leonard Lanute. The key, he noted, is the position of the collet.

In conventional Swiss machines, “the collet can only get so close to the back of the guide bushing, so you’re going to have a longer remnant,” he said. In Syncrex machines, however, “the front of the collet can get right to the back of the guide bushing, so we can seriously reduce the remnant” — possibly by as much as 6", he said.

All Syncrex machines are constructed on Mazak’s high-damping composite casting. The HDCC, Bates said, is a solid-polymer composite base that provides a number of advantages over cast iron, including greater rigidity, better vibration-dampening characteristics and less thermal growth. The results are improved part quality, longer tool life and better surface finishes, according to Mazak.

The Syncrex Swiss-style machine line now includes 16 models with different bar stock capacities and axis configurations.
The Syncrex Swiss-style machine line now includes 16 models with different bar stock capacities and axis configurations. Image courtesy of Mazak

In a standard configuration, Syncrex machines accommodate up to 36 tools: 20 static and 16 live. The machines also feature what he describes as a unique in-machine automated tool setter.

“To our knowledge, Syncrex machines are the only Swiss machines in the industry to offer this type of technology,” Bates said. “It will allow you to touch off all your tools using an automated program to help reduce setup time.”

In fact, he said, the automated tool setter can cut setup time to around 15 minutes, about half the time it normally would take.

For control, Syncrex machines come with Mazak’s Mazatrol SmoothSt CNC. Optional features include the Mazak Swiss Setup Assist, aimed at making job setups faster and easier, and Mazak Dynamic Chip Control. MDCC oscillates a machine axis to break chips into smaller, more manageable sizes.

“When you’re turning many different materials, you can’t always break the chip, so it wraps around tools and makes the machine less productive,” Lanute said. “By activating the MDCC option, you create a chip that’s much more controllable, which allows you to maintain the productivity of the machine.”

Mazak also offers an optional MT Tablet with Syncrex machines. This creates a twin-screen system, with operators using the MT Tablet to work with offline programming software, such as Autodesk PartMaker or Esprit at the machine.

With Syncrex machines, Bates said Mazak supplies only G code programming, so there’s no option for so-called conversational programming that makes it easier for operators to produce programs by using a series of prompts to get key program data, such as part geometry and workpiece material.

Since Mazak’s customers may expect this option, he said, “we make sure we’re pointing out that (Syncrex systems) don’t have the conversational side that you would see on a traditional Mazak machine.” 

Related Glossary Terms

  • bushing

    bushing

    Cylindrical sleeve, typically made from high-grade tool steel, inserted into a jig fixture to guide cutting tools. There are three main types: renewable, used in liners that in turn are installed in the jig; press-fit, installed directly in the jig for short production runs; and liner (or master), installed permanently in a jig to receive renewable bushing.

  • collet

    collet

    Flexible-sided device that secures a tool or workpiece. Similar in function to a chuck, but can accommodate only a narrow size range. Typically provides greater gripping force and precision than a chuck. See chuck.

  • computer numerical control ( CNC)

    computer numerical control ( CNC)

    Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.

  • conversational programming

    conversational programming

    Method for using plain English to produce G-code file without knowing G-code in order to program CNC machines.

  • turning

    turning

    Workpiece is held in a chuck, mounted on a face plate or secured between centers and rotated while a cutting tool, normally a single-point tool, is fed into it along its periphery or across its end or face. Takes the form of straight turning (cutting along the periphery of the workpiece); taper turning (creating a taper); step turning (turning different-size diameters on the same work); chamfering (beveling an edge or shoulder); facing (cutting on an end); turning threads (usually external but can be internal); roughing (high-volume metal removal); and finishing (final light cuts). Performed on lathes, turning centers, chucking machines, automatic screw machines and similar machines.