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

The recently introduced TTL Series from CMZ offers numerous possibilities to reduce cycle times. One of these functions is ‘superimpose’ machining.

With this function, the movement of the master channel (turret) is added to the slave channel (sub-spindle); in other words, it makes possible to machine two tool trajectories using the same turret station.
When the geometry of the part permits, it is possible to cut with four tools at the same time, performing a double-balance cutting process. One of the turrets and the sub-spindle (tool 1 + tool 2) will be programmed with the superimpose function, while the other turret will be programmed as a single trajectory (tool 3), and the second tool from this station (tool 4) will benefit from movement of the sub-spindle without the need to link an ISO code.
Four-tool simultaneous cutting is recommended for roughing processes in symmetrical parts. However, it should not be used in finishing operations as one of the tools is not controlled.
Programming a superimposed operation should not worry machine users, says CMZ, as several macros have been developed to ease calculation. Tool and work offsets will be transferred to the slave path before starting the combined machining movements. If users need assistance on how to program the TTL, the company’s Service Department can assist.
With CMZ’s ‘a star is born’ campaign, users can configure a TTL for themselves, and receive a made-to-measure offer using the company’s online calculator.
For further information www.cmz.com

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, has supplied a large-capacity vertical turning lathe to Unilathe Ltd, a precision subcontract specialist based in Stoke-on-Trent. The machine, a Fanuc controlled Doosan VT1100, has been positioned adjacent to another Doosan VT1100 machine to create a flexible, high-productivity vertical turning cell.

Components are typically machined in small batches, and are made from hard and difficult-to-machine materials that include titanium, Inconel and Jethete (a corrosion-resistant, hardened and tempered steel). A primary objective behind the new VT1100 investment was Unilathe’s desire, and determination, to secure new aerospace business.
Explains Andrew Sims, Unilathe’s managing director: “Our efforts have been [and are] focused on repositioning Unilathe in the sector. We want to move away from being perceived as a company that only offers first and second-stage machining of castings and forgings, to one that can machine and deliver high integrity components from start to finish to aerospace customers – similar to what we provide for customers in other sectors and industries.”
A strategic audit undertaken by the company examined its internal machining capabilities and revealed that its future aerospace ambitions would be well served by strengthening its vertical turning capacity and, in particular, by acquiring an additional vertical lathe adept at undertaking roughing, semi-finishing and finishing operations on aerospace components like rings, seals and rotor shafts.
Says Sims: “We are an advocate of Doosan machine tools; they perform well, are reliable and represent good value. The fact that they are backed by Mills CNC’s applications and aftersales service and support, makes them even more of an attractive proposition.”
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

Index has released a newly developed version of the MS32 six-spindle automatic, with UK availability via sole sales and service agent, Kingsbury. Designed for the series production of precision turned parts from bar up to 32 mm diameter, the machine is quick to set, lowering the economical batch size, and has flexibility in the way it can be configured, extending its range of application.

Notably, the main spindles have a higher maximum speed, up from 7000 to 8000 rpm, and over 50% more power at 19 kW. The multi-spindle machine can be equipped with six pairs of V-shaped cross slides and X, Y, Z axes at each spindle position, with the option of a simpler single-axis NC grooving or drilling/boring slide to serve any of the six spindles. The ability to select speeds and feeds independently at each spindle results in optimal chipping, maximum surface quality, extended tool life and short production times, even when processing exotic materials, says the company.
All cross slides now have a W serration that matches a similar feature ground into the tool holder, whether for a live or static cutter, facilitating its alignment to micron accuracy and speeding set-up. The operator can pre-set the holder externally, then place it on the slide and fix it in position using a quick clamping device from Index. Only a quick turn with the wrench renders the holder ready to use.
Another improvement relates to simultaneous rear end-working capability, as either one or two swivelling, C-axis synchro-spindles now position themselves in two NC axes on a pair of slide-ways, rather than one, and may be equipped with up to six tools, half of which may be driven.
For further information www.kingsburyuk.com

Headquartered near Barcelona, in Catalonia, Vilardell specialises in the production of precision parts with high added value and comprises two divisions, the Medical Division and the Industrial Division. Within the Industrial Division, manager Jordi Roy Torras says Vilardell has focused on the production of highly complex parts for some time: “This is our core competence; something we have developed year-after-year and part-by-part.

“We employ 165 staff and they are very important to us,” continues Torras. “Each and every one of us has to remain innovative – irrespective of his or her position or function within the company – that’s essential for our business.”
Luckily, the company has invested in technology from Tornos. The long-standing collaboration means that Vilardell now boasts an inventory of equipment which includes a small number of single-spindle cam machines (T-4, R-10 and MS7) and a large number of multi-spindle models (AS 14, SAS 16 and SAS 16 DC). In terms of CNC machines, the company’s fleet includes the Deco 10, Deco 13, Deco 20, Sigma 20 and EvoDeco 16 machines.
Recently, Vilardell purchased a MultiSwiss 6×16, but what made the company opt for this machine?
“The choice was driven by rational motivation,” says Torras. “In terms of technical specifications, the machine is simply the best on the market. However, we had to also consider the restricted space in our plant. The MultiSwiss boasts the most compact footprint and is definitely the most efficient machine available.
“At first sight, small footprint may seem to be trivial, but it makes all the difference,” says Torras. “The machine is really doing well and the fact that it is equipped with a container comprising all peripherals is a key advantage.”
For further information www.tornos.com