Advanced automation for sliding-head lathes

Iemca, a brand of Bucci Industries, has introduced its Boss Superfast+ bar magazine, a new solution that the company says enhances further the performance of sliding-head lathes. Process automation and userfriendliness have been the guiding principles in its design, ensuring optimised cycle times and performance.

The new Boss model configuration includes an innovative feature to notify the remaining bar quantity in the single-rack magazine. This information is displayed on the new operator panel, exclusive to Superfast+, which features a capacitive touchscreen and a completely redesigned HMI interface. Additionally, the notification is immediately visible through the illumination of one of the machine’s signal tower lights.

The operator receives alerts at two stages: when an intermediate bar stock level is reached, and when the last bar is being processed, signalling an empty magazine. These notifications simplify workshop operations, allowing for more efficient material replenishment and maintenance scheduling.

To enhance further the ‘Plus’ variant of the Boss model, automatic adjustment of the single-rack magazine based on the bar diameter and shape ensures instant time savings. In the standard version, the operator must manually intervene and verify the adjustment. With motorised regulation, users simply input the diameter value on the operator panel, and the magazine automatically adjusts, eliminating manual operations and significantly reducing downtime.

A combination of reduced re-tooling times and increased productivity is achieved with the self-adjusting front bushing holder. There is no longer a need to manually replace the front bushing pair when changing bar formats. Instead, users simply enter the bar diameter and shape on the operator panel, and the bushings automatically adapt to the bar and pusher. This capability simplifies the process and reduces operator intervention.

More information www.iemca.com

Automation investment delivers major benefits

Mills CNC has recently supplied Ayrshire Precision, a precision subcontract specialist, with two new SYNERGi systems.The systems, both derivations and highly-customised versions of Mills’ standard SYNERGi ‘Sprint’ solutions, were installed at Ayrshire Precision’s 1300 m² facility in 2023, the first retrofitted to a DN Solutions Puma 2600SY lathe in March, and the second, also retrofitted, to a Puma 2100SY in September.

SYNERGi Sprint automation systems are compact, flexible and cost-effective.They are suitable for integration with DN Solutions’ lathes, machining centres and turn-mill machines to create automated manufacturing cells.The basic elements of a SYNERGi Sprint system comprise: a FANUC industrial robot;two- or three-jaw pneumatic grippers (end effectors); a part loading/unloading grid plate; industrial safety guarding; and SYNERGi software and a 17” touchscreen HMI for programming and monitoring.

Chris Hepburn, Ayrshire Precision’s managing director, says: “We liked the design and build of the SYNERGi Sprint system:it was simple and straightforward.We asked Mills to put forward their plans and proposals for two SYNERGi Sprint cells – one incorporating our existing Puma 2600SY for larger parts, and the second incorporating our Puma 2100SY for smaller components.

“The investment in our two SYNERGi cells is paying dividends. We have two inherently flexible automated cells that, to a large extent, not only help us future-proof our small turned part operations but also increase our overall capacity.Although initially there was some anxiety concerning our move towards automated production, the results have exceeded expectations. Working in collaboration with Mills has enabled us to benefit from unmanned production and become more productive and profitable as a consequence.”

More information www.millscnc.co.uk

GM CNC launches NP26 in UK marketplace

GM CNC is introducing the NP26 horizontal turning lathe, the most advanced addition to the NP series. Known for its compact design and high performance, the NP26 takes productivity further by offering increased bar capacity, larger swing and upgraded chuck size – all while maintaining a space-saving footprint. With a swing over bed of 740mm, a distance between centres of 640mm and an increased bar capacity of 75mm (optional 77mm), GM CNC says the NP26 delivers big performance in a small package. The 87mm diameter spindle bore further enhances its capability to handle larger components.

Compared with the NP16 and NP20, the NP26 stands out with a range of upgraded features. It is the only model in the series to offer a programmable tailstock, providing greater precision and automation for complex turning tasks. The FANUC 0i-TF Plus control system with a 10.4-inch screen comes standard, but an optional 15-inch screen is available exclusively for the NP26, enhancing user visibility and programming convenience. According to GM CNC, the compact footprint of just 2877 x 2282 x 1990mm ensures it fits into any production environment while delivering the power and precision of a larger lathe.

The NP26 comes equipped with standard accessories such as a hydraulic chuck with soft jaws, rear-disposal chip conveyor, fully enclosed splash guarding, tool holders, coolant flush on the Z-axis cover, and a three-step warning light. The addition of a programmable tailstock further enhances the machine’s versatility.

For those looking to customise their setup, the NP26 offers an array of optional accessories, including a manual or automatic tool presetter, swing-type parts catcher, Kitagawa power chuck, high-pressure coolant system, bar feeder interface, automatic door, and even a robot system for automated loading and unloading.

More information www.gm-cnc.com

FFG supplies line for 1.5 million rail wheels

FFG subsidiary MAG IAS GmbH (MAG) has secured a significant contract to deliver a highly automated production line for forged railway wheels to Ramkrishna Titagarh Rail Wheels Ltd (RKTR) in India. The double-digit million euro project is part of the Indian Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, which aims to transform the country into a globally competitive industrial hub.

The state-of-the-art system will be installed at RKTR’s Chennai facility and is designed to produce 100,000 railway wheels annually. The system is capable of manufacturing six different types of railway wheels without the need for change over. Furthermore, it is designed with future scalability in mind, allowing production capacity to double if needed. To ensure precise planning and fast commissioning, FFG created a digital twin of the system alongside extensive 3D simulations. The system’s pre-calculated energy consumption across various production scenarios supports sustainable manufacturing practices.

The system will feature MAG Hessapp VDM 1600 vertical lathes and Specht 800 horizontal machining centres. Also supplied were coolant and chip management for the entire plant, automation for both the machining and testing cells, measuring machines, a balancing station, ultrasonic testing units, and two magnetic particle inspection stations. An outstanding feature of the centrally controlled production system is monitoring of the entire system and the tracking of components.

Production is scheduled to start in Q1 2026, with the system set to manufacture and deliver a total of 1.54 million railway wheels to Indian Railways over the next 20 years. The project supports India’s expanding infrastructure and further strengthens FFG’s presence in the region.

More information www.ffg-ea.com/en

Future-proof six-sided complete machining 

The machining transformation (MX) with which DMG Mori says it is shaping the future of machine tool manufacturing has a direct influence on product development. This ethos is demonstrated by the sixth generation of CTX universal turning machines. According to DMG Mori, the latest addition to the series, the CTX 750|1250, sets new standards in performance, precision and energy efficiency.

On an area of just 11,7 m², the new model offers sufficient space for 700 mm diameterby 1290 mm long workpieces. The combination of left and right spindles, the optional Yaxis with ±85 mm travel and driven tools with up to 6000 rpm ensures productive six-sided complete machining of demanding geometries with maximum precision using integrated processes. This performance is thanks to the highly rigid machine concept of the CTX 750|1250, supported byup to 55 mm wide linear guides, integrated cooling measures and direct measuring systems from Magnescale.

Notably, the spindles of the CTX 750|1250 play a major role in high-performance machining. The left-hand ISM 127 spindle offering 2500 rpm and up to 1975 Nm torque is contrasted by an ISM 80 spindle thatdelivers 4000 rpm and 360 Nm. The spindle bore is127 mm diameter for 125 mm diameter bar. An ISM 102 spindle for six-side heavy-duty machining with a torque of up to 770 Nm is optionally available on the right-hand side.

The VDI-50 turret with 12 tool positions, used as standard, enables the milling operations required for six-sided complete machining. Driven tools reach 4000 rpm and 48 Nm. Alternatively, a high-speed turret with 66 Nm and a direct-drive turret with 86 Nm are available for speeds up to 6000 rpm. 

More information www.dmgmori.com