FEATURE ON CNC LATHES AND TURNING CENTRES

Dugard launches Mylasmulti-axis turning centre

At the top of the Mylas portfolio of turn-mill centres available in the UK from Dugard is the new MTY series of twin-spindle, twin turret, triple channel machines. Designed to create productivity gains, the Mylas MTY range can simultaneously engage three cutting tools on the workpiece through a range of configuration options.

The Mylas MTY is available in two models, the MTY 51 and the MTY 65 that offer 51 and 65mm bar turning capacity. Within the two models are a series of different configurations. For instance, the MTY 51A or 65A configuration offers a single Yaxis with two tools cutting in tandem; the B-type machine offers a single Yaxis, tailstock and two tools in simultaneous cut; whereas the MTY 51C and 65C type provides two tools on the part with double Yaxis.

The MTY D is a double-channel machine with a double Yaxis and tailstock, while the MTY51E and 65E offer three tools in simultaneous cut with double Yaxis and tailstock.

Within these options, Mylas offers a 5500rpm main spindle on the MTY51 and 4000rpm on the MTY65 with a power rating of 7.5/11kW plus NN bearing type and roller bearings at the front and rear of the spindle to deliver cutting power directly to the cutting surface – resisting axial and radial forces. Complementing these capabilities on the sub-spindle is a 6000rpm unit offering 5.5/7.5kW that sits alongside an optional tailstock with 100mm travel to increase turning length up to 5xD.

To offer maximum flexibility, the two BMT55 tooling turrets each provide 16 tool stations with a maximum tool capacity of 64 positions.

More information www.dugard.com

Mazak debutsthree-turret turning centre

Yamazaki Mazak unveiled the latest addition to its range of high-volume turning centres at the AMB 2024 exhibition in Stuttgart recently. The new HQR-200/3 NEO promises increased levels of productivity alongside high accuracy and efficiency.

Mazak’s HQR-200/3 NEO features three turrets and two spindles. With manufacturers striving for productivity and profitability, the additional third turret achieves a faster return on investment by reducing cycle time by approximately 25%, based on an example component produced using a two-turret configuration. The added tool stations enhance processing capabilities to complete complex parts in a single set-up.

Suitable for medium-to-high batch sizes across the aerospace, automotive and general subcontract industries, the new machine design – which is only 120mm deeper than the two-turret version –increases the maximum workpiece size for lower-turret chuck work from 212 to 320mm diameter. 

The HQR-200/3 NEO on show at AMB was part of a model series comprising two spindle sizes and three turrets. Complementing the standard 65 and 80mm diameter bar-working capability, the HQR-200/3 NEO is available with an optional enlarged 112mm spindle bore for bar work up to 102mm diameter. Unique to Mazak, this enlarged spindle bore option facilitates the machining of prismatic components from bar material using only a turning centre – work that otherwise would require a machining centre to complete. 

Enhanced automation features include a redesigned unloading hand that contributes to a 20% reduction in unloading time compared with previous models, while the Smooth Oscillating Cutting function automatically breaks up chips and swarf to prevent unwanted build-up. 

More information www.mazakeu.co.uk

G-Tech invests in new Nakamura-Tome

When the turning department at Merseyside-based G-Tech Engineering was having difficulty keeping pace with demand, the company recognised it needed to reduce cycle times and lead times, and add one-hit machining that could take place lights-out. The answer to these dilemmas arrived in the shape of a Nakamura-Tome AS200LMSY turn-mill centre from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG).

As a high-precision subcontract machine shop, G-Tech Engineering has a host of machine tools from a variety of vendors, but two stand-out machinesinclude a 30+ year-old Nakamura TW10 and an ageing Nakamura WT150. Both purchased second-hand, these machines justify their place on the shop floor as they still retain their precision, productivity levels and reliability. So, when it came to buying a new machine, it was an obvious choice for the Wirral company.

Andy Kirkwood,senior production engineer at G-Tech Engineering, says: “We needed to replace a reliable but ageing two-axis chucking turning centre with something more up-to-date. We selected a Nakamura-Tome AS200LMSY to join our already mission-critical Nakamura TW10 and WT150 multi-axis turning centres.”

Undertaking a lot more one-hit machining of parts, the new Nakamura-Tome AS200LMSY saves both time and labour. 

“It also allows us to maintain demanding geometric tolerances consistently and repeatably, such as flatness concentricity of less than 0.03mm between spindle transfers over a diameter of 150mm,” says Kirkwood. “Another new feature proving invaluable is the Y-axis travel of 80mm (±40mm). This is excellent for the footprint of the workstation and saves us time by enabling us to complete a lot more milling operations in the same set-up, reducing the need for secondary milling operations.”

More information www.engtechgroup.com

Hyundai Wia CNC lathe attracts the crowds

Ward CNC returned to the MACH 2024 exhibition in Birmingham earlier this year with a double presence. Highlights included many visitors enjoying the display put on by cutting tool partner Vargus UK, which showcased a Hyundai Wia HD3100YA Y-axis CNC lathe (available in the UK from Ward CNC). The company was also delighted with visits from other lathe principals such as Gurutzpe and Takisawa Japan.

At MACH, Ward CNC was able to discuss its wide range of CNC machine tool and metalworking solutions with both new and returning customers from across the UK, resulting in much interest and many enquiries.

Ward CNC’s applications team showcased the impressive specification of the Hyundai-Wia CNC lathe, which ran live demonstrations throughout the week on the Vargus stand. Among the machine’s features are hardened and ground box guideways, plus a one-piece heavy-duty cast-iron bed for accuracy and rigidity during machining. Further features include a BMT65P turret, Y axis, C axis, driven tooling, 10″ chuck, 12-station ATC and a FANUC 0iT control with 15-inch monitor. Users can take advantage of a 760 mm maximum turning length and a swing-over-bed of 800 mm. The A2-8 spindle nose offers 3500 rpm, plus 5000 rpm live tooling speed.

Utilising a range of cutting tools from Vargus, the demonstration showcased a vast array of machining techniques, including wave-form grooving, Y-axis milling, and C-axis polar milling. Ward CNC is now in discussions with the businesses and engineers who came for a chat during the exhibition. The company holds over 40 machines in stock from seven brands.

More information www.wardcnc.com

Multi-axis turning options from Dugard

Following the announcement that the Mylas range of multi-axis turning centres will be available in the UK from Dugard, the latest machines to join the portfolio are the DY twin-spindle, double Y axis, multi-tasking turning centres. Rapidly following the UK launch of the Mylas DT series of twin-spindle, twin turret turn-mill centres, the double Y-axis configuration of the DY range presents manufacturers with more flexibility than ever before.

The arrival of the DY series with two Y axes presents new opportunities to machine shops in the aerospace, automotive, medical, hydraulics, electronics and general subcontract manufacturing arenas. Like DT models, the DY series is available in three variants: the DY42, DY52 and DY60. Each designation specifies the maximum bar turning capacity of the main spindle.

From a specification perspective, travel is 175 mm in X1/X2 axes with 240 mm on the sub-spindle, whilst Z1/Z2 travel is 450 and 500 mm respectively with ±35 mm in the Y axis. The DY42, DY52 and DY65 have a swing over the saddle of 260 mm with a maximum bar turning length of 135 and 150 mm on the main spindle and 60 mm on the sub-spindle, providing a total maximum turning length of 350 mm.

Dugard says that the DY series offers robust construction with oversize precision ground box-ways on all axes that deliver rigidity and precision with heavy-duty cutting capability. Underpinning these attributes is the stress-relieved Meehanite casting that maximises vibration dampening and supports the heavy-duty precision spindle.

Looking at the kinematics of this addition to the Dugard portfolio, front machining is supported by a 7.5/11 kW spindle motor with a BMT 45 12-station tool turret that can accommodate up to 24 tool positions.

More information www.dugard.com