The world of metalworking is undergoing significant changes. Industries such as automotive, medical technology and mechanical engineering are presenting new challenges that many manufacturers need to address. At the recent AMB 2024 exhibition in Stuttgart, Index showcased manufacturing solutions tailored to meet these evolving demands. Visitors to the company’s booth discovered how the latest turn-mill centres, multi-spindle machines and production lathes are able to enhance competitiveness.

At the show, two new models demonstrated how Index has further adapted its offerings to meet customer needs. On the Index G200.3, the previously rigid upper turret now features a pivoting Y/B axisfor angled drilling and milling operations. Another new highlightat AMB was the Index G320 compact. Equipped with a 102 mm main spindle, this turn-mill centre has the footprint of a G220.3 but is nearly as powerful as the regular G320 – and saves a great deal of space, resources and costs. Both machines were shown in their long versions (1200 mm turning lengths).

Another Index turn-mill centre also featured at AMB: a G220, seen at the stand of cutting tool manufacturer Horn. The two companies are linked by a technology partnership aimed at improving processes for high-speed whirling, hobbing, bevel gear cutting, groove turning and polygon turning.

Another ambition for Index atAMB 2024was toshowcase its newly developed MS24-8 to a wide audience for the first time. This multi-spindle machine offers a 24 mm bar clearance and features eight main spindles. Further machines on the stand included Index C200 and ABC automatic lathes.The C200 wasdisplayed in the FANUC variant, while visitors could view the ABC with Siemens 840D sl control.

More information www.index-group.com

MR Components, a medium-sized company from Grigno, has significantly increased its production capacity and simultaneously improved quality by introducing intelligent automation with Emagvertical turning lathes (VTLs). The company, which specialises in the production of parts for differential and planetary gears, now produces around 80,000 components per month.

Alessandro Reguzzo, the founder and managing director of MR Components, says that the key to success lie in the consistent automation of manufacturing: “The use of automated machines was the key to accelerating our production. The machines run unmanned, allowing us to produce in the evening without having to introduce a night shift.”

MR Components relies on Emag machines equipped with integrated measuring probes, allowing 100% component inspection. In fact, the company uses various manufacturing systems from Emag to meet the different production requirements of its customers.

“On one of our production lines we work with Emag VL 7 machines, where the operator manually places the workpieces on the automation belt,” explains Reguzzo. “On other production lines we work with VL 4 machines that feature TrackMotion automation. Here, automation is very fast and we have greater autonomy, so we can also run the machines in unmanned mode.”

There are also other Emag manufacturing systems on site, such as VL 4 and VL 6 machines automated with robots. The decision was made to use a system with robots here, as many components have to undergo other operations in addition to turning, such as marking, which can take place very easily and flexibly with the robot.

MR Components is now planning further investments involving the use of two VL 8 machines in combination with robots to produceparts with diameters up to 450 mm.More information www.emag.com

Okuma America Corporation is introducing a new addition to the company’s horizontal lathe line-up: the Okuma LB2000 EX III. The new machine joins the company’s flagship line of LB-EX series lathes. Okuma debuted the LB2000 EX III at the recent IMTS 2024 exhibition in Chicago.

The LB2000 EX III can create finely-tuned small parts or complex components when paired with optional MYW (milling, Y axis and sub-spindle) facilities. Hallmarks of the LB-EX lathe family include high-accuracy machining, partly attributable to the machine’s rigid construction. Additionally, the LB2000 EX III features a high-power, high-torque PREX motor built to facilitate heavy and high-speed cutting. This, in combination with Okuma’s ‘Thermal-Friendly Concept’, which minimises thermal growth during the machining process, ensures machining accuracy and thermal stability.

The model at IMTS featured the additional MYW features. Okuma America’s team of experts showcased the machine’s capabilities by conducting a special machining demonstration of electric guitar tuning knobs. The demonstration featured peripheral technologies from various technologypartners, including Hainbuch, Iscar, Mastercam, Mitsubishi Materials, QualiChem and Sandvik Coromant. Additionally, the demonstration was part of a special collaboration with guitar manufacturer, Dean Zelinksy, to create an electric guitar completely from metal. One of these special metal Dean electric guitars was on display at the Okuma stand.

Okuma’s LB4000 EX III also features the company’s new OSP-P500 control, an open-architecture CNC designed exclusively for Okuma machines. This next-generation control enables numerous intelligent machining technologies, including a Windows-based, open-architecture platform for easy integration to applications on the Okuma App Store and beyond.

More information www.okuma.com