Latest XYZ turning centres

Newly available from XYZ Machine Tools are the latest additions to its Compact Turn turning centre range, the XYZ CT65HD and the XYZ CT52LR.

The XYZ CT65HD replaces the existing Compact Turn CT65 and comes with a maximum turned length of more than double its predecessor, at 535 mm, and a total Z-axis travel of 550 mm. Another enhancement is greater coolant delivery pressure of 30 l/min at 2.5 bar.
XYZ’s HD (heavy duty) designation relates to the construction, which remains as a solid Meehanite ribbed casting with the X and Y axes positioned along hardened and ground box slide-ways by means of ball-screws that have been increased in size to 28 and 40 mm respectively, with 20 m/min feed rates. The spindle prevails as an 18 kW unit with a maximum speed of 4500 rpm, while the 12-position 30VDI turret remains as standard, along with the MT4 tailstock offering 90 mm of travel.
Notably, the CT52LR mirrors the development of XYZ Machine Tools’ machining centre range, with the introduction of linear-rail technology to its turning centres for the first time.
Offering a 300 mm maximum turned length and 52 mm bar capacity, the XYZ CT52LR provides users with an entry into turning-centre ownership and, when combined with a machining centre from XYZ’s LR range, delivers a price-competitive package for any subcontractor that is unsure of what work will come in from week-to-week, says the company.
Additional specifications of the CT52LR include: an 11.2 kW spindle, which is capable of running at 4500 rpm; 300 mm maximum swing; 180 mm maximum turned diameter; axis travels in X and Z of 165 and 315 mm respectively;
and a 10-position block-type turret providing plenty of machining options.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Open-source ventilator in testing

Engineers, anaesthetists and surgeons from the University of Oxford and King’s College London are testing prototypes of a rapidly deployable ‘flatpack’ ventilator that can be manufactured using techniques and tools available in well-equipped university and SME workshops.

The team, led by Oxford professors Andrew Farmery, Mark Thompson and Alfonso Castrejon-Pita, and King’s College London’s Dr Federico Formenti, has been working to define novel mechanisms of operation that will meet the required specifications for safe and reliable function. The OxVent design exploits off-the-shelf components and equipment.
For further information https://oxvent.org/

Powerful turn-mill centres

First launched in 2018, the common platform for the manufacture of two universal turning machines, the B400 from Index and TNA400 from its subsidiary Traub, has been expanded with the addition of the B500 and TNA500 featuring larger, more powerful spindles. The machines are available in the UK through sole sales and service agent Kingsbury.

Each machine shares much commonality, as the mineral cast bed, slide-ways and covers are identical. One difference is the control, the Index B400 and B500 being fitted with a Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl and the TNA400 and TNA500 with Traub’s Mitsubishi-based TX8i-s V8. Another distinction is that the main and counter spindles on the latest 500 series lathes are A11/A8, one size up from the A8/A6 spindle on the 400 series, and delivering 40% more power and torque.
In support of long workpieces, TNA lathes offer the possibility of using a tailstock mounted on roller guideways. As an option, the machines are available instead with a counter spindle for the complete machining of parts on the reverse end after part-off and synchronous pick-up.
Regarding the counter spindle versions, all machines are equipped with an Index radial turret. Newly added is the option of selecting VDI40 holders instead of VDI30, enabling a slightly larger turning diameter and providing the live tools with higher torque. The 12 tool stations are equipped with the patented W-serration, featuring a profile that ensures the holders can be aligned quickly and accurately. Alternatively, a turret with axially driven VDI40 tools can be specified on the TNA 400/500, which is advantageous when using large, solid drills or boring bars, as the forces are transmitted directly into the turret.
For further information https://kingsburyuk.com/

Subcon date

MA Exhibitions, which owns and runs Subcon, The Engineer Expo and The Manufacturing Management Show, has decided to reschedule the event, pushing it back from 9-11 June to 28-30 September.

The decision was taken due to the spread of COVID-19 and concerns shared by a number of the show’s partners. MA says that its number one priority is to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all exhibitors, visitors and staff, and that moving the show to September will provide a better experience than would be possible in June. Subcon will take place in Hall 6 at Birmingham NEC.
For further information www.subconshow.co.uk

Turning centre suits small parts

Aimed at those requiring small turned parts, Ward CNC has now made the Takisawa TT-1100G turning centre available to the UK market.

Based on Takisawa’s reputation for quality and productivity, the TT-1100G turning centre is a compact twin-spindle machine that has been designed for manufacturers demanding long-term precision and productivity.
The gantry loading and unloading turning cell featuring in-built component stocking system is intended as a partner for the lights-out machining of precision small parts. With a spindle mounted on a single-piece rigid bed casting, the machine incorporates precision hardened and ground box
slide-ways and a high-speed servo turret.
Offered with a familiar FANUC CNC interface, the TCC-1100G has a maximum turning diameter of 140 mm, with a turning length of 121 mm, which emphasises the small-part niche of the machine.
This compact machine provides a number of high-end capabilities, such as a spindle speed of 4500 rpm (6500 rpm optional) with a 5.5 or 7.5 kW motor, as well as 10 tool stations, two 6” chucks and stocking stations that can be configured to suit the particular end user.
For further information www.wardcnc.com