Robotic 5-Axis Milling Machine Crafts Guns
Rise of the Machines? Well the latest Terminator movie, Terminator Salvation, was recently released, but we don’t think we’ll be facing a world dominated by evil robots anytime soon. Nonetheless, programmed automated milling machines are getting smarter and more capable than ever.
Here’s a remarkable video clip demonstrating state-of-the art CNC production of precision gun parts. In the video, created by STAMA America, an HK pistol gun breech is crafted from bar stock through a totally automated drilling/milling procedure. The breech is made by STAMA’s Model MC 726 MT, a unique five-axis, CNC milling/turning center. The five-axis machine is designed for continuous production of complex parts from bar stock and multiple different parts, including weapon components. CLICK HERE to play 5-minute YouTube Video.
The process shown in the 5-minute video actually takes 50 minutes to craft the breech, starting with a 60mm diameter section of 42 CrMo 4 steel. Amazingly, the 5-axis machine employs 25 separate tools in the operation!
STAMA states that its milling/turning machines “can produce even short runs of complex weapon parts in one operation with superior quality, finish and cost efficiencies. Typically, the Model MC 726 MT can result in up to 70% reductions in part processing time[.]”
While that looks clever (and is), there are a variety of very common industrial machines that could do that. The stama machine is somewhat odd. DMG, Mazak, Okuma, Mori-Seiki, Nakamura, and probably 25 others make machines that could make that part.