Tornos MultiSwiss 8×26 now available

Now available in the UK from Tornos is the MultiSwiss 8×26, one of a family of three ranging from 14 to 32 mm spindle size.

Equipped with eight spindles and eight slides for main operations, and accommodating up to three tools per slide, Tornos says that the MultiSwiss 8×26 takes the performance of the MultiSwiss range to another level, both in terms of component complexity and productivity. With eight synchronous motor spindles and fast barrel indexing, the MultiSwiss 8×26 can produce turned parts up to 26 mm diameter.
Offering independently operating 11 kW motor spindles that are equipped with a C axis and counter spindle, the MultiSwiss 8×26 can reach speeds of 8000 rpm in tenths of a second.
Availability comes in three configurations, including: the entry-level option of working without a Y axis; the option with three Y axes for intermediate applications; and the complete machine with six Y axes for the most complex parts. In each machining position, the operator can tailor the speed and machining conditions as required.
Regarding ergonomics, Tornos says the machine boasts the largest working area on the market, with its ‘walk-in’ accessibility offering real savings when changing over jobs. This concept makes the MultiSwiss as simple to set-up as a single-spindle turning machine; the only difference ultimately lies in the number of spindle collets to change. Each spindle is equipped with a C axis, and the machine’s hydrostatic spindle bearing technology offers dampening performance when machining. The MultiSwiss can improve surface finishes and extend tool life by an average of 30%, and up to 70% in some cases, minimising machine stoppages, reports Tornos.
The pre-adjustable quick-change tool-holder system developed for MultiSwiss machines makes full use of kinematics that focus upon keeping tools close to the workpiece. As a result, the machine can hold up to three tools in each position. Tornos offers a range of options to
meet user preferences and choices, and this includes a FANUC CNC unit.
For further information www.tornos.com

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