Mazak VTC-300CII

The VTC-300 CII is a highly versatile vertical machining centre with a large 2000 mm table cross dimension and high-speed rapid traverse of up to 36 m/min and features a powerful 40 Taper spindle, full travelling column design, and a table centre partition.

Productivity and efficiency are greatly improved as the machine work envelope is separated into 2 work areas. This allows the machine to be in cycle, in one work area, while a part is being set up in the other work area. Fast rapid traverse rates also enable the Mazak VTC-300CII to reduce non-cut times.

Mazak Machining Centre

CNC Machining Capabilities

Table working surface (Length) 760mm
Table working surface (Width) 2,000mm
Spindle head (vertical travel) Z-axis 660mm
Spindle Head Spindle speed maximum (standard) 12,000 min-¹
Feed Rates Rapid traverse (X-axis) 36 m/min
Rapid traverse (Y-axis) 36 m/min
Rapid traverse (Z-axis) 36 m/min
Table length dimension 760mm
Table width dimension 2,000mm
Automatic Tool Changer Tool storage capacity (standard) 30 tools

CNC Precision Engineering in the UK

Offering the ability to streamline projects and ultimately reduce production costs, Alpha Manufacturing’s UK-based CNC machining facilities cater to a range of project scopes. Investing in industry-leading technology allows Alpha to offer versatility, accuracy and efficiency from project start to finish. Find out more or upload a technical drawing today.

FAQ

What is CNC machining?

CNC Machining is the process of removing material from a solid piece by either drilling, turning or milling until only a desired shape remains. The workpiece is manipulated on either 3 or 5 axis as the tools subtract material according to a pre-determined program. Complex precision shapes can be created from metal by using CNC machining.

An overview of Machining facilities at Alpha Manufacturing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_wWj_fGTbA

What is metal turning?

Metal turning is the process of removing material from a rotating part using a single blade to create a cylindrical part. As the piece is rotated, the cutting tool is moved in a direction parallel to the axis of the workpiece.

What is metal drilling?

A rotating tool with either two or four cutting edges is forced down into the workpiece to create a hole.

What is metal milling?

A rotating tool with many edges is moved in various directions along the face of the workpiece to create a new plane or face.

What machinery is used to machine metal?

There are numerous turning, drilling and milling machines available offering varying degrees of flexibility.

At Alpha Manufacturing our machining department consists of:

Nexus 250 Lathe machine for precision milling
Nexus Quick Turn Smart machine for milling and drilling
Mazak VTC 300 for vertical machining

The VTC Machine is a highly versatile 3 axis machining centre which can machine more complex profiles at a fast rate thanks to sophisticated features.

What is involved in machining programming?

Online programming for machining involves using a design drawing or model and manually working out a machine path using x, y and z axis. This is often a complex and drawn out process which requires experience and expertise.

At Alpha Manufacturing, we recently purchased a new offline programming software called “One CNC” which allows a 3D model to be imported and manipulated on screen. It allows the operator to easily select a surface and apply a process to it. The software will then calculate all of the angles and mathematics which the operator would previously have done.

We currently operate both online and offline forms of programming for machining, depending on the complexity of the parts.

What materials can be CNC machined?

At Alpha Manufacturing, we predominantly machine:

Mild steel
Stainless steel
Phosphor bronze
Alluminium
some plastics such as Nylon and Acetal

An example of 3 axis machining:

What are the limitations of CNC machining?

The primary limitation in machining is the manipulation of the workpiece and accessibility of the tools at various angles. Depending on the complexity of the profile, the machine head may need to access the workpiece at multiple angles or Axis.

At Alpha Manufacturing, we currently operate 3 axis and 4 axis machines which offer enough flexibility for the majority of products that we produce. 5 axis machines are available which allow the machine to access the workpiece at more angles along 5 different axis.

If you have a question regarding CNC Machining or any other sheet metal processes, please get in touch

CNC Machining Services