Understanding Mori Seiki Product Codes

[VTX]

I'm sure these are dumb questions, but I'm trying to learn and curious about the Mori Seiki product codes. I really don't know much at all about these machines and couldn't find much description anywhere about this.

I have a particular curiosity about CNC lathes like the NL series.

They list MC, Y, SY, and SMC as the model variations and I'm not sure if I completely understand the key at the bottom of the product page.

So, tell me if I'm on the right track here or not:

C-axis control is the ability to control the rotational position of the spindle, correct? So, does that mean if a lathe doesn't have the "C" designation it can only spin continuously at a specified RPM, but that it can't be rotated to a specific position for cutting on a specific side of the material?

Milling - This is the most confusing one to me. Does this mean that the turret can accept end mills for milling on the side of a piece of material? But wouldn't you need some kind of Y-axis control for this? Say, if you wanted to mill a pocket on the side of a bar? But I don't see any "MY" variation. Or does "M" imply it has Y axis control?

Y - See above.

S - This just means it has a sub-spindle. This seems pretty straight forward to me.

So, what if you needed a machine that had to have a sub-spindle, and you needed to be able to mill pockets and drill off-center holes on the side of a part? Which variation would you need? It seems to me like you'd need an SMYC, but I don't see that variation.

I'd appreciate any insight you guys would want to give this total noob. Thanks!

[xenginebuilder]

As I figure it, an "MC" machine is live tool capable with C axis control, but is NOT a "Y" axis machine.
A "Y" axis machine is fully live tool capable with C axis control, so I guess they drop the "MC" designation.
I used to run a NL2500Y and it was fully capable for doing any kind of pocket milling or offset holes either vertical or horizontal plane. The main limitation is it only had about 4" total Y axis travel (+-2") from 0 up to about 8" dia., after that the Y is limited by the compound angle of the X and Y interpolation.
You can still mill quite a bit using C X and Z if you program it that way, but having the Y axis really adds capability, and is also very useful for turning operations, eg. double stick holders or just tweaking offsets for centerlines on drills etc. I'm spoiled now, I can't imagine running a lathe without a Y axis.

[applejiya]

this is an engineering question, try posting in the other category.

[VTX]

xengine,

Thanks for the info. So basically the SY would be the most capable model from what it sounds like and is basically an "SYMC".

Apple, didn't realize this didn't fit here. I was just wanting more description on the NL models. Could you link me to the specific forum? I'm not sure I see the one that this fits into better. Thanks.

By the way, does anyone know what the differences are between the NL and NLX, other than the limited info they give you on the website? Anyone with real world experience on both?

[underthetire]

Think I can help

There is usually a A and a B model, thats usually spindle size, not all machines have both, some have A,B,C ( like large SL603's)

M or MC designation means milling, with C axis. All the live tool lathes have C axis, and normally machines without live tooling don't have C axis. ( some sub spindle machines will vary) NLxxxxMC

Y- Well, that's basically a live tool machine with the 3rd axis. No Y axis machines were built (for obvious reasons) without live tooling. So that machine would be NLxxxY, not M or MC.

SMC- Sub spindle, live tooling ( sub spindle, milling capable) NLxxxxSMC

SY is full boat NLXXXXSY

Hope that helps.

[underthetire]

Originally Posted by applejiya this is an engineering question, try posting in the other category.

And he posted in the correct forum.

[VTX]

Under, that's perfect thanks!

[onthebumper]

The NL machines have been around for roughly 6 years now. The NLX is the next generation of NL machines coming with Mitsubishi's next generation CNC and drive system. The NLX debuted at last years IMTS show.

[underthetire]

It's too bad they made the new NVX sooooo much deeper than the Dura 5100's. From the print they are 4 ft deeper ! We got a couple of the last 5100's just because of floor space.