During metal cutting, the bearings in a machining centre spindle take a load from the side and another along the spindle axis, as well as resonance from the cutting process. While the spindle is rotating, the effects of these loads dissipate across each ball or roller bearing within the spindle assembly. However, when the spindle is static, for example when it is holding a turning tool, the loads and vibrations can cause premature wear and eventually lead to expensive repair or replacement.

Mindful of this, Burkhardt + Weber (B+W) is launching a hydraulically-actuated, four-point clamping system on the spindle head of its heavy-duty, multi-tasking machines for use during turning operations. The system eliminates both the radial and axial forces on the spindle, the former being particularly damaging and prevalent during facing operations or when grooving or profiling a bore. The result is minimal spindle wear during the high-accuracy mill-turning of components in a single set-up. Kingsbury is the sole sales and service agent for B+W machines in the UK, Ireland and Gulf region.

Multi-tasking on a mill-drill centre by turning a component on the rotary table with a static turning tool clamped in the spindle as part of a single set-up is commonplace, but most configurations on the market tend to be based on light- to medium-sized platforms. With the B+W solution, similar technology is available to address one-hit production applications involving much more rigorous machining of larger components made from tougher materials.

Before the turning element of a machining cycle commences, the ATC transports the customisable tool-holder plate with a large, 160 mm diameter contact area to the four-point clamping system on the front of the spindle head (with hydraulic retention of the holder). As the entire process is autonomous, there is no operator intervention or interruption to the production cycle.
For further information www.kingsburyuk.com

Tornos unveiled its Swiss XT machine range at EMO in Hanover last month. Designed to meet the intricate needs of various industries, including medical, automotive and hydraulics/pneumatics, the Swiss XT range stands out for its versatility. Two models, the Swiss XT 16 and Swiss XT 32, accommodate 16 and 32 mm diameter bars respectively, supported by up to six live tools, including rotary tools for high-end operations.

The new Swiss XT range is of modular design, with seamless integration of additional features, like a plug-and-play B axis.

Tornos’ stand at EMO also featured the SwissNano 4 which, thanks to its kinematics, can produce two-thirds of the parts of a mechanical watch, from the simplest to the most complex, while guaranteeing surface quality. This machine’s performance is not limited to watchmaking: it is useful wherever there are requirements for quality and precision, such as the manufacture of dental implants and connectors for electronic components. These kinematics ensure a balance between rigidity and thermal stability, enabling the machine to reach operating temperature quickly and save precious production time.

Another highlight was the Swiss GT 13 B, a machine that Tornos says is unique in its class for featuring a B axis that can hold up to eight rotating tools. This six-linear axis machine for crafting intricate parts is a good choice for specialised applications, such as manufacturing dental abutments.

The stand also featured the Swiss DT 38 HP with a focus on its full capabilities. In a demonstration highlighting its versatility and multi-program functionalities, the machine produced an aluminium loupe.
For further information www.tornos.com

In Barcelona earlier this month, leading decision-makers in the medical technology industry discovered what the future may look like at special event ‘The Mini Factory: Medtech’, Tornos’ exclusive and immersive experience presented a wide range of manufacturing solutions from foremost medical technology market partners.

This exclusive three-day, invitation-only event brought together decision-makers from the medical technology sector and market leaders in the fast-growing medical manufacturing segment. In a unique venue – the Tuset Manhattan, a renovated industrial building located on Carrer Aragó in the heart of Barcelona – guests discovered the complete manufacturing process around a specific dental part.

Thanks to Tornos and 13 reference partners representing the entire medical technology manufacturing process, guests enjoyed full immersion in part creation, from the initial scan of the patient’s tooth and conversion into a 3D model, through to the complete machining process – including peripherals, tools, materials and consumables -quality control and surface treatment.

A Tornos Swiss GT 26 with B axis and Swiss DT 26/6 HP took centre stage at this first event. The company says that its latest-generation Swiss DT and Swiss GT are new allies of manufacturers seeking to exceed their own expectations, be extremely competitive and have a solution that evolves in line with their own business strategies.

Guided tours provided an up-close look at the various stages of the manufacturing process, with participating partners providing detailed presentations of their respective solutions for medical technology manufacturing. The Mini Factory: Medtech was possible, in part, through Tornos’ close relationships with leading suppliers of peripheral solutions. Tornos plans to extend this unique concept to other industries and markets in the coming months.
For further information www.tornos.com

Hyundai Wia is revealing a number of new products for next-generation machining, including several turning centres, multi-tasking machines and multi-axis turning centres. Hyundai Wia machine tools are available in the UK from TW Ward CNC Machinery.

For instance, regarding turning centres, Hyundai Wia is launching the SE2600 that offers both high-speed and complex machining capabilities. The SE2600 series comprises the SE2600, SE2600M, SE2600Y and SE2600SY models, all of which feature a 10-inch spindle for machining short-length materials, along with SE2600L, SE2600LM, SE2600LY and SE2600LSY for machining materials longer in length.

The series is available at a price range that is more competitive than other products that offer the same capacity, and offer a higher travel speed for improved productivity through high-speed machining. Furthermore, all models feature roller bearing-type LM guides, which deliver superior rigidity over previous models. There is even a model equipped with sub-spindle and Yaxis, which previously did not exist in the company’s range of high-speed 10-inch spindle machine tools, offering a solution that can achieve both high added value and complex machining.

Hyundai Wiais also significantly expanding its multi-tasking machine line-up for high added value product machining. The company’s new XM seriesmulti-tasking machines combine the structure of both turning centres and machining centres. The XM series features XM2600, XM2600S and XM2600ST models, which feature a 10-inch spindle, and the XM3100, XM3100Sand XM3100ST, which have a 12-inch spindle.

In addition, Hyundai Wia is planning to launch its LM2200TTSYY and LM2200TTSYYCmulti-axis turning centresbefore the end of 2023. The LM2200TTSYY and LM2200TTSYYC are multi-axis turning centres that feature 8-inch and 10-inch spindles respectively, and come equipped with two spindles, turrets and a Yaxis.
For further information www.wardcnc.com