Occupying less than 5 sq m of space on a shop floor, the new CLX350 CNC lathe from DMG Mori is nevertheless capable of turning components from bar up to 51 mm in diameter (65 mm optional) and has a maximum turning diameter of
320 mm. In addition, Z-axis travel is 530 mm. Spindle speeds up to 5,000 rpm can be programmed, while the cartridge design
means that exchange is simple and rapid.
The machine, which is described by the company as “competitively priced”, has a VDI 30 turret with 12 tool positions, all of which can be driven on request. DMG Mori states that complex components are machined to high accuracy, repeatability and surface finish, due in part to the lathe’s rigid construction and the use of IT1-class ballscrews. Optimised chip flow helps maintain productivity and there is an optional chip conveyor, making it suitable for higher volume production environments.
The Siemens-based, DMG Mori SLIMline 19” touch-screen control with bespoke software is said to offer the user fast, simple operation and advanced simulation possibilities combined with good ergonomics. What’s more, technology cycles including Easy Tool Monitoring are designed to make working with the CLX 350 even more straightforward. The lathe can be augmented with modular additions that include automated workpiece handling.
For further information
www.dmgmori.com

Mildenhall-based CTPE, a subcontract supplier to the healthcare, medical and scientific sectors has seen cycle times cut by 80% in some instances as a result of investing in its first sliding-head turning centre – a seven-axis Tornos Swiss DT 26. The company previously relied on fixed-head turning centres.
Compatibility with water-based soluble cutting fluids, 26 mm capacity, 10 kW of power on both the main and sub-spindles, effective swarf management and fast switching from guide bush to non-guide bush mode were among the reasons for selecting the Swiss DT 26 from Tornos. The machine is paired with a TornosRobobar SBF 326 (3.2m capacity) barfeed for unmanned production.
Materials processed by CTPE on the DT 26 include PEEK, acetal, PTFE, PVC, nylon 66 and Rulon, as well as 2024 aluminium. The machine has been set to work producing parts typically in batches of 1000 to 2000-off. However, due to the ease and speed with which the machine can be set up, it is equally economical to run batches as small as 300 to 400-off. On average, parts produced by the company are around 20 mm long and 15 mm in diameter. A typical CTPE cycle time on the Swiss DT 26 is 20 seconds, or up to 50 seconds for more complex components.
“Compared with our fixed-head turning centres, we’ve seen some cycle times reduce from 150 seconds, to just 30, which is an 80% reduction,” says managing director Chris Taylor. “Moreover, we have eliminated second operations, deburring and picking-out. Without doubt, we should have bought one years ago.”
For further information
www.tornos.com