From the start of its multitasking machine development process, Mazak strived for completing parts in one setup: A solid raw piece of material enters the machine, and a completed component exits. But to reach DONE IN ONE - part production, many technological advancements had to occur, such as the development of integral motors, controllers/computers with increased processing power and CAD/CAM software. Higher power controllers, like Mazak's MAZATROL Smooth CNCs, allow manufacturers to maintain data points across milling and turning operations within the same workpiece setup on a multitasking machine. This ensures repeatability and eliminates the risk of human error when moving workpieces from one single-process machine to the next. Further CNC advancements ensured that machines could control a greater number of machining axes and simplify part-programming requirements. Unfortunately, traditional belt drives tended to hinder the performance and positioning accuracy of additional spindles on multitasking machines - until the development of integral motor technology. Electric motors that fully encase the machine spindle, integral motors initially delivered speeds up to 5,000 rpm and positioning accuracies within 1 degree. In addition to improving the spindle's ability to stop and position accurately, integral spindle motors introduced the ability to perform complex contours with C-axis turning spindles. For milling spindles, the technology introduced B-axis control to the spindle along with higher rpm and horsepower.
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