Essex-based subcontractor TNC Precision Engineering has expanded its sliding-head capacity to facilitate an application for a prismatic component previously manufactured overseas.

With a target cycle time of 3-4 minutes needed for TNC to make the part profitable using aircraft-grade aluminium 7075, the applications department at Star GB was confident that the component could be manufactured within the required parameters. Armed with this knowledge and, despite not being a route TNC would typically consider, the company commissioned a full turnkey package with Star GB. This package would allow the company to hit the ground running following delivery and installation.
The machine identified for the project was one of Star’s most advanced guide bush/non-guide bush models, the SV-38R. This high-specification machine combines the fast processing ability of a traditional platen-type sliding-head lathe with the flexibility of a turret machine to enable simultaneous machining operations. The turret includes an independent Z3 axis, allowing two different features to be machined at the same time using Star’s ‘super-position’ control mode.
Through a combination of utilising the machine’s balanced milling capability, specifically selected tooling and comprehensive process development, the final cycle time achieved was just 3 minutes and 13 seconds.
Director Stephen Westall says: “For this type of component, we would typically be looking at a five-axis machining centre, but from our estimations, they simply couldn’t get anywhere near this cycle time. The balanced milling capability of the SV-38R is a game-changer and it’s going
to open a world of opportunities for us.”
For further information https://stargb.com/

Newly available from XYZ Machine Tools are the latest additions to its Compact Turn turning centre range, the XYZ CT65HD and the XYZ CT52LR.

The XYZ CT65HD replaces the existing Compact Turn CT65 and comes with a maximum turned length of more than double its predecessor, at 535 mm, and a total Z-axis travel of 550 mm. Another enhancement is greater coolant delivery pressure of 30 l/min at 2.5 bar.
XYZ’s HD (heavy duty) designation relates to the construction, which remains as a solid Meehanite ribbed casting with the X and Y axes positioned along hardened and ground box slide-ways by means of ball-screws that have been increased in size to 28 and 40 mm respectively, with 20 m/min feed rates. The spindle prevails as an 18 kW unit with a maximum speed of 4500 rpm, while the 12-position 30VDI turret remains as standard, along with the MT4 tailstock offering 90 mm of travel.
Notably, the CT52LR mirrors the development of XYZ Machine Tools’ machining centre range, with the introduction of linear-rail technology to its turning centres for the first time.
Offering a 300 mm maximum turned length and 52 mm bar capacity, the XYZ CT52LR provides users with an entry into turning-centre ownership and, when combined with a machining centre from XYZ’s LR range, delivers a price-competitive package for any subcontractor that is unsure of what work will come in from week-to-week, says the company.
Additional specifications of the CT52LR include: an 11.2 kW spindle, which is capable of running at 4500 rpm; 300 mm maximum swing; 180 mm maximum turned diameter; axis travels in X and Z of 165 and 315 mm respectively;
and a 10-position block-type turret providing plenty of machining options.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

First launched in 2018, the common platform for the manufacture of two universal turning machines, the B400 from Index and TNA400 from its subsidiary Traub, has been expanded with the addition of the B500 and TNA500 featuring larger, more powerful spindles. The machines are available in the UK through sole sales and service agent Kingsbury.

Each machine shares much commonality, as the mineral cast bed, slide-ways and covers are identical. One difference is the control, the Index B400 and B500 being fitted with a Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl and the TNA400 and TNA500 with Traub’s Mitsubishi-based TX8i-s V8. Another distinction is that the main and counter spindles on the latest 500 series lathes are A11/A8, one size up from the A8/A6 spindle on the 400 series, and delivering 40% more power and torque.
In support of long workpieces, TNA lathes offer the possibility of using a tailstock mounted on roller guideways. As an option, the machines are available instead with a counter spindle for the complete machining of parts on the reverse end after part-off and synchronous pick-up.
Regarding the counter spindle versions, all machines are equipped with an Index radial turret. Newly added is the option of selecting VDI40 holders instead of VDI30, enabling a slightly larger turning diameter and providing the live tools with higher torque. The 12 tool stations are equipped with the patented W-serration, featuring a profile that ensures the holders can be aligned quickly and accurately. Alternatively, a turret with axially driven VDI40 tools can be specified on the TNA 400/500, which is advantageous when using large, solid drills or boring bars, as the forces are transmitted directly into the turret.
For further information https://kingsburyuk.com/

New from LNS is the Ultra 80 barfeed that features an oversized base frame complete with a 700 kg cast-iron support beam.

This mass helps ‘seat’ the barfeed in position, aiding machining quality by damping the vibrations generated by the rotating bar. The Ultra 80 weighs around 2 tonnes and remains stable even when long bars with a diameter of 80 mm and weighing over 160 kg are rotating.
Responding to customer requests, LNS has also designed a flexible front rest system to reduce the number of cases when users need to change the guiding elements. The front rest is an essential support element for the bar before it enters the lathe spindle, keeping it centred, while accepting a wide range of bar diameters. Automatic adjustment to bars of different diameters means the operator does not have to change the guide elements. The patented front rest is complementary to the hydro-bar principle and does not replace it.
A large colour touchscreen and numerous context-sensitive menus are supplied with the barfeed’s HMI, guiding the operator through actions. Highly graphical, this HMI offers a layout that allows users to directly access the information needed for increased productivity and safety, and provides messages and alerts with text and images.
The Ultra 80 is available in two versions, with internal ramp or external lift, to offer customers the configuration best suited to their requirements. The oversized insertion and extraction system is also equipped with a booster to suit all clamps available on the market.
For further information https://lns-group.com/

Haas says that its newly developed Haas Automatic Parts Loader (APL) is a simple and affordable way to automate part production and boost productivity on the company’s turning centres.

Connecting directly to the Haas control, APL is designed and built exclusively for use on Haas ST-10, ST-15, ST-20 and ST-25 turning centres, including Y-axis models.
The APL features a simple set-up interface that makes it quick and easy to realise automated loading and unloading. Answering simple questions, the operator enters basic information by either positioning the part grippers and pushing a single button, or entering basic numeric dimensions. All values are calculated automatically by the control.
Accommodating parts up to 147 mm diameter by 127 mm long, and weighing up to 4.5 kg, the APL features a light curtain for safe operation. Furthermore, component management on the APL table is achieved
using one of three included templates. Various part shapes – such as round, hex and square – can be loaded, and grippers can be adjusted or modified to best fit the specific parts.
Haas’ APL operates in the background during normal lathe operations, returning parts to the storage table and retrieving new raw workpieces while components are being machined. Near-continuous, unattended machining is the result. The double-sided rotating gripper saves time by taking a part from the spindle and replacing it with a different piece without having to return to the storage table.
For further information www.haas.co.uk