THIS WEEK IN MACHINERY: Lathes, Gear Honing, Waterjet & More

DMG Mori Automatic Lathes

(Image courtesy of DMG MORI.)

DMG Mori has expanded its series of automatic lathes equipped with a SWISSTYPEkit to include the SPRINT 32|5 and SPRINT 32|8. With the new SPRINT models, GILDEMEISTER Italiana has expanded its portfolio of automatic lathes to include an additional size for bar material with diameters up to 1.3 in

Following in the footsteps of the smaller SPRINT 20|5, the SPRINT 32|5 and SPRINT 32|8 have a footprint of just 30.1ft², making the two new models the most compact machines in their class while at the same time offering a work area for workpieces of up to ø 1.3 in x 23.6 in.

The two new SPRINT models derive their versatility from the SWISSTYPEkit, which enables both short and long turning on one machine with setup times of less than 30 minutes, according to the company. To achieve this, the spindle stroke is lengthened from 4 to 10 in. An optional quick tool-change system can reduce setup times by another 20 percent.

The SPRINT 32|5 comes with 5 linear axes and a C-axis on the main spindle and has 2 independent tool carriers with space for up to 22 tools. There are 4 pockets available for powered tools for radial machining on the main spindle.

(Image courtesy of DMG MORI.)
The expansion option SPRINT 32|8 is suited to the machining of more complex workpieces. It has an additional Y-axis for the second tool carrier plus a C-axis for the counter-spindle. The SPRINT 32|8 is equipped with a total of 6 linear axes and 2 C-axes and has 28 tool pockets. This expansion option of the machine has a third independent tool carrier that is suitable for deep hole drilling on the main spindle, for example, and that also enables 4-axis machining on the main spindle.

These two stations can also be equipped optionally for powered tools. The second tool carrier has 8 pockets for rear-side machining, 4 of which are equipped for powered tools. There are pockets for a total of 10 (8 in the standard version) powered tools.

In the case of the SPRINT 32|5, the 2-channel CNC control – a FANUC 32i-B with 10.4” color display – controls five linear axes altogether and the C-axis of the main spindle. The SPRINT 32|8 has six linear axes and a C-axis on both the main and the counter-spindle.

Both of the new SPRINT machines feature high-performance motor spindles with direct drives throughout, which can handle materials that are difficult to machine. There is a high-pressure coolant supply with up to 120 bar available for demanding high-performance machining.

(Image courtesy of DMG MORI.)
As the SPRINT 32|5 and the additional SPRINT 32|8 expansion option have been developed with the aim of minimizing unit costs for the machining of bar material, the list of optional equipment also includes an unloading unit for workpieces with lengths of up to 23.6 in.

SPRINT 32|5 and SPRINT 32|8 Highlights

  • Workpieces up to ø 1.3 in × 23.6 in on a footprint of less than 30.1ft²
  • Unloading unit for long workpieces up to 23.6 in via the counter-spindle*
  • SWISSTYPEkit for short and long turning operations on a single machine, < 30 min setup time
  • 20 percent shorter setup times thanks to the quick tool-change system*
  • High-pressure coolant supply* up to 120 bar
  • FANUC 32i-B with 10.4” color display

SPRINT 32|5 Highlights

  • 5 linear axes and one C-axis
  • 22 tools on 2 independent tool carriers
  • 4 powered tool pockets for the main spindle (radial)

SPRINT 32|8 Highlights

  • 6 linear axes and 2 C-axes
  • 28 tools on 3 independent tool carriers for 4-axis machining on the main spindle
  • 4 powered tool pockets for the main spindle (radial)
  • 2 stationary deep-hole drill tool pockets for the main spindle (frontal), powered as an option
  • 4 powered tool pockets for the counter-spindle (frontal)

*Optional

For more information, visit the DMG Mori website.


Flow International Waterjet

(Image courtesy of Flow International Corp.)
The Flow International NanoJet is an accurate, small-format waterjet machining center. The NanoJet is designed as a fully enclosed, all-in-one solution to provides precise, clean and quiet cutting. According to the company, the NanoJet is equally well-suited for cutting highly engineered materials where precision and complex geometrics are needed or demanding 24/7 production environments.

Customarily equipped with rotating nut, ball screw drives for quick and precise motion, the NanoJet is also available with an optional linear motion drive when extreme speed and quickness are needed.

The NanoJet design emulates the design of traditional machining center solutions. The full enclosure ensures a clean environment on your production floor. Flow also offers a waste removal option for abrasive waterjet that collects the garnet abrasive used in waterjet cuttingin an effort to ensure optimal system uptime to match demanding production requirements.

As a customizable solution, the NanoJet can be configured to meet diverse production and application needs. Flow engineers analyze production requirements starting with the final part in mind.

Dimensions:

  • 9.1 ft x 5.9 ft [2.8 m x 1.8 m]

Cutting Envelope:

  • 41.3 in (X-axis) x 25.6 in (Y-axis) x 5.9 in (Z-axis)
  • [1050 mm (X-axis) x 650 mm (Y-axis) x 150 mm (Z-axis)]

Repeatability:

  • +/- 0.0004 in [+/- 0.01 mm]

Linear Accuracy:

  • +/- 0.0007 in/1ft [+/- 0.02 mm/0.3 m]

Max. Rapid Speed:

  • 393.7 in/min [10,000 mm/min]

For more information, visit the Flow International website.


Gehring Honing Machine

(Image courtesy of Gehring.)
Gehring L.P. recently released the Lifehone L630 – the newest in its line of modular honing machines for precision metal components. The Lifehone L630 offers a systematic approach designed to ensure an efficient manufacturing process. Features include standard part applications that can be honed on the Lifehone range from sun gears to connecting rods, hydraulic sleeves and injector pump components.

Small bore diameters often place different demands on the production technology than larger ones, which is why the L630 has components in a modular design. Depending on customer requirements and the product spectrum to be finished, the machine is equipped with matching honing units.

The Gehring honing control allows for controlled stroke speeds and reversal precision. An optional feature allows the stroke to be executed via a ball screw or a linear motor. The graphic interface of the Gehring Operator Panel (GOP), as well as the program assistant, are intended to ease machine operation.

(Image courtesy of Gehring.)
The L630 machine is a honing center that can be equipped with one or two honing spindles. Depending on the machining task and the batch size, this type of machine can be equipped with a fixed or rotary table and up to eight workstations. Stations can also be used for measuring or brushing operations.

The single-spindle version of the Lifehone series has a compact design and small footprint. The flexible two-spindle honing center allows for a two-stage honing process and shorter overall honing processing times.

For more information, visit the Gehring website.

 

Saginaw Machine Systems Vertical Lathe

(Image courtesy of Saginaw Machine Systems.)
Saginaw Machine Systems (SMS) recently showcased its I-25-MP Challenger inverted vertical lathe at IMTS 2016.

The Challenger is a multi-tasking inverted turning center. The inverted spindle is designed to make loading/unloading simple with a built-in gantry loader.  The Challenger also features a large built-in pass thru window for diversified material handling configurations.  From turning and boring operations to grinding or milling, to drilling and tapping, the Challenger multi-process machine is versatile and flexible. Machining inverted means the free fall of chips for cleaner environment and more accurate parts.

(Image courtesy of Saginaw Machine Systems.)
The Challenger features the, SMS designed, heavy duty motorized spindle for handling high torque and axial loads with speeds up to 4,000 RPM (3,000 rpm for I-45).  The slide system brings the work piece into the sealed work area, with speeds up to 2,362 inches per minute (1,650 IPM for I-45).  The cast iron base and slide systems provide stiffness and a rigid platform to assure structural integrity for metal removal.

The Challenger inverted vertical lathe can optionally be adapted to incorporate a 12 station automatic tool changer, grinding spindle, boring, milling or drilling and tapping or a combination of turning tools, turrets and multi-spindles for machining.

Other design features include:

  • Routine maintenance accessible from the front, back, and ends
  • Preloaded linear roller guideways for high stiffness and accuracy
  • Cast iron slide and base for the motorized spindle
  • Preloaded spindle radial roller bearings and ball thrust bearings for stiffness and accuracy
  • X-axis standard and z-axis optional absolute linear scale feedback with 0.01-micron resolution
  • Servo motors directly coupled to the ballscrew
  • All drive elements totally isolated from the cutting area
  • Dry floor machine enclosure

For more information, visit the Saginaw Machine Systems website.


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