Solutions for marine machining

marine machining

The range of different components required by the marine sector places huge demands on its suppliers. We examine the machining challenges faced by suppliers to the sector and offer some solutions.

The marine sector is exceptionally diverse, encompassing everything from shipbuilding and repair through to yachting. The range of components demanded are wide and made from a huge variety of metals, including aluminium, cobalt, stainless steel, titanium and bronze.

CNC machining companies have responded to the demands of the sector by continuing to invest in new technologies to improve their capabilities, productivity and component quality. Multi-tasking machines, which can reduce the numbers of operators, set-ups and the movement of large components around a machine shop, in turn improving the quality of the finished product, have been high on the sector’s priority list.

Large diameter workpieces

Large diameter workpieces

The INTEGREX e-H series of multi-tasking machines are ideal for heavy, large diameter shaft type workpieces, such as machining a pin for a retractable keel. With the INTEGREX, all operations can be completed in a single set-up, including turning, milling, boring and drilling, without having to move the component to a different machine, in order to perform secondary tasks.

The e-420H, has an exceptionally large machining envelope with a maximum swing of 670mm, which enables large components to be cut. This envelope size and multi-tasking capability is complimented by a high power 4,000rpm main spindle and 12,000rpm milling spindle, which are capable of removing large amounts of metal, whilst maintaining exceptional productivity. The ability to machine complex large diameter components, such as gears, is of critical importance in the marine sector. The VTC-800/30SLR is a vertical travelling column machining centre equipped with a large 1,000mm dia. integrated rotary table and B-axis, to provide full 5-axis capability combined with Mazak’s high performance 18,000rpm main spindle.

Machining capacity and flexibility

Machining capacity and flexibility

The key feature of the machine is its machining capacity and flexibility which makes it ideal for a range of components used within the marine sector, including large diameter parts up to 3,500m in length and 820mmin width, utilising the full capacity of the class-leading machining envelope. As with all Mazak products, ergonomics are key to the machine design philosophy and the SLR is equipped with a large door opening providing optimum access for loading, set-up and unloading. The VTC-800/30SLR is also available with SIEMENS SINUMERIK 840D sl CNC for those machine users that have standardised on Siemens control.

Cutting of complex geometrical features

Cutting of complex geometrical features

Components for the marine industry often include complex geometrical features that can only be machined using 5-axis capability, such as marine propellers. The VARIAXIS range is often the machine of choice for the sector, offering the ability to perform multiple and complex curved surface machining on workpieces in single set-ups.

Included in the VARIAXIS range is the class leading VARIAXIS j-600/5X. The machine is highly productive with a wide B-axis spectrum of rotation (+90° to -120°), whilst accuracy is ensured by a high rigidity structure that utilises roller linear guides on all axes and roller gear cam on all rotary axes.

High power turning solutions

High power turning solutions

High power turning has always been a key machine attribute for suppliers to the marine sector, specifically machines capable of turning large spindle bores, such as a marine prop shafts, for example. The SLANT TURN is ideal for this type of work, being a powerful, high torque, heavy-duty, big-bore turning centre for large part turning applications. Most importantly, it offers a maximum swing of 1,070mm and a maximum machining diameter of up to 860mm, enabling the machine to easily handle large components.

With marine applications requiring heavy duty cutting of tough-to-machine workpieces, Mazak’s MEGATURN vertical turning centre machines are the ideal solution. The MEGATURN NEXUS 900M version, for example, can combine turning and machining operations to improve accuracy and increase productivity through reduced set ups and workpiece handling. The machine configuration includes rotary tool milling (M) capability and is ideal for machining tough materials, such as stainless steel, titanium and other alloys.

The range of different products being manufactured by suppliers to the marine sector is enormous, from complex geometries requiring 5-axis capability through the breadth of turned parts. Our advice is to partner with a machine supplier that can offer the necessary breadth of machines and application support that will enable you to choose the best machining and automation solution for your specific requirements.