Methods Machine Tools Inc., a North American supplier of precision machine tools and automation, has introduced the new state-of-the-art, compact high-precision Nakamura-Tome MX-100 Multitasking Turning Center, offering high productivity milling and turning for a wide array of part manufacture, including medical. A rigid construction as well as advanced software, smart features and a 96-tool capacity provide exceptional accuracy and productivity. The new multitasking turning center is equipped with a powerful 15 HP upper tool spindle with 20,000 rpm and turning capability. A 8,000 rpm milling turret offers 12 tool stations with 24 indexing positions.
 
“We are pleased to offer customers a new high precision and compact multitasking turning center from Nakamura,” said Mr. Sergio Tondato, Nakamura-Tome product manager at Methods Machine Tools Inc. “The MX-100 is especially well-suited for medical part manufacture, and is also excellent for the high mix/ short lot production of aerospace parts and more, reducing job changeovers.”
 
A compact design maximizes floor space at 171 inches (4,350 mm) length x 110 inches (2,795 mm) width, while heavy duty construction includes a rigid design casting and column at 37,200 pounds—30 percent heavier than other machines in its class. An eco-friendly solution, the MX-100 has grease lubrication of slide axes.
 
The Nakamura MX-100 features a 12,000 rpm (optional 20,000 rpm) upper tool spindle with a 2.5-inch (65 mm) diameter bar capacity. Total Y-axis travel is 8.26 inches (210 mm), and the X-axis travel is up to 1.9 inches (50 mm) below spindle center. The MX-100 features a SmartX touch-screen, PC-based 19-inch high-resolution color display LCD panel, which works in conjunction with the Fanuc 31i-B5 control for a high degree of functionality.
 
The MX-100 comes equipped with several smart features including the NT Work Navigator that can recognize the coordinates of machine parts with non-round shapes such as those in forgings and castings, without any additional costs involved. This feature eliminates the need for costly positioning fixtures and clamping devices. The Advanced NT Nurse System all-in-one software package is also included, providing convenient, easy-to-use support for the operation, programming and production on the MX-100. Critical functionality includes phase recognition (key for multitasking), direct chucking enabling transfer without positioning error, and precise synchronization of the left/ right-hand spindles. Additional functions include a load monitor for identifying tool wear/ breakage, tool life management and machine monitoring.
 
CAMplete TruePath Turn/Mill software is standard on Nakamura-Tome multitasking, multi-turret machines including the MX-100. CAMplete Turn/Mill software is an integrated suite of G-Code editing, optimization, analysis and verification tools, enabling a full range of turn/ mill functions and offering users everything needed to simulate and verify complex programs in an intuitive 3D environment.
 
All Nakamura-Tome machines are equipped with a standard electronic detector safety feature that greatly reduces the impact and force of a machine collision. Should a crash occur, within 4 milliseconds after the crash, servo motor-feeding direction is reversed and the machine will stop in EMG mode.
 
Methods is the exclusive U.S. importer of premier Nakamura-Tome Multitasking Turning Centers.