FEATURE ON CNC LATHES AND TURNING CENTRES

High productivity with B-axis and Robo2Go

Founded in 1984, Heppler GmbH from Spaichingen has made a name for itself as a contract manufacturer in numerous industries, including electronics, mechanical engineering, hydraulics and medical. Heppler has been using machine tools from DMG Mori for its manufacturing since 2018. The fleet of machines now includes 10 machining centres and turning machines. Most recent to arrive was a CLX 450 TC with Robo2Go, representing the first example of a new turn-mill centre from DMG Mori.

“We’ve been able to achieve growth of up to 15% in recent years through innovative manufacturing technologies and flexible automation solutions, such as the CLX 450 TC with Robo2Go,” says managing director Dieter Heppler.

With the CLX 450 TC, DMG Mori has developed a turn-mill centre that is said to offer users affordable entry into six-sided complete machining.

“This favourably-priced machine concept was a convincing reason for the acquisition,” reflects Heppler. Since then, the CLX 450 TC has been responsible in particular for complex workpieces made of aluminium and stainless steel. “We also installed a Robo2Go from DMG Mori so that we could use the machine for unmanned third shifts overnight and at the weekend.”

In particular, it is possible to process smaller batch sizes completely autonomously in this way. For larger series, work is limited to simply loading the Robo2Go.

Heppler will continue to practice its modernisation philosophy when making future investments.

“Forthcoming purchases will be made with the same considerations in mind,” he confirms. “Innovative manufacturing technology and flexible automation solutions will play a central role in this.”
For further information www.dmgmori.com

Efficient complete machining with Index G220

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

Reshoring and exports boost Wealdpark growth

In response to an upturn in business over the past few years, Merseyside subcontract machining company Wealdpark is to treble the size of its factory. The first phase of expansion, due to begin immediately, will add an extension a little larger than the 6000 sq ft unit it presently operates in St Helens. By the end of 2023, another 5000 sq ft unit is scheduled for completion on an adjacent plot that was purchased recently.

Mainly a precision turned parts subcontractor, the family owned and run firm operates two vertical machining centres and 15 sliding-head lathes on the shop floor, alongside six Miyano fixed-head turning centres from Citizen Machinery UK. The latest to arrive, in April 2022, was a Miyano ABX-64SYY, bringing to four the number of these 65 mm diameter bar capacity machines purchased since 2014. Also in use are 51 and 42 mm capacity models.

Together with father Jim and brother Steve, Phil Smith is a director and joint owner of Wealdpark. He says: “We’ve increased turnover by a quarter in the two years since the start of the pandemic and sales during each of the first five months of 2022 were at a record level compared with previous years. The production of parts for the hydraulic, pneumatic and yellow goods industries is particularly strong at the moment. We’re also active in the aerospace, automotive, electrical fastener, firefighting, military and temperature measurement sectors. This has given us the confidence to invest in new infrastructure and capacity to develop our business. Part of that strategy will be the continuing purchase of top-quality plant like Miyano lathes, which we’ve used since 2007.”
For further information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

ETG releases Nakamura JX-200 into UK market

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

Arturn makes a turn for Hanwha turning centres

Arturn Precision Engineering has invested in a Hanwha XD38II sliding-head turning centre from Dugard to enhance capacity and throughput at its Rugby-based facility. As a tier-one automotive supplier, as well as a manufacturer for the fastener, electrical, food and pharmaceutical industries, Arturn is no stranger to high-volume production runs, which is where the Hanwha machine from Dugard is making a difference.

Myles Rudkin, foreman at Arturn Engineering, says: “One of the main reasons we bought the Hanwha XD38II is because we can turn up to 38 mm diameter on a sliding-head machine, which in my opinion is pretty impressive, especially when the sweet spot is from 32 to 38 mm. That’s where we have a broad diameter of parts, so it means we can expand the range of components which we can machine for customers.”

Looking at the specific attributes of the machine, Rudkin adds: “It’s a great machine and, where the tools are located, particularly the power tools, makes it easily accessible to interchange cutting tools and accelerate our set-up processes.”

Considering the FANUC 32i-Model B CNC system and the programming, Rudkin says: “I like the programming on this machine. It has broadened my knowledge because a lot of the M codes are familiar, like on a fixed-head machine. This means that my knowledge of fixed-head machines and the respective G- and M-codes will transfer directly to the Hanwha.”

With flood coolant on the new Hanwha XD38II sliding-head turning centre, ISO9001-accredited Arturn has noticed a marked improvement in tool life.

“The coolant flow on this machine is excellent and there is a high number of coolant hoses on the machine that can be moved and directed at specific tools,” says Rudkin.
For further information www.dugard.com