Even in its standard version, the C200 lathe built in Germany by Index-Werke is a productive bar auto with three turrets and two spindles that are horizontally opposed. Now, the manufacturer has introduced a tandem version with two main spindles mounted side by side and two counter spindles for even more cost-effective production. Sole sales and service agent in the UK, Ireland and the Middle East is Kingsbury.

The new Index C200 tandem, which has an identical machine housing to that of the original lathe, doubles production output in the same footprint without increasing labour or energy costs. Each of the three VDI-30 tool turrets, which can be used simultaneously, have remained the same in terms of their arrangement, power, speed and feed rate.
New, however, is the turret design, which enables five double tool holders to be mounted. Each side is equipped with identical tools in pairs, fixed or live, which are used in parallel at the main and counter spindles for simultaneous front-end and rear-end machining.
Bar stock up to 52 mm diameter is fed by the specially developed Index MBL52 tandem magazine, allowing two bars to be advanced into the lathe at the same time. An integrated handling device was also developed, whereby two grippers ensure that the pair of machined components are removed from the counter spindles and placed on a conveyor belt to exit the machine quickly and without damage.
Index’s patented SingleSlide guide system remains in use for the tandem version of the C200. Kinematically driven steel plates replace compound slides for supporting the three turrets, significantly reducing the distance between the turret centreline and the point at which it is driven.
For further information www.kingsburyuk.com

TDT Machine Tools has struck a new partnership deal with CMZ, a Spanish manufacturer of lathes and turning centres. With immediate effect, TDT Machine Tools is able to offer CMZ machines across the central belt of the UK. This area extends coast-to-coast from Lincolnshire in the East, to Wales in the West, taking in the East and West Midlands, including Hereford and Worcester, and extending as far north as Sheffield and Doncaster.

CMZ has been manufacturing lathes for more than 70 years. This family business, founded in the town of Zaldibar, near Bilbao, has grown exponentially in recent years to acquire global acknowledgement in the machine tool sector. CMZ manufactures almost 500 lathes per annum, all of which are designed to offer a life cycle of over 20 years. Over the past three years, growth at CMZ of 7%, 16% and 23%, highlights the increasing popularity of the company’s machines.
“CMZ machines are built to last for decades, without any compromise in precision or reliability,” says Phil Terry, sales director at TDT Machine Tools. “Importantly, we can supply standard CMZ lathes from factory stock in one week, which compares favourably to the five weeks typically required for machines from the Far East. Even CMZ lathes built to customer specifications are available on short lead times.”
TDT Machine Tools is able to offer the full CMZ range, which extends from small two-axis lathes, through to 18-axis triple-turret high-productivity turning centres featuring sub-spindles. Swing diameters of up to 950 mm and 3250 mm between centres, can be provided.
It is also worth noting that CMZ is well placed in that the company has its own service division based in the UK. With headquarters in Rugby, just up the road from TDT, CMZ lathes are installed and maintained by CMZ-employed, UK-based engineers.
For further information www.tdt-machinetools.co.uk