Have you ever received a “no quote” from Axis Fab because we didn’t have the technology to make your part? With our latest investment, those “no quotes” are turning into “yeses.” We’ve added the Mazak VARIAXIS i-700 5-axis machining center to our machining department, building on the capabilities of our existing i-600. This new equipment expands our capacity, boosts efficiency, and reinforces Axis Fab’s position as a trusted Knoxville machine shop for complex, high-precision parts.
Why the Mazak i-700?
We added the i-700 to complement our first 5-axis machine because of its expanded functionality and ability to support higher-volume production. One of the most impactful features is its two-pallet changer, which allows the spindle to run continuously. While one pallet is cutting, our team can load and unload parts on the other—minimizing downtime and keeping cycle times short.
Another key advantage is the i-700’s double-pinion trunnion design. With stronger support than the single-arm style on our i-600, it greatly reduces vibration and chatter. The result is smoother surface finishes and more consistent quality. The i-700 also offers slightly larger dimensional capacity, handling parts up to 28.74″ in diameter and 19.69″ high with the pallet changer in place. This larger size expands the range of parts we can take on for our customers.
What This Technology Means for Your Parts
For customers of our Knoxville machine shop, this investment translates directly into higher-quality parts delivered on faster timelines:
- Less Downtime, Faster Turnarounds: The pallet changer keeps the spindle cutting with minimal interruptions.
- Improved Part Quality: Greater rigidity reduces vibration, resulting in better surface finishes and fewer blend lines.
- Setup and Tooling Efficiency: With a 120-tool carousel, many parts are already programmed and tooled up, allowing repeat jobs to move quickly into production.
The result is greater efficiency and consistency, especially for medium-to-high volume parts, complex multi-sided geometries, and jobs requiring tight tolerances of ±0.0005″.
Built for Advanced Applications
With the i-700’s advanced 5-axis machining capabilities, we’re positioned to take on industries that demand the highest levels of precision and complexity. Aerospace components, defense parts, surgical tools, prosthetics, biomedical housings, and mold and die work are strong fits for this technology. By completing multi-sided features in a single setup, we can deliver superior surface finishes while maintaining competitive pricing.
This investment also sets the stage for the future. While the current pallet changer enables limited unattended operation, the i-700 is designed to integrate with Mazak’s PALLETECH System. As we move into our new facility, we’ll be developing a machining cell with multiple horizontal and 5-axis machines running in tandem. That will move us closer to true lights-out manufacturing and give customers even greater efficiency, consistency, and throughput.
Ready to Revisit Your Complex Parts?
Our investment in the Mazak i-700 reflects a commitment to technology that delivers faster, more precise, and more competitive solutions. If you’ve sent parts in the past that couldn’t be quoted due to 5-axis requirements, now is the time to revisit them. With the i-700, we can confidently take on designs that were once out of reach.
Whether you need 5-axis machining, tight tolerances of ±0.0005″, or efficient repeat production, our Knoxville machine shop is ready. Send us your complex parts, and we’ll put our equipment, programming, and expertise to work for you.