INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Tezmaksan launches CubeBOX automation

Tezmaksan has launched three new iterations of its CubeBOX automation solutions that enable operator-free production in tending CNC machine tools.CubeBOX systems integrate with any control unit and any robot of the user’s choice, regardless of manufacturer or communication protocol.

Among the launches is the CubeBOX Pallet Pool, also referred to as Pallet Tower and Pallet Changer. The system is for automating CNC machining centres with limited floor space and can manage up to 24 pallets and 16 tools. Pallets are arranged in a compact circle in front of the machine, using a six-axis robot to load and unload into the system. The equipment reduces reliance on operators for loading and unloading, and can enable up to 24-hour operator-free operation.

Also now available is the CubeBOX RT Stacker (RT-S). The RT-S is suitable for lathes and vertical machining centres. The system uses two pallets for part loading and can tend one or two CNC machines. A key advantage of this model is the ability to stack two pallets on top of one another, enabling higher throughput without any increase in footprint.

Last but not least is the CubeBOX Space Cabinet, whichhas three drawers for holding product which is unloaded using a six-axis robot. Using this system, an operator does not have to restock the system regularly. When restocking is necessary, the CubeBOX Space Cabinet’s design allows drawers to be rolled into a reachable position for easy parts supply.

According to Tezmaksan, CubeBOX can increase night shift productivity by up to 50%, enabling an average return on investment (ROI) of eight months.

For further information https://tezmaksanrobotics.com

Automated prismatic machining made easy

New from machine tool company DMG Mori is the PH Cell 500, a modular system for handling machine pallets carrying one or more fixtured components into and out of the working area of various models in the manufacturer’s monoBLOCK machining centre range. These models include the DMU 65 and DMU 75 second-generation verticalmachines, as well as the DMU 65 H horizontal model. Maximum transfer weight including the pallet is 500 kg.

The compact storage and retrieval system offers similar advantages to those of the larger PH Cell 800 for handling loads weighing up to 800 kg. Depending on the configuration of the rack modules, the PH Cell 500 has space for up to 32 pallets. Maximum workpiece dimensions are 500 x 500 x 750 mm.

As part of its ‘machining transformation’ drive, DMG Mori for many years has been developing and introducing customisable handling systems for automatically storing, loading and unloading components into the working area of its machine tools, either fixtured on pallets or directly as individual workpieces. Such configurations enable flexible, efficient production, even of small batches and one-offs. In practice, DMG Mori says the PH Cell 500 can increase productivity by up to 300% and reduce unit production costs by as much as 50% by rapidly presenting parts to the spindle.

The new cell is available as standard with a single storage module featuring three shelves with space for twelve 400 x 400 mm or nine 500 x 500 mm pallets. An alternative version with four shelves can accommodate 16 of the smaller or 12 of the larger pallets. A combination of different pallet sizes is possible.

DMG Mori can retrofit the PH Cell if the machine has been prepared at the factory for automation.

For further information www.dmgmori.com

Soraluce launches high-rail gantry machines

Soraluce, a manufacturer of milling, boring, multi-tasking and automated solutions, is launching its Dynamic Line, featuring the company’s new high-rail gantry machines. The Dynamic Line comprises three machine models tailored to applications in sectors such as aerospace, mould and die, and mechanical engineering, with solutions designed for specific materials like composites, light alloys and steel. The machines are available in the UK from TW Ward CNC Machinery (Ward CNC).

Dynamic Line machines can feature either five-axis contouring fork-type or high-torque milling heads. This versatility ensures the handling of intricate and complex shapes. The machines also come with a splash guarding system to uphold cleanliness and safety standards. Moreover, diverse dust extraction systems, both within the enclosure and integrated into the heads, facilitate the removal of dust and debris generated during machining.

A key feature of the high-rail gantry machines is axis speeds up to 60,000 mm/min and acceleration up to 4 m/s². The five-axis contouring heads offers speeds up to 30,000 rpm.

From a precision perspective, thermal stability ensures that performance remains consistent even in the face of fluctuating temperatures and rigorous machining tasks. Highly calibrated kinematics further support accuracy.

Heavy-duty mechanical heads deliver power up to 73 kW for challenging cutting tasks. Moreover, Soraluce’s new offer delivers a diverse range of mechanical five-axis contouring heads with torque up to 2000 Nm.

Integrated intelligent damping solutions such as DAS+ and DWS, complemented by a full cast-iron structure, augment stability and performance. These features work in tandem to minimise vibration under demanding cutting conditions.

Soraluce’s global business development director Oier Elguezabal says: “These machines embody our commitment to innovation and excellence, empowering manufacturers to achieve unparalleled levels of productivity and quality in their operations.”

For further information www.wardcnc.com

Subcontractor takes up five-axis machining

Based in County Cork, Maas Precision Engineering performs its CNC milling on seven Hurco vertical machining centres. The first arrived more than 20 years ago and is still running today. Mass Precision caters for all quantities, with the company manufacturing anything from one-offs and small batches up to 20,000 or more.

Managing director Tadhg Hurley says: “We owe our business success to Hurco and are confident in the machines. I know we can turn parts around quickly, making prototypes in one day or a maximum of two days. Every person here can program every machine. Whether it be a 20-year-old machine or a new five-axis model, we usually program directly at the machines and can process orders quickly because we know they’re going to be right.”

The machines play their part, but Maas Precision sets out to make the right investment at the right time. In 2018 the company purchased its first five-axis VMC, a Hurco VMX42SRTi with swivelling B axis and rotary C axis set in the table. The main benefit was the ability to complete more operations in a single set-up.

The transition to five-axis machining was clearly a success as a second five-axis model is now in place: a Hurco VMX30Ui of more compact design with a swivelling trunnion carrying a rotary table. Mass Precision can easily transfer programs between the Hurco machines, new and old, to balance capacity utilisation. The company must respond quickly to changing customer demands, so being able to swap production runs between machines helps to build confidence in attaining challenging targets.

For further information www.hurco.co.uk

A high-end HMC inside a small footprint

To accommodate the diverse needs of the marketplace, Starrag Heckert has introduced its new H Compact series of horizontal machining centres (HMCs). The benefits of HMCs can sometimes be overshadowed by the sizeable footprint of the machines in comparison to their vertical counterparts. However, with its H Compact Series, Starrag Heckert says it is delivering the benefits of a horizontal with a compact footprint that will appeal to manufacturers.

Looking at the merits of the new machines, Lee Scott from Starrag says: “These horizontal models feature a trunnion table with five-axis capability. We can also incorporate a high-speed table for turning, a configuration that gives us the ‘T’ range. In its basic guise, it’s a twin-pallet HMC with a monobloc mineral cast base that is very vibration-absorbent and stiff.”

The machine column has positive-leveraged ratios that are credit to maximum guideway distances, while weight compensation improves the performance, accuracy and efficiency of the ballscrew-driven Y axis.

Alluding to the pallet system on the new series, Scott says: “It’s a twin-pallet machine where the ground pallet surfaces ensure perfect interfaces for the fixtures, whether it be on a trunnion or a standard B axis. Outside of the machine, we have the set-up station. Thus, while the first pallet is working inside the machining area, the second pallet is either loaded by a robot, an FMS or an operator.”

Taking a closer look at the operator interface on the new H Compact series, the machine incorporates the latest FANUC or Siemens control.

“Operators love our system, it has a touchscreen and multi-screen facility that offers the perfect solution for engineers who want to get the maximum amount of data from the machines,” concludes Scott.

For further information www.starrag.com