New from DMG Mori is a universal turning centre, the CLX 550, featuring robust construction, a 33 kW (40% DC/3250 rpm/630 Nm) spindle and the option of a Fanuc 3D control instead of the standard 19” SLIMline multi-touch control panel with Siemens 840D solutionline and Operate 4.7.

The lathe joins two smaller models – 350 and 450 – to expand a range that was first announced at the AMB 2016 show in Stuttgart.
Able to turn components up to 480 mm in diameter by 1225 mm long, the CLX 550 offers users a larger work area in a compact footprint of 7.4 sq m. The cast-iron bed ensures rigidity, minimises vibration and allows improved chip evacuation.
Large ballscrews, sturdy spindle bearings and a VDI 40 turret with 12 stations, live if required, ensure high productivity and accuracy, which is further promoted by feedback of axis positions via linear scales. When configured as a bar automatic, the machine produces parts up to 80 mm in diameter, or alternatively 102 mm. In terms of precision, circularity of less than 3 µm is quoted.
A choice of over 100 hardware and software options enables application-oriented specification and upgrading of the CLX 550. In addition to the optional larger bar capacity and possibility of choosing a 120 mm Y-axis, VDI 30 or VDI 50 turrets are available, as well as a tailstock and a steady rest, both of which can be programmable to facilitate the manufacture of crankshafts, for example. If a counter-spindle replaces the tailstock, six-sided machining of complex workpieces can be carried out in one hit.
For further information www.dmgmori.com

The sixth generation of precision turning centres from Spinner – the MicroTurn series – was displayed for the first time at the AMB 2018 show in Stuttgart recently.

Available in the UK through sole agent Whitehouse Machine Tools, the MicroTurn is built in two sizes and is capable of producing components to within 5 µm dimensional tolerance in series production.
To enable this degree of precision, including when hard-turning and micro-finishing components, what Spinner describes as ‘disruptive influences’ from turrets, Y axes and unnecessary heat sources, have been minimised.
The concept is based on the company’s previous precision lathes, which employ a two-axis spindle head on a compound slide, in this case moving 600 mm in X and 350 mm in Z, with balanced thermal characteristics for fine positioning. On the MicroTurn, the spindle operates in conjunction with a static, linear tool carrier integrated into the vertical machine bed (L-Version).
Recognising that companies producing smaller batches of parts need greater flexibility and fast set-up times, Spinner has provided a number of options. One is a BMT45 turret with a ±50 mm Y axis and 12 stations (optionally driven at 8000 rpm), which can be added at the bottom of the working area (LT-Version).
For extra versatility, the BMT45 turret can be joined at the top of the working area by a 15 kW/12,000 rpm pivoting B-axis milling spindle with ±50 mm of Y-axis movement and an HSK40 interface (LBT-Version). The spindle can be served with cutters exchanged from a 33- or 72-station tool magazine. There is also an LTBS-Version with an opposing counter-spindle, identical to the main spindle, for simultaneous parallel machining or synchronous workpiece transfer.
For further information www.wmtcnc.com

Large-capacity Doosan vertical turning lathes occupy centre stage at the new Hanwha Aerospace aero-engine parts production facility in Vietnam.
South Korea-based Hanwha Aerospace has announced that its plans to significantly ramp up the production and supply of civil aircraft engine parts (fans and compressors) to the global aerospace market through the creation of a new manufacturing facility in Vietnam, are nearing completion.

The new factory, located near Hanoi, is substantial at 60,000 sq m, making it approximately eight times the size of a football pitch. Once fully operational, it is anticipated that Hanwha Aerospace will be able to increase sales turnover to US$879m.
To help the company achieve its ambitions, Hanwha has invested heavily in a number of large-capacity Doosan vertical ram-type lathes (VTRs). By the end of January 2019, it is expected that 30 Doosan VTRs will have been installed at the new Vietnam factory, rising to 120 machines by 2024.
The Doosan machines supplied to Hanwha Techwin comprise VTR 1012F and VTR 1216F models. Doosan’s F-designated VTR machines have a fixed cross beam design, as opposed to a travelling cross beam design and, as such, are said to be particularly suited
to the machining of smaller, shorter components such as aero-engine rings.
In addition, both VTR models also have a wide column and box guideway design, and are equipped with ram-type spindles (up to 45 kW/400 rpm), as well as large diameter cross-taper roller bearings for heavy-duty machining operations.
VTR machines also feature servo-driven tool changers, swarf evacuation and management systems for increased productivity and trouble-free machining. The maximum turning diameter is 1600 mm (VTR 1216F). Mills CNC is the UK agent for machine tools from Doosan.
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

Founded in 2016, Geneva-based Badeco SA manufactures high-precision components for the watchmaking industry.

The company produces watch crowns, push-pieces, tubes, pinions, arbors, watch hands and parts for associated sectors, all on its in-house Tornos turning centres.
“We purchased two SwissNano CNC automatic lathes from Tornos as soon as we started our activities,” says managing director Stéphane Menoni. “Right from the start, they have proved to be particularly flexible and precise, while requiring minimum floor space.”
What was decisive, apart from the small footprint, was the flexibility of the SwissNano machines.
“Some high-precision components are manufactured in volumes up to 25,000 off, but it is also common practice to produce in small series or even perform one-off production,” says Menoni. “This means we can efficiently manufacture prototypes or spare parts.
“Since the space in our premises is restricted, we have installed the machines in an inverted position to gain additional space; this arrangement enables full access to the machining cell from the front,” he adds. “The machines are equipped with bar feeders and can be used for back machining as well as gear-cutting operations.”
Commissioning was quite easy, as Menoni affirms: “Just three days after the installation of the machines, the operator was fully familiar with set-up and operation. On the one hand, this was down to simplicity, and on the other it was the intuitive functions of the TISIS code editor. The latter is simply fantastic, since it allows program editing/transfer and tool selection, as well as machining process monitoring.”
For further information www.tornos.com