FEATURE ON CNC LATHES AND TURNING CENTRES

Subcontractor on a roll with Nakamura machines

As a subcontractor with a distinct niche in thread rolling, Dobson & Beaumont has been in business for more than 100 years. As well as machining nuts, the company cold-forms bolts and special fittings to work harden the thread, thus improving overall thread strength by more than 25% when compared to typical thread-cutting operations. Before rolling, the Blackburn-based company machines some of the most daunting materials known to the industry, which is why the company purchased a Nakamura-Tome AS200LMSY, followed by a Nakamura SC100X2, from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG).

Installed and running at the end of 2022, the SC100X2 is already reducing cycle times by upward of 30%. This is credit to several factors. Firstly, the new SC100X2 offers superimposed machining.

“Superimposed machining is a game-changer for our business, as we can now hit parts with two tools simultaneously by overlapping operations between main and sub-spindles,” explains Richard Guest, managing director of Dobson & Beaumont.“This has reduced cycle times noticeably already. On high-value motorsport studs, we have cut the cycle time from 3 minutes to 1minute 30 seconds.”

The sub-spindle can move not only toward the main spindle for component pick-up, but also in synchronicity with the lower turret for machining operations that can take place while the upper turret is machining on the main spindle.

“We machine hard materials such as MP35N and AERMET 100, which has a tensile strength of 1900 Pa,” says Guest.“Before the arrival of the SC100X2, we had to sub many of these parts out, which added 2-3 weeks to our lead time. Now, we can machine in-house and keep lead times to just days while eliminating additional subcontract costs.”
For further information www.engtechgroup.com

Technoset upgrades with new Tornos Gamma 20

Technoset continually invests in its operations to ensure the company always has the latest equipment to improve operations, an ethos exemplified by its recent investment in a new Tornos Gamma 20. The company says that this Swiss-type lathe delivers precision and speed for complex machining and is ideal for high-volume production.

The main benefits of the Tornos machine are that it can perform many operations simultaneously, enabling high-volume throughput with no drop in the quality of finish. Notably, the liquid-cooled spindle can run up to 10,000rpm, delivering high levels ofprecision. According to Technoset, the Tornos is also built to last, delivering the same consistent results time after time – an essential trait for a companythat insists on a consistently high level of quality for its customers.

Technoset’s newTornos machine is capable of performing many different operations, supporting the fast production of complex components. Combined with Technoset’s other machines, the investment will allow the company to reduce lead times and offer an even better service.

While the machine is highly advanced and delivers elevated levels of performance, the Tornos Gamma 20 is also energy-efficient and low maintenance. These attributes bring down overall production costs for customers and enables Technoset to offer a wider range of services, at excellent value.

Technoset says it is always investing in its facilities with the addition of new technology. As a case in point, another recent arrival is a new Miyano ABX51/64 fixed-head turning centre.
For further information ww.techno-group.co.uk

Iemca adds third Maestro barfeed to range

A manufacturer of automatic barfeeds for CNC lathes, Italy-based Iemca, is adding a third model to its Maestro range. All are designed to maximise productivity on fixed-head lathes and offer unattended production around the clock. They are available in the UK and Ireland through sole agent 1st Machine Tool Accessories.

The two existing models can handle round stock up to 100 mm diameter. Both are capable of bar changeover in 31 seconds, as is the new Maestro 52, which is for smaller lathes running material up to 51 mm diameter, 42 mm hex and 36 mm square. It is possible to load bars up to 4.2 m in length to a maximum combined weight of 100 kg.

There are numerous interesting design features incorporated into the new barfeed, three of whichcarry patents. One protects ABACOS (Adaptive BAr COntrol System), a self-adjusting bar clamping arrangement designed to guide the material, damp vibrations and tighten on the pusher, all without changing the guide channel.

Another patented feature, the Vibra-Damp collet with interchangeable inserts avoids vibration. The collet restricts bar oscillation byreducing their amplitude and lowering bending and torsional stresses on the bar. The third patent concerns the HandyLoq quick-change collet system, which allows manual exchange within three seconds without the need to use tools.

Additional advantages of all Maestro bar feeders are Industry 4.0 data sharing as an option, and a choice of bar loading systems including an UP magazine that allows the presentation of material at an ergonomic height.
For further information www.1mta.com

Okuma celebrates 125-year anniversary

Okuma has reason to celebrate: the company is marking its 125th birthday and has countless successes and memorable highlights to look back on. But looking ahead to the future is even more exciting, where even more sustainable and efficient solutions are top of the agenda. Okuma machines are available in the UK from NCMT.

“Okuma has always been a step ahead of trends and developments,” states Norbert Teeuwen, managing director of Okuma Europe GmbH. “The OSP open-architecture CNC is a good example of our innovative drive, as well as the internal and external automation solutions that enable us to respond to individual customer requirements with extreme precision.”

New solutions and further developments that increase customer efficiency will continue to be the main focus at Okuma moving forward.

“For decades now, we’ve been consistently working towards establishing our machines and processes on a sustainable basis, for example by optimising energy consumption or process flows for our customers,” says Teeuwen.

This commitment will become even more important in the future with national and international climate goals. Here, Okuma’s ‘Green Smart Machines’ will continue to support efficient manufacturing with reduced energy consumption.

“We focus on comprehensive solutions,” states Teeuwen.“Our customers can rely on us for a well-thought-out ‘all-in-one’ concept. Quality, precision, sustainability and efficiency are clear customer requirements that we fully meet. Our product development and services focus on individually developed solutions that precisely meet the respective demands.”

Okuma is also working towards CO2 neutrality within its own organisation. Energy savings or renewable energy from the company’s solar panel systems are already being implemented and expanded further.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

Combining power skiving and turning for complex gears

For many gear manufacturers, power skiving is getting very interesting, and not without reason, since the technique is much faster than shaping and more flexible than hobbing and broaching. However, for many years, the technique was considered quite complex. Against this backdrop, Emag says that its new development is a game changer.

Firstly, with the VSC 400 PS, the operator makes only a few data entries, making power skiving very simple. Secondly, the VSC 400 PS can be equipped with up to four power skiving tools and six turning tools. As a result, the user can produce even complex components in a single clamping operation that is fast and controlled.

For example, the machine with its two spindles, which can hold up to two power skiving tools each, can produce up to four different types of external and internal teeth using four tools. A big advantage is that the gear tooth positions match perfectly to each other at the end of cycle, made possible by the single clamping operation and no change-over. The customary step of measuring the first tooth cutting pass (prior to cutting the second) is no longer needed.

Direct drives in the main and milling spindles keep the axes synchronised during the machining processes. Additionally, the rigid B axis allows a large variety of axis crossing angles. This is essentially the setting angle of the tool, which always tilts slightly with respect tothe component. It is this tilt that makes the actual cut possible. A value between 15°and 25° is common, but Emag has also successfully implemented power skiving processes with an angle up to 45°.
For further information www.emag.com