Capable of both additive and subtractive manufacturing operations, the new VARIAXIS j-600/5X AM is the latest addition to the Yamazaki Mazak’s suite of Hybrid Multi-Tasking machines. 
The VARIAXIS j-600/5X AM allows manufacturers to quickly and easily build up part features, before employing the machine’s subtractive capabilities to produce high precision parts in a single set-up.
Hybrid machining has multiple advantages, including a considerable reduction in total machining process time, decreased waste material, as well as less time spent on material preparation, such as forging and casting. In addition, one of the biggest advantages of Mazak’s AM technology is the capability to add different material onto a substrate. This gives machine tool users the opportunity to manufacture components which may not have been previously possible, by coating or adding different material onto an original component.
The result is a significant reduction in production time, as well as the number of machines and operators required for a production process; and the added potential to perform repair-type operations on high-value components.
The VARIAXIS j-600/5X AM employs a Wire-Arc AM (Additive Manufacturing) head on a 5-axis vertical machining centre to enable high-speed additive manufacturing.
The Wire-Arc AM torch is mounted on the machine’s headstock to deposit material layer-by-layer and grow near-net-shape 3D forms. The system quickly deposits material due to the use of wire instead of metal powder.
The machine is capable of high accuracy and productivity from the 12,000rpm main spindle and the wide B-axis spectrum of rotation (+90° to -120°). The machine is also equipped with a highly rigid and accurate structure, utilising roller linear guides on all linear axes and roller gear cams on both rotary axes.
Equipped with SmoothX, the world’s fastest CNC, the VARIAXIS is easily programmable for both the machine and the welding automation. The j-600/5X AM is well-suited to a wide variety of machining applications, including the production and repair of marine propeller parts, molds, dies and oil-drilling components.
For optimised interoperability in the face of growing Industry 4.0 adoption across the manufacturing sector, all Mazak AM machines can be easily integrated into a customer’s current or future connected manufacturing systems. Operating on SmoothX CNC, Mazak’s AM portfolio can provide real-time production monitoring and analysis, coupled with improved scheduling, to ultimately deliver shorter lead times, reduced in-process inventory and lower indirect labour expenses.