The first new machine acquired by Rugby-based subcontractor Technoset since the onset of the pandemic is a twin-spindle Cincom M32-VIIILFV sliding-head turn-mill centre from Citizen Machinery UK. Replacing two smaller M12 and M16 Cincoms that were about 20 years old, the machine joins a previous-generation M32-VIII bought in 2017. There are also eight twin-spindle, fixed-head Miyano bar-fed lathes on-site from the same supplier for the turning and milling of components from stock up to 64 mm in diameter.

A primary reason for acquiring the latest M32 was a need to machine complex telecoms components, in particular a family of 12 mainly aluminium connector parts for use in the defence industry. Many of them are complex, with a lot of milled detail and drawing tolerances below 10 µm.

Technoset can achieve that level of accuracy reliably, even when running lights-out, partly because the lathe incorporates Citizen’s LFV (low-frequency vibration) software in the Mitsubishi control’s operating system. It is possible to call up variants of the LFV function automatically in any part program to break what would normally be stringy swarf into manageable chips.

Says Technoset’s managing director Kevan Kane: “Citizen Machinery’s M32 sliding-head lathe has been the most important contributor to Technoset’s business since we bought our first one in 2000. Something that has surprised me is the speed with which the machine technology has advanced, resulting in a step-change in performance.”

Improvements to the turning centre include 1.5 times faster live tools powered by a 2.2 kW motor and a programmable, 9000 rpm B axis to enable simultaneous machining in five CNC axes rather than four. Combined with the back tool post, whose Y axis now has adjustable-angle tooling, it enables faster production of more complex parts.

For further information
www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

At the forthcoming MACH 2022 exhibition (4-8 April, Birmingham NEC), Dugard will be showcasing a raft of new machines on stand 640 in hall 20.
For instance, the company will give a MACH premiere to the Hanwha brand of sliding-head turning centres. Dugard says that the robust Hanwha XD38R will draw interest from many manufacturers in this market segment.

For the machining of small and production-run turned parts, the Hanwha XD38R sliding-head turning centre can take advantage of the FANUC 32i-B or Siemens 828D CNC interface. The machine also incorporates the facility to switch rapidly from guide bush to non-guide bush operation. With 38 mm bar capacity and a 6000 rpm, 5.5/7.5 kW main spindle motor complemented by a 6500 rpm 2.2/5.5 kW sub-spindle, the Hanwha XD38R is suitable for any sliding-head machine shop.

For manufacturers seeking an even larger and more powerful turning centre, Dugard will be demonstrating one of its most popular machine tools: the SMEC SL2000ASY turning centre. Built upon the foundation of a single-piece Meehanite casting heavily ribbed with a torque tube design, the SMEC SL2000ASY uses box slide-ways for good vibration damping and thermal displacement characteristics. This combination permits heavy-duty cutting that enhances surface finish, tool life, component quality and productivity, reports Dugard.

The robust machine with sub-spindle hosts a 6-inch chuck (8-inch optional) with a 650 mm swing-over-bed capacity that allows a maximum machining diameter of 395 mm and a maximum turning length of 490 mm. In addition, the SMEC SL2000ASY has a bar capacity of 52 mm (optional 68 mm) and an 18.5 kW spindle motor that combine to enable heavy-duty manually loaded or automatically bar-fed machining of relatively large diameter parts.

For further information
www.dugard.com

The G320 twin-spindle turn-mill centre from German lathe manufacturer Index, featuring two lower tool turrets and an upper B-axis milling spindle head, is a new addition to the company’s product range. Together with the new G300 that utilises a third turret in place of the tool spindle, the machines complete the German manufacturer’s range for the turning and milling of complex, medium-size components in one hit. The sole sales and service agent for the UK, Ireland and Gulf markets is Kingsbury.

Capable of machining components up to 1400 mm long, the G320 joins a larger G420 model, introduced in 2018, the success of which led to the swift addition of an even bigger, more powerful G520 variant and a smaller version, the G220. These other sizes of machine have equivalent options that deploy an upper turret rather than a B-axis spindle.

All four model sizes share the same design, based on generously dimensioned linear guideways in the X and Z axes, and a rigid, mechanically and thermally stable, mineral-cast monoblock machine bed with good vibration damping characteristics. Rapid traverse rates are up to 50 m/min.

Notably, the milling spindle of the G320, positioned above the centreline of the identical, twin-opposed main and counter spindles, has -25 to +205° of B-axis swivel and 250 mm of Y-axis movement in addition to X/Z linear travels of 620/1400 mm. Full five-axis machining at either work spindle is therefore possible in conjunction with the C axes.

The tool spindle rating is 16.6 kW/72 Nm/12,000 rpm (100% DC) or 16 kW/45 Nm/18,000 rpm (100% DC), while the tool magazine has space for up to 111 tools (HSK-T63 or Capto C6).

For further information
www.kingsburyuk.com

Delden-based Bredel, a manufacturer of industrial hose pumps, has invested in a M65-G MillTurn centre from WFL, which is has UK representation from Kyal Machine Tools. In order to make the best use of the productivity and capabilities of the turn-mill centre, the WFL machine is equipped with a large tool magazine, an automation solution from Promot and a quick-change jaw system from Schunk. With the complete installation, Bredel can produce various parts for hose pumps unmanned and with short throughput times.

At peak, Bredel wishes to use the new machine for 120 hours per week, with staff required for just one day shift. In order to achieve this level of utilisation, Bredel has opted for an automated production process.

Bertus Groteboer, senior manufacturing engineer at Bredel, says: “The decision to opt for a new turn-mill centre was already on the cards. Although these types of machine are much more expensive, the ROI is significantly better because you can combine machining processes, which means two separate machines are no longer necessary. We can therefore fully machine pump parts with both turning and milling operations in one set-up.”

The new WFL M65 G has a nominal centre distance of 2000 mm. Both spindles have an output of 56 kW: the two spindles and milling spindle allow for the complete machining of workpieces.

Thanks to the new automated turn-mill centre that can machine small batches flexibly, Bredel has reduced the throughput time for a set of pump parts from three days to just one. In addition, the manufacturer can respond much more quickly to urgent orders. Bredel is aiming ultimately to achieve 5500 spindle hours per year with its new M65-G MillTurn.

For further information
www.kyalmachinetools.co.uk