FEATURE ON CNC LATHES AND TURNING CENTRES

Rapid set-ups decide Cincom purchase

Last autumn, motorsport subcontractor h2m needed to replace an ageing sliding-head CNC turn-mill centre at its Hinckley factory. Joint managing directors and owners, father and son team Andy and Martin Forryan, considered buying a replacement from the supplier of the original twin-spindle, 32 mm capacity slider, but insteadopted for a Cincom M32-VIIILFV from Citizen Machinery UK.

Around 3000-off is a large run for sliding-head turned parts at h2m, while the production of batches of relatively simple components up to 500-off is typical for unattended overnight running. However, the company completestrickier jobs during day shifts in batch sizes as low as 10-off, so speed of programming is essential to minimise machine downtime.

Andy and Martin paid particular attention to this issue, concluding that the Cincom lathe with Citizen’s Alkart Wizard programming system would be less expensive and several times faster than if purchasing the other lathe. The wizard assists and simplifies the creation of even complex cycles using a built-in code library, reference material and diagrams.

Sharing some detail of their deliberations, Martin says: “Alkart Wizard is an inexpensive option. We use it to prepare programs and prove them offline for virtually every sliding-head part we produce. We only program the occasional simple component directly at the control.

“Even complicated components take just 30-40 minutes to program in Alkart with only a further 15-20 minutes to check the cycle virtually in the wizard.So a new job is always up and running in under an hour.”

He contrasts this with the much longer and more expensive route that would have been needed with the other slider, for which a similar wizard was not available.

For further information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

Tornos Swiss XT at micro-machining show

Tornos presentedits Swiss XT at SIAMS 2024 in Moutier, Switzerland last month exemplifying the potential of the machine’s performance in micro-machining operations at small and medium-sized turned-part manufacturers.

Characteristics of the Swiss XT include its ergonomics and compact design, which deliver a minimal footprint and easy access to the three tool systems. Among the aims of these innovationsis reducing maintenance to zero.

With configurations available in eight or nine axes and the ability to use three tools in cut simultaneously, the Swiss XT increases productivity. According to Tornos, the nine-axis version, with its three Zaxes, simplifies complex operations.

The Swiss XT offers up to 48 tool positions, including 18 rotating positions. This capability allows customisation for a wide range of machining processes. The expanded tooling capacity ensures that users can maximise the productivity and efficiency of the machine while meeting complex and diverse production requirements.

Integrated advanced features of the Tornos Swiss XT include Eco Mode to reduces energy consumption and the ACB Plus system for efficient chip management. These advances ensure safer, more sustainable production and underline the commitment of Tornos to both energy efficiency and production safety. 

Also available for Swiss XT machines is the Tornos TISIS software. TISIS simplifies the use of special driven tools, while the integrated Gantt chart facilitates the synchronisation of machine channels. These modules allow operators to master the complexity of the Swiss XT quickly and ensure a smooth transition to this technology. 

For further information www.tornos.com

Start-up makes Lynx its first machine

Mills CNC has supplied Herriott Precision, a precision subcontract start-up, with a new multi-tasking lathe manufactured by DN Solutions.The machine, a FANUC-controlled 8-inch chuck/67mm bar diameter Lynx 2100LSYB sub-spindle Y-axis lathe, arrived at the company’s facility in Worcestershire in April 2024. Mills CNC supplied the machine through its ‘Smart Options’ machine tool rental scheme.

The Smart Options scheme enables manufacturers to ‘rent’ a new DN Solutions machine tool for an initial 12-month period. The initiative is a flexible option for component manufacturers looking to increase and improve their machining capacity and capabilities, without ties to a long-term finance agreement. No deposit is necessary and Mills CNC provides training as part of the package via an agreed schedule of tailored monthly payments. Rental payments are 100% allowable against taxable profits.

Despite being installed just a few short weeks ago, the Lynx 2100LSYB installed at Herriott Precision is already earning its keep machining a range of small, high-precision, complex parts for a range of customers.

The Lynx 2100LSYB at Herriott Precisionalso features a number of options and accessories.These include a high-efficiency Filtermist oil mist extraction unit, a MH500 swarf conveyor and bin, Hainbuch collet chucks and a Hydrafeed MSV65 servo-driven bar feeder with an integrated bar support unit.

Says owner and directorJoshua Herriott:“To date, we’ve only used our Lynx 2100LSYB for chucking work. However, the integration of a bar feeder enables us to take on new, higher volume work and, where feasible, run the machine unattended to achieve improved productivity and process efficiencies.”

He adds: “Throughout the whole process, Mills have been very supportive and proactive; exactly what was required to help me get the business up and running.”

For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

Star to show future of sliding-head lathes

Star Micronics GB will showcase its range of sliding-headstock lathes at MACH 2024 (15-19 April, NEC, Birmingham). Visitors will experience a host of process demonstrations and witness a range of complex mill-turn components in production live at the event.

Following its worldwide debut at the EMO exhibition in Germany last September, the new SP-23 sliding head lathe will make its debut appearance at a UK manufacturing exhibition. An entirely new model capable of 1-inch (25.4 mm) machining, Star says the SP Series delivers outstanding versatility and performance within a modest footprint.

The SP-23 features an eight-station front turning platen and a seven-spindle cross-drilling inner tool post, on which it is possible to mount a wide variety of tooling attachments with five cartridge positions available. The machine features five drilling stations on the front and a four-station back-working platen with power tool capability.

Another key development within the Star portfolio, the new SD-26 Type E occupies the middle ground between the supplier’s 20 and 32mm bar diameter ranges. Capable of processing 26mm diameter material, the machine offers a programmable B1 head with four front and four rear facing tool positions, plus an additional six cartridge positions for various attachments.

Superseding the SB-16II Type E, the upgraded third-generation SB-16III model utilises the latest-generation FANUC 0i-TF Plus CNC control system. The machine includes Star’s dovetail structure for the Yaxis and features a fully programmable Caxis on both the main and sub spindles. Notably, the main spindle platen includes six turning tools, two fixed high-speed ER11 spindles for cross working, plus a further three modular cross power-driven stations that can accept a variety of cartridge attachments.

For further information www.stargb.com

Index names date for annual open house

The now traditional Indexopen house will take place on 9-12 April, taking place for the first time at the company’s newcustomer centre in Deizisau, near Stuttgart. Visitors can expect an exciting programme once again this year: machine innovations live in action, automation solutions in the most diverse configuration levels, and expert presentations. As always, there will be plenty of refreshments to enjoy.

Turn-mill centres for flexible and highly productive complete machining will occupy a place of choice at the Indexopen house. Taking the Index G320 turn-mill centre as an example, the lathe manufacturer will demonstrate what a fully automated manufacturing solution can look like. Index has enhanced the machine with an iXcenter robot cell that is extendable from two sides with a variety of modules. At the in-house exhibition, this automation solution will additionally feature a measuring and inspection station, which contributes to automated process control in combination with appropriate measuring software and the Index closed-loop interface.

The G320 will also include the new, external Index tool magazine expansion iXtools, which is configurable for any of the company’s turn-mill centres. iXtools is a comprehensive extension of the machine’s integrated tool magazine and offers unrestricted access to up to 396 additional tools.

Universal lathes will also be a prominent part of the open house. For instance, visitors will see the Traub TNA500 in action: now available in a long version with a turning length of up to 1200 mm and with 18 tool stations.

For further information www.index-group.com/openhouse