The shift from vertical to horizontal machining was even more expensive than this shop anticipated. It was also more valuable. Most of the shop’s machining centers are HMCs now—here’s why.
Number one is that horizontals generally come standard with a pallet changer. While the parts on the first pallet are being machined, the other pallet can be loaded with more parts. When the cycle finishes, the pallet automatically changes. There’s no time lost. HMCs accommodates more flexible workholding options. Four-, six- and even eight-sided tombstones, double-sided window frames and dedicated hydraulic or high-density fixtures are common on HMCs, making them a favorite of high-volume shops. Prototype and low-volume manufacturers benefit as well from the ability to setup multiple jobs on each tombstone on an HMC.
2,4-fold productivity with the twin spindle machine BA 622 of SW
Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH (SW) presents a production solution which covers this trend. The two-spindle BA 622 is a platform designed for the chipping of lot size. It combines a higher machining precision with improvements in energy efficiency and productivity of up to 20 percent. As compared to a single-spindle machine it offers a 2.4-fold throughput at lower operating costs. The BA 622 opens up new dimensions in productivity for OEMs in highly dynamic 4- and 5-axis machining of steel and cast components in the 600 mm range. Compared to the previous series BA 600, the new series boosts productivity by up to 20 %. In comparison to a one-spindle machining center, with BA 622 users can achieve 2.4 times as much throughput with maximum precision and energy efficiency. The considerably higher productivity of the BA 622 is also based on acceleration values two to three times faster for all linear axes. The working spindles reach their maximum speed about 25 % faster. The swivel time is a mere 3.75 seconds. This will lower your cycle times to a whole new level.
The basic structure of the monoblock design minimizes sagging and ensures an optimal flow of force between the processing unit and the workpiece carrier. In this way we provide the basic requirements for uniform improved dynamic and precision in heavy machining. The Y-axis is positioned by a gantry drive system with an absolute distance measurement system.
MULTISWISS – 32 mm, 19 Nm, perfect for large diameters
Tornos present a new XL-size machine base for its multispindle lathes that will be offered in two variants, the MultiSwiss 8×26 and MultiSwiss 6×32
Tornos has now extended its MultiSwiss portfolio of solutions with the arrival of new machines for processing workpieces with diameters from 4 to 32 mm. The two new variants have been designed with the philosophy and technology that made the MultiSwiss 6×14 and MultiSwiss 6×16 machines such a success. The new MultiSwiss 8×26 and 6×32 models are equipped with sliding headstock spindles including Z-axis, barrel indexing with a torque motor and a container that comprises all peripheral units required for machine operation. The floor space requirements have been optimised. Just like the smaller models, these new machines mark a sharp break from conventional multispindle machines and further bridge the gap between multispindle and single-spindle lathes. The technology in these machines enables them to almost reach the cycle times of cam-driven multispindle lathes. It is equipped with 6 independent spindles with hydrostatic bearings and can machine bars up to a maximum diameter of 32 mm. To achieve excellent machining conditions with such diameters, the 11 kW motor has been designed with a higher torque of 19.5Nm. The maximum spindle speed is 6,000 rpm and workpieces with a maximum length of 75 mm can be machined. This machine can be equipped with three Y-axes.
References:
www.tarnos.com
www.sw-machines.de