Tag: NIDEC MACHINE TOOL

Nidec Machine Tool Launches the MVR-5X, a New Double-Column Five-Axis Milling Machine

Posted on by NMTA
  • Newly developed compact two-axis contouring attachment delivers approximately 20 times the spindle torque of the previous model
  • Consolidates machining operations for large workpieces while maximizing shop-floor
    productivity and component design flexibility

Ritto, Shiga – 20 OCTOBER 2026 – Nidec Machine Tool Corporation (“Nidec Machine Tool”) announced today that it will begin sales of the MVR-5X, a double-column five-axis milling machine, on October 26, 2026. The new machine comes standard with an advanced, compact two-axis contouring attachment engineered to deliver exceptional torque and rigidity. On the same day, Nidec Machine Tool will host the global unveiling of the MVR-5X at JIMTOF2026 (the 33rd Japan International Machine Tool Fair), held at Tokyo Big Sight (East Exhibition Halls, Booths E3011-E3013).

Newly Developed
“Two-Axis Contouring Attachment”
Newly Launched
“MVR-5X” Double-Column Five-Axis Milling Machine

Background and Challenges

In recent years, global demand for large metal components used in energy infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and other applications has been increasing, driven by the construction of new data centers associated with the growth of AI, the expansion of semiconductor manufacturing, and infrastructure development. In addition to being made from difficult-to-cut materials such as cast iron and steel, many of these components feature complex geometries and fine angular features, creating a strong need to consolidate machining processes.

To address the challenges of conventional two-axis attachments for Nidec Machine Tool’s double-column milling machines—including insufficient torque and rigidity, limitations in indexing at small angular increments, and reduced machining space caused by the larger attachment size—Nidec Machine Tool developed the MVR-5X with a newly developed attachment that combines high torque, NC-controlled two-axis positioning, and a compact design.

The MVR-5X expands the machining range from light to heavy cutting and from simple geometries to complex and free-form surfaces, contributing to highly efficient machining and process consolidation for large components.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Spindle Torque of 341 N·m (Approximately 20 Times the Previous Model) Enables Heavy-Duty, High-Efficiency Machining

Through structural optimization, the MVR-5X delivers 341 N·m of spindle torque, an increase of 323.5 N·m over the previous model. This enables high-efficiency machining of materials such as steel and cast iron that could not be adequately machined using conventional two-axis attachments.

2. Continuous Rotary Axis Control Supports Arbitrary Angular Machining and Full Five-Axis Contouring

Continuous control of the rotary axes (B-axis: ±100°, C-axis: ±270°) enables machining at arbitrary angles, including fine angular increments below one degree, as well as simultaneous five-axis contouring. This reduces the need to adjust the workpiece angle and consolidates multiple machining processes—such as vertical, horizontal, and angled machining—that previously required different processes or machines into a single setup.

3. Compact 790 mm Attachment Projection Expands Usable Work Envelope and Maximizes Rigidity

The compact design limits the projection length from the ram end face to the spindle nose to just 790 mm, 300 mm shorter than the previous model. By increasing the vertical clearance between the table surface and the cross-rail, the MVR-5X expands the machining area for large workpieces while maintaining high rigidity to suppress vibration during machining.

4. Proven High-Rigidity Platform with Thermal Displacement Suppression

The MVR-5X inherits the high-rigidity, high-precision machine structure proven in Nidec Machine Tool’s high-end models. The machine incorporates internal spindle cooling within the ram and Thermo-Stabilizer Columns, which are filled with a temperature-controlled medium, to minimize the impact of thermal displacement on machining accuracy during extended continuous operation.

5. Seamless “Nidec NC Twin” Digital Twin Integration Maximizes Machine Utilization¹

The MVR-5X enables users to simulate machine movements, interference, machined-surface quality, and cycle time in advance within a virtual environment on a PC, with cycle-time simulation achieving an error of less than 1% and speeds up to 20 times faster than actual operation. This reduces the time and effort required for trial machining and interference checks on the actual machine, helping maximize machine utilization.

Main Specifications of the MVR-5X

SpecificationMVR-5X
2-Axis Contouring Attachment Overall Length790 mm (300 mm shorter than previous model)
Spindle nose taperBBT50
Spindle speed20–6,000 min⁻¹
Spindle output15 kW / 420 min⁻¹
Allowable spindle torque341 N·m (+323.5 N·m vs. previous model)
B-axis tilting range±100°
C-axis swiveling range±270°
Distance between columns2,050–4,250 mm
Table Working Area (W × L)1,500 × 3,000 to 3,500 × 10,000 mm
Maximum distance from ram end face to table surface2,010–2,150 mm

  • Examples of Machining Applications

Energy / Shipbuilding: Cylinder blocks, large casings, propellers, pump componentsSemiconductor Manufacturing Equipment: Large vacuum chambers, precision framesPrecision Components / Dies and Molds: Large bevel gears, various large dies and molds

  • JIMTOF2026 Exhibition Information

Dates: October 26 (Mon.)–31 (Sat.), 2026

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, East Exhibition Halls

Booths: E3011–E3013

*1: Link to the release page for the digital twin platform “Nidec NC Twin”
https://nidec.g.kuroco-img.app/v=1782966480/files/topics/19354_ext_2_en_0.pdf

[EN] News Release Nidec Machine Tool Launches MVR-5X, a New Double Column Type Five-Axis Milling MachineDownload

Nidec Machine Tool Introduces the ZI35A Internal Gear Grinding Machine for High-Volume Production

Posted on by NMTA

High-Precision, High-Efficiency Mass Production for Robot Reducers and Large Automotive Ring Gears

Nidec Machine Tool Corporation has developed the ZI35A, a new grinding machine for mass production designed for high-speed, high-precision grinding of internal gears up to 350 mm in maximum outer diameter. The machine addresses growing demand for greater precision in large ring gears (internal gears) used in industrial robots, automobiles, and other applications.

Based on the existing ZI25A*1 model, which features a world-first machining system patented by Nidec, the ZI35A expands machining capacity to accommodate larger gears. The machine also includes a newly developed “Table Axis Tuning Function” as standard equipment to help maintain consistent machining accuracy. In addition to automation capabilities, including automatic workpiece loading and unloading, the machine features redesigned control panels and interactive software to improve usability.

The ZI35A expands the machining range for large internal gears while helping manufacturers improve efficiency, increase automation, and reduce labor requirements on the production floor.

Key Features

1. High-Precision, High-Efficiency Machining of Large Internal Gears

a. Expanded Capacity for Gears up to 350 mm in Outer Diameter

The machine accommodates gear outer diameters up to 350 mm and modules from 1 to 4. The 100 mm increase in maximum outer diameter compared with the existing ZI25A model enables the machine to grind large ring gears used in robot reducers, automobiles, and other machinery.

b. High-Rigidity Structure for Increased Load Mass

The ZI35A features a large, high-rigidity table axis that supports a maximum load of 200 kg. This structure enables stable, high-precision machining even at high rotational speeds, with a maximum table speed of 3,500 min⁻¹ and a maximum grinding wheel spindle speed of 15,000 min⁻¹. The machine also supports automated transfer of gears weighing up to 20 kg for high-volume production.

c. High-Precision, High-Efficiency Machining Using Proprietary Generating Grinding Technology

The machine uses generating grinding to precisely synchronize the grinding wheel spindle and table axis. It also features a patented barrel-shaped threaded grinding wheel whose diameter continuously decreases from the center toward both ends. Setting the crossed-axis angle between the grinding wheel spindle and the workpiece axis to 20°–35° increases sliding velocity (grinding speed), enabling high-efficiency machining.

d. Simplified Precision Control of Grinding Wheels and Dressers

Dressing can be performed without removing the grinding wheel from the machine. In addition to the standard dressing gear method, an optional dedicated (rotary) dressing device can be mounted. Increasing the maximum dresser spindle speed to 6,000 min⁻¹ (approximately double the conventional rate), combined with high mechanical rigidity, improves dressing precision and extends tool life, facilitating easier precision control of grinding wheels and dressers.

e. Optional Thermal Displacement Compensation for Extended Continuous Operation

A touch-probe thermal displacement compensation system measures the fixture’s outer diameter before machining and compensates for changes in the center distance between the grinding wheel and the gear. This helps limit variations in BBD (between balls diameter)*2 during extended continuous operation, maintaining consistent machining accuracy.

2. Enhanced Operability and Maintainability

a. Newly Developed “Table Axis Tuning Function” Included as Standard Equipment

The newly developed “Table Axis Tuning Function” automatically optimizes table-axis servo parameters and is included as standard equipment. When a fixture or workpiece change alters the moment of inertia, the function makes it easy to optimize servo parameters to a level comparable to expert tuning. This helps suppress table-axis oscillation and prevent deterioration in machining accuracy.

b. Improved Usability with Redesigned Control Panels and Interactive Software

A large 21.5-inch LCD screen provides more display space for interactive software. Softkeys, a continuous display of dressing status, and automatic gear meshing using AE sensors*3 improve visibility and ease of operation. On-screen displays of coolant tank conditions and temperature data for the grinding wheel and table spindles help operators monitor machine status and simplify maintenance.

Main Specifications

ItemZI35A
Max. Workpiece Outer Diameterφ350 mm
Machinable Module1–4
(Module 5 available depending on conditions)
Max. Grinding Wheel Spindle Speed15,000 min⁻¹
Max. Table Speed3,500 min⁻¹
Max. Table Load Mass200 kg
NC Control UnitFANUC Series 31i-B5 Plus (7 axes / OPT 8 axes)
Machine Installation Dimensions (Standard)W 5,510 × D 5,450 × H 3,300 mm
Machine MassApprox. 15,000 kg

Notes

*1 ZI25A: The successor to the first-generation ZI20A, incorporating the grinding technology described in section 1.

*2 BBD (between balls diameter): A measurement taken by placing two balls in diametrically opposed tooth spaces and measuring the distance between them. It is used to evaluate tooth thickness and gear machining accuracy.

*3 AE Sensor: A sensor that detects minute elastic waves (acoustic emission) generated upon contact between the grinding wheel and the workpiece or dresser.

[EN] ZI35A ReleaseDownload