Flexible and Compact Turning Solutions Deliver Powerful Performance
Forward-thinking turning solutions enhance your shop’s metal cutting productivity. The post Flexible and Compact Turning Solutions Deliver Powerful Performance appeared first on Fabricating & Metalworking.
Groundbreaking advances in regard to turning centers and lathes raise the bar when it comes to metal cutting accuracy and precision.
Next Generation Automated Universal Turning for Maximum Productivity
Making its U.S. debut at Chicago Technology Days 2024 was DMG Mori Manufacturing USA’s (Hoffman Estates, IL) NLX 2500|700 2. Generation, which showcased Machining Transformation (MX) and was built on the success of its predecessor, delivering groundbreaking improvements in structure, control, and functionality. Designed for maximum flexibility and autonomy in universal turning, this next-generation turning center enhances the core strengths of the NLX series — stability and precision. The result: reduced throughput times and superior machining quality.
Equipped with high-torque turnMASTER spindles on both the left and right, the NLX 2500|700 2. Generation sets a new standard for heavy-duty machining of complex workpieces. Reinforced box guideways, 55 mm-wide stable roller guides, and double-anchored ball screws ensure exceptional operating rigidity. The newly developed self-correcting spindle sensors near the workpiece elevate milling precision and future-proof the machine for process integration. These innovations, including internally cooled ball screws, further advanced temperature stabilization of machine bed and spindle unit, deliver consistent performance even under demanding conditions.
Additionally, the machine features smartSCALE direct measuring systems for long-term stability and precise drive accuracy. Users can select turret options, including BMT60, BMT40, or VDI40, with up to 20 tool positions. Driven tools achieve speeds up to 12,000 rpm and torques of up to 100 Nm, tailored to diverse machining needs.
With its enhanced features and refined performance, the NLX 2500|700 2. Generation is redefining productivity and quality in turning operations.
New Cost-effective Production Turning Center
INDEX Corp.’s (Noblesville, IN) C200 FANUC is a cost-effective new variant of its highly successful production turning center. Incorporating the INDEX SingleSlide guide system and three turrets to maximize the number of tools simultaneously in the cut, the C200 FANUC provides highly productive, accurate machining. Unique in its design and performance, the INDEX SingleSlide system provides two degrees of movement in one plane. The system is composed of guide strips with a wear- and friction-reduced coating and hardened and surface-treated guide plates. SingleSlide allows for high dynamic response while providing strong damping performance, resulting in lower cycle times, tool life increases of up to 30% and excellent part quality.
The C200 FANUC incorporates three VDI25 turrets that accommodate 14 tools each. The ability to apply all three turrets simultaneously allows for dramatically reduced cycle times. Operators can apply two Y axes to the main spindle or one Y axis on both the main and counter spindles to further optimize the production of complex parts.
NEO Series Offers the New HQR 200/3 and HQR 250/3
Mazak Corp. (Florence, KY) continues to expand its NEO Series of machines with the addition of the new HQR 200/3 NEO and HQR 250/3 NEO Multi-Tasking Turning Centers. Not only are the machines the first multi-tasking machines in the NEO Series line, but they also feature Mazak’s new MAZATROL SmoothG3 control technology.
Both machines have two spindles and three turrets — two upper and one lower — for unequaled DONE IN ONE® part processing opportunities and high-volume throughput in single setups. The drum-style turrets provide 12 or 16 tool positions and rotary tool capability. Main machine spindles handle 4” bar stock while the second spindle is capable of processing bar diameters up to 2.992” (76 mm). The machine easily integrates with available bar feeders and workpiece loaders/unloaders for fully automated operations.
For the HQR 200/3 NEO and HQR 250/3 NEO, Mazak developed its MAZATROL SmoothG3 control to support three-turret machine functionality. The control gives users a clear specific display of the turrets for programming and operational ease of use and to ensure process security. As part of the MAZATROL SmoothG3 control, the machines include Mazak’s Ai Thermal Shield. The function ensures stable machining accuracy through machine-learning-enhanced heat displacement compensation.
Combined Processing Capability in a Compact Body
Machine.
Muratec’s (Charlotte, NC) MWR120 Multi-Tasking Front Twin Spindle CNC Turning Center is a high precision and compact combined processing machine consisting of a twin spindle CNC chucker equipped with Y-axis function. The MWR120 maintains the compact body of the MW Series Twin Spindle CNC chuckers but also incorporates the combined processing capabilities of the MT Series High Productivity Multi-Tasking Machine to create a unique combined processing machine which incorporates the strengths of both series. This machine provides strong support for “future manufacturing” by customers with the high degree of freedom it offers for high variety, low-volume production.
New Horizontal Lathe Designed for Small Parts
Okuma America Corp. (Charlotte, NC) has added the LB2000 EX III to its horizontal lathe lineup.
Equipped with a 140 Flat spindle, the new LB2000 EX III is designed to create finely tuned small parts or complex components when paired with optional MYW* (milling, y-axis, and sub-spindle) offerings. Hallmarks of the LB-EX lathe family include high-accuracy machining partly attributed to the machine’s rigid construction. Additionally, the LB2000 EX III is equipped with a high-power, high-torque PREX motor built to deliver powerful, high-quality machining for heavy and high-speed cutting. This, in combination with Okuma’s Thermal-Friendly Concept, which minimizes thermal growth during the machining process, ensures machining accuracy and thermal stability.
The LB2000 EX III is also equipped with Okuma’s OSP-P500 control, a next-generation open-architecture control designed exclusively for Okuma machines. This next-generation control enables numerous market-leading intelligent machining technologies such as a Windows®-based, open-architecture platform for easy integration to applications on the Okuma App Store and beyond.
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