“We are taking things up a notch.” This was the slogan that Swiss automatic sliding-head (Swiss-type) turning machine and multi-spindle machine manufacturer Tornos adopted for at the recent AMB trade fair in Stuttgart and IMTS exhibition in Chicago.

The fact that Tornos plays a role not just in medical and dental technology, but also in the automotive industry, is proven by two new Swiss DT 26 HP machines with six axes that were unveiled for the first time at AMB, alongside the SwissNano 10. The latter is a larger version of the SwissNano 4 and the SwissNano 7, which have already met with success in the micro-machining sector, particularly in the medical and dental, watchmaking and electronics industries. With a capacity of 10 mm, this machine is now able to manufacture larger watch components, economically and precisely.

With its six axes, the Swiss DT 26 HP is flexible and productive, and features a specific design to meet the needs of the electric mobility sector. A SwissDECO 36 TB and Swiss GT 26 completed the line-up for AMB.

As for IMTS, Tornos showed a dental implant being machined on a MultiSwiss 6×16 (pictured). Also on display was a five-axis Swiss DT 26 HP and a SwissNano 7.

IMTS visitors were also thrilled by a star guest: the return of one of Tornos’ best sellers, the Deco 10, which has undergone a complete overhaul for its 25th anniversary. Customers who already own one will have the opportunity to trade in their old machine for a redesigned, higher-performance version.
For further information www.tornos.com

The new generation of the Index G220 turn-mill centre has arrived. With 76 mm spindle clearance, 230 mm chuck diameter and a turning length of 900 mm, this model rounds off the completely redesigned G series by adding a product of smaller dimensions.

Based on a rigid, vibration-damping machine bed in a mineral cast block design and using generously dimensioned linear guides in the X and Z axes, the new G220 offers stability, damping properties and dynamic attributes. A key element is the Z-axis slide with motorised milling spindle and hydro-dynamically mounted Y/B axis arranged above the axis of rotation.

The spindle drive (40 kW, 207 Nm, 6000 rpm) facilitates a range of drilling and milling operations, including five-axis machining. During machining, the milling spindle operates with a tool magazine offering space for up to 139 tools (HSK-T63 or HSK-T40). According to Index, the machine stands out because of its particularly simple set up. Next to the usual set-up station located at the front, further access to the two tool chains is available at the rear of the magazine. From here, the operator can re-tool one chain while the other is in use.

Notably, the two tool turrets arranged at the bottom are also responsible for efficient machining performance. These turrets are not only able to move in the X and Z directions, but also in the Y direction.

Thanks to the large working area and distance between the main and counter spindles, simultaneous machining is possible with the motorised milling spindle and tool turrets at the main and counter spindles, with no risk of collision. The Index G220 is available in the UK from Kingsbury Machine Tools.
For further information www.kingsburyuk.com

Taking its turning technology to a new level, Nakamura-Tome has introduced the new JX-200 multi-tasking turn-mill centre. Now available in the UK from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG), the JX-200 incorporates Nakamura’s new NT Smart Cube, which the company says is the world’s shortest tool spindle in its class. This design supports a compact footprint with a spacious work area and high-performance kinematics.

Nakamura has recognised the increasing need of industry to manufacture smaller batch sizes with higher flexibility. The new JX-220 is a twin-spindle machine with an upper tool spindle that swivels ±95° to provide high levels of flexibility. Furthermore, the machine offers 15/11 kW power output and a 12,000 rpm spindle with an 18,000 rpm spindle as an option. The upper tool spindle has an 80-position tool carousel as standard with 40 or 120 tools as optional extras.

The lower tooling turret offers milling capability as standard, along with Y-axis machining. In addition, the lower turret provides a 6000 rpm milling spindle with 8000 rpm optional, and both upper and lower milling capability is rigid and robust for heavy-duty material removal applications.

In combination with the upper tool spindle and the lower turret, the JX-200 is suitable for a multitude of different machining methods, such as simultaneous machining with both left and right spindles, engaging both upper and lower tool positions simultaneously, and even machining with centre support mounted on the lower turret. With the facility for operations such as turning, milling, drilling and gear cutting, this ‘all in one’ machine will appeal to manufacturers in a variety of sectors.
For further information www.engtechgroup.com