The combination of three turrets, twin spindles and eight axes in a mill-turn centre allows complex components - in for medium volume production - to be machined in a single set-up.

The latest addition to the Yamazaki Mazak Multiplex multi-tasking family of machines, the Multiplex 3 8200Y, further adds to the company's philosophy of developing technology with a purpose. Designed for medium-sized batch size production the Multiplex 3 8200Y benefits from the addition of a lower turret. This, when used in combination with the machine's two spindles and twin upper turrets, provides an extensive capability for simultaneous four-axis machining.

The lower turret, like the two upper turrets, is suitable for fixed and live tooling, giving users even more options when it comes to reducing cycle times by completing as many operations as possible in a single set-up.

The identical horizontally opposed spindles both have outputs of 22kW and generate 35.7kgf of torque and top speeds of 5000 rev/min.

Each has a C-axis and these highly-stable spindle units lend themselves to high speed, high productivity machining.

Aiding these productivity gains is the inherent agility of the Multiplex 3 8200Y.

Rapid feedrate is 50m/min in the X1, X2, Z1 and Z2 axes reducing to 38m/min for the X3 and Z3 axes; 20m/min for the two Y axes, while the two C-axes can run at 400 rev/min.

Acceleration/deceleration in the X and Y axes is 1G.

To maximise utilisation the Multiplex 3 8200Y can be equipped with optional gantry loading or barfeeding.

Alternative enhanced productivity systems such as cut-feeder and shaft loading/unloading systems are also available as options.