Kirchheim unter Teck, Germany, 23 September 2025 |
Celebrating its European premiere at EMO 2025 (22-26 September), the Makino f6 vertical machining centre has been engineered for many hours of stable, high-precision machining of plastic moulds, stamping dies and die-cast dies, in particular. Its design ensures outstanding thermal stability and high-speed performance for superior surface finishes and lower cycle times.
What makes the f6 so special
The four pillars of Makino’s f6 concept are its rigid design, spindle technology, thermal management and intelligent software. The special strengths of this vertical machining centre are its core-cooled spindle technology with under-race lubrication, excellent thermal behaviour in normal environments, long-term accuracy and reliability for superior surface quality, and automation-ready design. Optimised for 3D contoured geometries and tight tolerance applications in the die and mould industry, the f6 offers high levels of accuracy over long hours of machining and an extended 650 mm Y-axis travel to accommodate moulds that are increasingly squarish.
Key features
Structural rigidity and thermal stability: With a finite element analysis (FEA) employed in designing the machine’s very rigid construction, the f6 damps vibrations for long-term accuracy, while the unique axis configuration eliminates overhangs and ensures full axis support throughout the work area. Core-cooled ball screws and nuts maintain a thermal equilibrium during high-speed operations. Motor flange cooling prevents any heat transfer from the motor to the machine structure while support bearing cooling enhances bearing life and thermal consistency.
Spindle innovations: Core cooling, under-race lubrication, closed-loop oilmatic temperature control and multi-plane balancing to reduce vibration and enhance the surface finish are innovative features stemming from Makino’s leadership in spindle technology. The standard spindle in the f6 is a 20,000 rpm HSK-A63 spindle and a 30,000 rpm HSK-F63 spindle is available as an option.
Motion control and software: Developed for high-feed-rate, tight-tolerance 3D machining, this machine’s Super Geometric Intelligence (SGI.5) software maintains a high profile accuracy even with complex NC data and significantly reduces cycle times compared to standard CNC systems. The various advanced motion modes available mean users can tailor the machine behaviour to specific job requirements. The f6’s Professional 6 controller incorporates Fanuc hardware and an Windows Embedded OS to offer streamlined ease of use on a multi-touch 15” screen with a layout that matches the operator’s workflow from set-up to execution.
Automation and monitoring: A large side door for robotic integration, ceiling access for overhand crane operations and easy ATC and spindle access make the f6 automation-ready. The optional machine monitoring system enables live, condition, production and tool monitoring.
Chip management and maintenance: Efficient chip removal is ensured through a five-nozzle system (four coolant nozzles and one air blower) around the spindle, optional through-spindle air and coolant, a front chip tray accessible during operation and an optional lift-up conveyor for high-volume chip removal. Maintenance of the f6 has been simplified through centralised access to the pneumatic, hydraulic and lubrication systems.
The f6 will be on view for the first time in Europe at Makino’s EMO 2025 booth (Hall 12, C31) at Hannover Exhibition Centre.
For further information please contact:
Urko J. Ugalde
Head of Marketing and Product Planning
E-mail: [email protected]
Press photos available on request.
Further press releases from Makino Europe can be found in our overview.
