Although already featuring the latest RLX ProtoTRAK control, XYZ Machine Tools has now introduced a range of options to further enhance the appeal of its RLX 780 heavy-duty CNC lathe (3000 mm between centre distance and 780 mm swing over the bed).

The first option, which will prove attractive to the oil and gas sector, is the availability of a 180 mm spindle bore (160 mm standard). This larger size makes the machine ideal for turning 6” API pipe, which has a standard 168 mm outside diameter.

For customers not familiar with the benefits of ProtoTRAK, XYZ Machine Tools has also added the option of a Siemens 828D ShopTurn control. In addition, customers specifying this CNC will benefit from an eight-station turret with live tooling using a 30 VDI connection.

“The RLX 780 has exceeded all of our sales forecasts, which we made prior to COVID-19,” states Nigel Atherton, managing director at XYZ Machine Tools. “It has proved extremely popular across sectors where large capacity mixed with flexibility is required. These latest updates and options will extend its appeal as a cost-effective solution for turning large, long components, but with the flexibility to machine smaller parts when required.”

Aimed at industries such as rail, oil and gas, and general engineering, the standard specification of the RLX 780 includes a 30 kW spindle with Yaskawa inverter drive that delivers infinitely variable speeds across two ranges of 20-417 and 580-1300 rpm. Machine stability comes from its 8600 kg overall weight, with the one-piece solid ribbed cast base featuring a 500 mm wide vee and flat bed.

For further information
www.xyzmachinetools.com

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, has introduced a range of large-capacity turn-mill machines. The Puma SMX 5100L series, the largest in Doosan’s SMX series, handles large, heavy workpieces typically found in the aerospace, energy and oil and gas sectors – machining them to completion in a single set-up.

There are four different models in the range, with the largest machines having chuck sizes up to 21”, a maximum turning diameter of 830 mm and a maximum turning length of 3050 mm.

SMX 5100LS and SMX 5100LSB machines are equipped with high-torque, built-in (left and right) spindles (up to 37 kW/2400 rpm) with 0.0001° resolution on their C axes for high-precision contouring. SMX5100L and SMX 5100LB models offer a programmable, servo-driven tailstock (instead of a sub-spindle) for the precision machining of parts such as long shafts and tubes.

All four models carry a versatile B-axis milling head (±120° stroke) that features the Capto C8 quick-change tooling system. Power is via a 37 kW motor that rotates at 10,000 rpm. The roller gear cam mechanism that drives the B axis eliminates backlash and is highly rigid, with a torque rating of up to 2700 Nm.

Ultra-fast rapid traverse rates (40 m/min), Y-axis capability (520 mm) and heavy-duty high-precision roller LM guideways further optimise productivity and performance.

The machines are also equipped with servo-driven tool changers (up to 120 tools), with the machines’ ATCs also having their own touchscreen panel for ease-of-use, efficient job set-up and better process reliability. Long boring bar and long tool magazines are available as options.

For further information
www.millscnc.co.uk

Belgrave & Powell, a specialist engineering services group has established a robotics and automation arm within its machine technology group division. Called Addison Robotics & Automation, the new organisation will focus on the growing trend for automation and robotics to improve productivity and manufacturing efficiency in the UK and overseas.

The 22,000 sq ft machine technology group facility in Preston employs over 50 people and comprises machine design and build, robotic demonstration and applications areas, as well as panel build, a fully equipped tool room and machine shop combined with skilled engineers from electrical, mechanical and tooling disciplines.

For further information www.addisonrobotics.co.uk

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, has appointed Martyn Jones as business manager for the Birmingham and West Midlands region. Jones is a seasoned CNC machine-tool sales professional who has acquired over 20 years’ experience in the sector at companies that include Gardner Aerospace, Arrowsmith Engineering and, more recently, as an applications engineer at a machine-tool distributor and area sales manager for a well-known machine-tool manufacturer.

“Mills CNC has an unrivalled reputation in the market for the quality and technical excellence of the Doosan machine tools it sells, and for its well-resourced and industry-leading after-sales and support services,” says Jones. “I’m delighted to have joined such a customer-focused and progressive company, and believe I have the experience, business approach and skill set to make a positive and telling contribution to Mills’ continued growth and success.”

For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

Esprit is unveiling its on-demand CAM training platform, Esprit Learning Center, to the general public. The new portal is an online training platform with on-demand, self-paced training courses created specifically for Esprit CAM programmers. Among the first learning paths available are: ‘New User Milling’, ‘New User Turning’ and ‘New User Mill-Turn’. Each learning path includes five to seven training courses that guide users through several different machine models and part models.

The main purpose for creating discrete online learning paths is to replicate what a student can learn from an on-site training class. Users can learn at their own pace by taking the course anywhere, and at any time. Each learning path also comes with one Esprit student licence for each learner, so users can take the courses at home or in their free time, without interrupting their daily programming or production work.

For further information
www.espritcam.com/learningcenter