Fully integrated robot arm

Now available in the UK from NCMT, the Okuma Spaceturn LB3000 EX II turn-mill centre is equipped with the Japanese manufacturer’s Armroid robotic arm. As a result, the Spaceturn LB3000 EX II is said to be the first in the world with such a feature integrated inside a CNC machine tool.

A trio of different end-of-arm effector options are available for the robot, each one capable of performing different tasks. One is for blasting the cutting zone with air to improve chip management. Another provides additional support during the cutting process to prevent chatter. In combination with a workpiece stacker, the third effector automatically loads and unloads workpieces weighing up to 5 kg. All three are stored within the machine and are changed automatically by the robot.
Although most conventional robotic systems require complex integration and special training for staff, Armroid needs neither. As the robot is part of the machine tool, separate system integration is unnecessary. Using Okuma’s own OSP-P300A control, an operator enters the co-ordinates for the start and finish points. The robot then moves through its motions, with the cycle being generated automatically to avoid collisions. In addition to automated running under program control, manual operation is possible via a pulse handle that micro-positions the arm.
Importantly a longer and more powerful robotic arm, Armroid Type 2, will be integrated into an Okuma Multus B250II multi-tasking lathe for high-mix, small-batch billet work. This arm is capable of handling workpieces up to 10 kg and possesses a fourth end effector with a three-jaw workpiece hand.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

Composites firm joins the effort

Composites and advanced materials precision slitting company, Bindatex, is supporting the national call for more ventilators.

The company, which is based in Bolton, has reconfigured its production to begin the manufacture of die-cutting discs for ventilator filters. At present, Bindatex is working with its customers, producing the parts, but is also able to support other manufacturers by providing the filters. The company has also brought in emergency plans for the company, in order to maintain high levels of health and safety for employees during the pandemic.
For further information https://bindatex.com/

Redesigned sliding-head lathe

In response to feedback from users, Citizen’s M32 sliding-headstock lathe, a popular model in the Japanese manufacturer’s range, has undergone a fundamental makeover in its fifth design iteration to the extent that half of its constituent parts are new. The machine is also considerably more robust, with a bed 500 kg heavier than that of its predecessor, bringing the installed weight to 4.3 tonnes.

The 10-axis Cincom M32-VIII features a 10-station turret which runs on hardened box ways. Also included is a new tooling system employing a single, heavier duty, 2.2 kW drive to the live cutters. Only the selected tool rotates – a world first for Citizen. The effect is to suppress heat generation and vibration, enhancing machining accuracy and surface finish. Power consumption is reduced and there is less wear on gears and bearings. The latter have been strengthened, providing extra rigidity to withstand torques twice as high as on the previous model, leading to greater productivity.
The gang tool post has been equipped with 1.5 times faster live tools powered by a 2.2 kW motor, as well as a programmable, 50 rpm B axis to enable simultaneous machining in five CNC axes rather than four. In addition, the back tool post with Y axis now has adjustable-angle tooling. Both features enable production of more complex parts. Three tools may be in cut at the same time, supported by the Mitsubishi M850W control with 15” touchscreen.
The 8000 rpm main spindle has been upgraded to 5.5/7.5 kW, while the counter spindle is of the same power, representing a 2.5-fold increase. This specification improves the flexibility with which front-working and rear-working cycles can be shared between the two spindles.
For further information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

Sliding head boosts business at TNC

Essex-based subcontractor TNC Precision Engineering has expanded its sliding-head capacity to facilitate an application for a prismatic component previously manufactured overseas.

With a target cycle time of 3-4 minutes needed for TNC to make the part profitable using aircraft-grade aluminium 7075, the applications department at Star GB was confident that the component could be manufactured within the required parameters. Armed with this knowledge and, despite not being a route TNC would typically consider, the company commissioned a full turnkey package with Star GB. This package would allow the company to hit the ground running following delivery and installation.
The machine identified for the project was one of Star’s most advanced guide bush/non-guide bush models, the SV-38R. This high-specification machine combines the fast processing ability of a traditional platen-type sliding-head lathe with the flexibility of a turret machine to enable simultaneous machining operations. The turret includes an independent Z3 axis, allowing two different features to be machined at the same time using Star’s ‘super-position’ control mode.
Through a combination of utilising the machine’s balanced milling capability, specifically selected tooling and comprehensive process development, the final cycle time achieved was just 3 minutes and 13 seconds.
Director Stephen Westall says: “For this type of component, we would typically be looking at a five-axis machining centre, but from our estimations, they simply couldn’t get anywhere near this cycle time. The balanced milling capability of the SV-38R is a game-changer and it’s going
to open a world of opportunities for us.”
For further information https://stargb.com/

3DP in action

HP Inc and its global digital manufacturing community are mobilising their 3D-printing teams, technology, experience and production capacity to help deliver critical parts in the effort to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 1000 3D-printed parts have already been delivered to local hospitals. HP’s 3D R&D centres in Barcelona, Oregon, San Diego, California and Vancouver are collaborating with partners around the world in a co-ordinated effort. Initial applications being validated and finalised for industrial production include face masks, face shields, mask adjusters, nasal swabs, hands-free door openers and respirator parts.
For further information www8.hp.com