At its Cambridge Open House event, Mazak Canada displayed the Kentucky-designed and built QT-Ez 12MY Turning Center. Designed to give job shops and other manufacturers affordable access to Mazak technology and engineering expertise, the QT-Ez 12MY is a 2-axis machine with milling and Y-axis off-centerline capabilities for Multi-Tasking functionality.

The QT-Ez 12MY uses a larger A2-8 spindle nose with 3,300 rpm, 22 kW (30 hp) and 386 Nm (285 ft-lbs) of torque as well as a 76.2 mm (3″) bar capacity. It has a standard 6,000 rpm milling spindle with 8 kW (10 hp) and 44.06 Nm (32.5 ft-lbs) of torque. For further increased productivity and unmanned operations, the machine seamlessly integrates with bar feeders and robots.

For the QT-Ez 12MY, Mazak offers a smaller size optional 10″ chuck for greater maximum rpm capability. Along with the standard 20″ bed length, the machine is available with an optional 40″ bed. Available machine turrets include 2-axis drum style with a bolt-on or BMT55 turret for rotary tool applications. Tailstocks are offered either with manual positioning and hydraulic quill or with servo positioning capability.

To further aid shops in maximizing productivity, QT-Ez Series machines are designed for easy installation of a range of automation solutions, from simple bar feeders and parts catchers to full cooperative robot installations such as Mazak Automation Systems’ CC-10 and CC-16 Cobot Cell System models. The CC-10 system uses a FANUC CRX-10iA/L with 10 kg payload capacity, while the CC-16 is built around a Universal Robots UR16e platform with a 16 kg payload capacity. Both systems come with three available grip systems and use an area scanner with limited fixed fencing for fully collaborative human-robot workflows.

Affordable QT-Ez 12MY at Cambridge Open House

All QT-Ez model machines feature powerful, dependable integral motor headstocks, Hybrid MX roller guideways and pre-tensioned ball screws supported at both ends for reliable, thermally stable and precise machine axis movement. A new bed casting design provides outstanding rigidity, as well as streamlined chip flow to help eliminate chip accumulation.

The QT-Ez machines also come with a variety of tailstock options. The no-tailstock option supports chucker-style operations. The standard manual-body tailstock includes a hydraulic quill and #5 live center. The optional tailstock for the 20″ bed machine is a servo-driven style with #5 live center. The 40″ bed size machines can use a servo-driven style with #4 built in center. Both servo tailstock options provide 2,132 Nm (1,573 ft-lbs) of thrust.

Along with optional bed lengths, spindles, chuck sizes and tailstocks, the QT-Ez Series is available with a complete range of additional cost-effective and popular options. These include Mazak’s Automatic Tool Eye, chip conveyor, auto door, auto parts catcher and high-pressure coolant systems, all of which make it easy for shops to improve productivity further.

For fast and easy machine programming on QT-Ez machines, Mazak’s MAZATROL SmoothEz CNC provides dual 800 MHz processors, 512 MB of RAM and a vibrant 15″ capacitive touch screen that includes a full keyboard and displays up to 60 lines of code. Within the control, G-code and MAZATROL 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.

The MAZATROL SmoothEz control also features Mazak’s LAUNCHER interface, accessible in every screen providing one touch selection to any required screen selection for seamless operator navigation. To further streamline programming, the control’s QUICK MAZATROL function simplifies program creation and confirmation through touch screen editing and confirmation of 3D model.

About Mazak

Mazak Corporation is a leader in the design and manufacture of productive machine tool solutions. Committed to being a partner to customers with innovative technology, its world-class facility in Florence, Kentucky produces over 100 models of turning centers, Multi-Tasking machines and vertical machining centers, including 5-axis models. Continuously investing in manufacturing technology allows the Mazak iSMART Factory™ to be the most advanced and efficient in the industry, providing high-quality and reliable products. Mazak maintains eight Technology Centers across North America to provide local hands-on applications, service and sales support to customers.