In this article, Takamaz presents the machine in the XW series, 2-spindle 3-inch chuck machine (4-inch chuck is available for XW-30plus) with auto loading feature for comparison to help the readers get the picture and how to maximize the machine for manufacturing purposes.
Since 2007, the orders for the XW-30 have steadily increased every year even during the global financial crisis. The reason for this is because of the XW-30’s compact structure, high speed and precision as well as a built-in loader, all included at a low price.
The XW-30 is our most compact 2-spindle machine, machine size 1m in width and only 1.5m in height. Essentially it is a compacted combination of 2 Takamaz USL-480s and it is designed to increase more visibility, better ventilation and easy maintenance entry at the front and the rear which means there is no need to entry the machine from the side. In terms of ergonomics, it is designed to allow the opening of control cover to give you entry to 900mm of space, making it easier to change tools and chucks and to operate.
In addition to the performance and the design which means that the XW-30 can save up the space for the users, this design uses less electricity during the operation. This is the reason why users can save the cost of electricity; it is low-cost production.
Many changes have been made to the XW-30’s design to maximize floor-space efficiency while maintaining easy maintenance entry from the front of the machine to easily interchangeable machine units. We have also eliminated dead space and the need for side entry covers.
One large cover opens up to entry the front of the machine, improving convenience and safety. Lifting the cover opens a wide space for easy top-down entry to the most important mechanical components of the machine.
Because the loader uses the Z-axis of the spindle, this 2-axis loader is sufficient for the job, meaning 30% less mechanical parts, less power consumption and lower cost!
As an eco-machine (low power consumption) through the use of lightweight materials that reduce friction and a built-in motor, the XW-30 uses much less power than its predecessors. The lack of a hydraulic unit also greatly reduces power consumption. According to the record, the XW-30 can reduce up to 74% of power consumption during the operation when compared to a 1-spindle machine in the X series by Takamaz
Cycle time reduction
Many of our automotive manufacturing customers wanted a machine which can reduce the running cost by 30%. Generally, the loading and the movement of blades are considered the “preparation time” or as we call it “lost time”. At Takamaz, it is our goal to reduce as much as possible the lost time of our users.
In direct response to our customers, we have built a machine which can extreamely reduce the cycle time under the concept of “A highly compact, high precision and high speed machine”. Takamaz has developed high speed loader with the unbelievable loading time of 2 seconds. We increased the loader movement speed from 80m/s to 100-150m/s (over 15% faster). By using our patented W finger, we could eliminate a point of movement.
Regarding precision, the XW-30 has many new features which deliver both speed and high precision. Using a heat distortion-resistant structure which aligns the level of the slide and spindle on the same plane, we can greatly reduce the effects of heat distortion on the spindle.
Besides, by placing the spindle coolant tank in the machine-body, the machine-body temperature is kept at the same temperature. This also serves a double purpose of reducing the effects of vibrations during the cutting. According to the test of stability during the cutting, the machine operated in one Takamaz factory showroom at the temperature of 24-25° with emulsion type 7% as coolant from 9:00am. It was found that the dimensional variation of workpieces did not exceed 4μm, which is very low. Therefore, the XW-30 is the best lathe with stability and is an excellent choice to high volume, high precision production.
Based on the above mentioned features, the XW-30 has received many awards including the Superior Energy Saver Equipment Award by Japan Machinery Federation (JMF) Chairman’s Award and Superior Product Prize Winning Award by the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (JSME) in 2010.
Article by: Takamatsu Machinery (Thailand) Co., Ltd. << Click Here & MEGA Tech