Latest version of SprutCAM has a turning module for lathes and mill/turn centres as well as all the features of existing software for programming 3-axis and 3+2-axis machining centresSprutCAM has continued its policy of offering powerful cam software at a realistic price with the launch of SprutCAM 2007.The latest version contains a new turning module for lathes and mill/turn centres as well as all the features of the existing software for programming 3-axis and 3+2-axis machining centres.

In addition, the latest version includes a new job list structure interface, which makes the software even easier to use.

There is also advanced graphical toolpath simulation and collision detection, which is both faster and clearer to give users absolute confidence in the reliability of their cutter paths.

Dave Pearson, managing director of Sprut Technology (UK), said, ‘The addition of the turning module makes SprutCAM 2007 an even more effective package for manufacturers.

The system will make it easy for them to programme all their machines in one system and work towards lean manufacturing by optimizing both their milling and turning methods, while minimizing their levels of software investment.’ The turning cycles within SprutCAM 2007 are extensive and include roughing, groove roughing and finishing, threading, parting off, drilling, tapping and boring.

Working from the stock and the original model of the part, the software continually updates the shape of the component after each turning operation, including changes due to mill/turn operations.

The transparent workpiece graphics make it easy to see how the part is progressing and ensure that subsequent toolpaths consider the actual material remaining, which will avoid collisions and minimize air cutting.

The improved high precision simulation in the latest version will verify both turning and mill/turn operations and provides collision detection and accurate visualization of the toolpath.

As with SprutCAM’s milling packages, and the new completely integrated turning software, toolpath editing provides a powerful means of controlling the exact tool trajectory, while the customisable postprocessor generator and postprocessor library enables users to tailor the CNC code to suit their exact requirements.

Sprut Technology focuses on personal service and support for its customers and has introduced online tools for rapid response to technical queries.

Pearson concluded, ‘SprutCAM 2007 is a completely integrated and seamless system which can import CAD data from leading packages.

It is ideal for both experienced and inexperienced CAM users, enabling them to optimize the productivity of their workshops without extensive training and at an affordable cost, thereby maximizing return on investment’.

* About Sprut Technology (UK) - as the exclusive reseller for SprutCAM in the UK, the company has been offering the software since 2003.

Its customers range from large corporations, which need an easier way to programme their machines, to small engineering companies which would normally find CAM software too expensive.

The software, developed by SprutCAM in Russia, has been designed to be easy to use and cost effective, and is sold in over 40 countries around the world.

Additionally, Sprut Technology (UK) Limited is an agent for the Tryax range of milling machines, which combine economy with rugged design, and it is the sole UK and Ireland reseller for Kompas-3D a parametric three dimensional modelling system developed by Ascon JSC, based in St Petersburg, Russia.

By offering CAM, CAD and machine tools the company is unique in the knowledge, service and experience it can share with its customers.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/sno/sno105.html

Atomic City Tool (ACT), Inc., saw its production volume mushroom after it began making tooling for the hot forging of automotive and non-automotive engine valves. Powered by five Cincinnati Machine horizontal CNC turning centers, ACT has seen a five-fold increase in volume in just over five years of making the valve tooling. So reports Bob Smith, who founded the Oak Ridge, Tennessee company 30 years ago.

The Milacron machines — three Talons and two Avengers — allow ACT to create forge tooling that produces virtually perfect valve geometries and exceptional surface finishes.

ACT turns out 8,000 to 9,000 pieces of disposable/consumable forge tooling each month to meet the production and inventory requirements of two valve manufacturing plants, which together produce over 50 million valves per year. The tools are made from H-10, H-11, H-13, and H-19 steels to many different valve sizes and configurations. All tools are heat-treated, and most are nitrided as well.

The goal of the valve manufacturer is to shape valves to finish form solely through precision forging says Mr. Smith. This optimizes physical integrity of the valve while minimizing processing operations and part costs. However, it places critical demands on tooling.

To precision-shape the valves, ACT creates extrusions and coining tools — essentially forging dies. A valve slug is heated, then pressed into a bore in the extrusion tool to create the valve geometrya round stem flaring out to a broad base. A coining die then shapes the underside geometry of the valve base.

“The tools used in these processes must forge virtually a perfect valve with a forge-finished underhead,” says Mr. Smith. The Milacron turning centers not only “nail” the dimensional geometry — ID, OD, and taper blending — but also achieve a surface finish below 0.8 Ra.

The accuracy and finishes that ACT achieves on the Milacron turning centers have dramatically improved tool life for the valve plants, and eliminated costly finishing operations. “The machines sharply reduce cost per valve, which is the bottom line,” he says.

Tooling ODs range from 0.5 inch to 3.25 inches and lengths from one inch to 9.5 inches. ID stem bores can be as small as 0.2664 inch.

The Talon and Avenger HTCs also hard-turn some finish dimensions after heat-treating and nitriding, all to less than 0.0005-inch tolerance. “With the tools at the top end of the Rockwell C hardness scale, this is real test of turning center’s rigidity and damping ability,” he says, “but repeat-abilities have been excellent.”

Atomic City Tool is a complete tool and die shop, specializing in precision tools, gages, and fixtures for the hermetic motor, synthetic fiber, bearing, stamping, and engine/automotive industries. It serves customers from Pennsylvania to Florida and from the Atlantic Coast to Arkansas. The 35-employee shop is known thoughout the region for its creative machining and for the close tolerances they hold.

Five years ago, ACT won a contract on competitive bidding to produce valve tooling. The tooling was an immediate hit. Volume zoomed, quickly soaking up the capacity of the plant’s existing turning equipment. Faced with a critical need for additional capacity, Mr. Smith and his staff focused on finding proven, versatile turning centers that could meet growing quantity and quality that the customers demanded.

After evaluating CNC turning centers from many major manufacturers, they selected three Talon 208 turning centers from Milacron. The deciding factors were rigidity, horsepower and chucking capacity, says Mr. Smith. He was particularly impressed at its accuracy on the high-hardness materials.

About a year and a half later, again looking to expand their capacity, ACT decided to look at turning centers offering a sub-spindle option. “We realized that the right sub-spindle machine would offer tremendous efficiency on some of our part families,” says Mr. Smith.

ACT evaluated nearly every turning center offering a sub-spindle. “All except the Avenger seemed to be designed for light duty only — little better than a light face cut,” says Mr. Smith. The Avenger has a much more powerful sub-spindle — 8-hp, compared to about 3 hp for other machines.

The Avengers have significantly cut the cycle time on every family of tools run on them. Sub-spindle capability lets ACT handle much of its work with fewer setups and processing operations. “We’re producing many tools in a single operation that used to require two,” says Mr. Smith. “Plus, the Avenger’s horsepower and rigidity let us take deeper cuts in hard steels for the valve tooling.”

The shop runs its Talon and Avenger CNC turning centers 60 hours weekly10-hour shifts, 6 days a week with customer demand steadily rising. Valve tooling has grown to the point where it is now handled as a separate business for the company, says Mr. Smith.

“Over the next five years we’ll likely add three to five additional turning centers and replace our non-Milacron CNC lathesand the new machines will be Talons or Avengers. Buying the Milacron turning centers has proven to be one of my best business decisions. I’ve recommended them to numerous other people in the metalworking business.”

http://www.mmsonline.com/articles/0297bp2.html

RON Mack Machinery, Australia’s premier supplier of specialist metalwork machinery, will display the Goodway GA-330L CNC turning centre.

Goodway is one of Taiwan’s largest manufacturers of CNC lathes, producing in excess of 700 lathes annually. The GA-330L features a swing of 600mm, a maximum turning diameter of 500mm, a turning length of 1200mm, a 12-inch Kitagawa chuck, 90mm bar capacity and 30 hp spindle motor. The GA-330L has a Siemens conversational controller with Shopturn.

Also on display at Austech will be the Australian-made Scalen 970FX. The 970FX leads the hydraulic press brake market with technological advances including the Delem control panel featuring a Windows based operating environment.

The Scalen 970FX features powerful networking functions, high-speed operation allowing greater productivity and improved performance, and advanced design ensuring a hydraulically stable and rigid machine.

Another highlight will be the Mitseiki vertical machining centres. Mitseiki offer versatile heavy duty vertical machining centres that are recognised for their substantial power and large travels. The machines comprise solid four box way construction for heavy-duty cutting and an integrated chip auger allowing no fuss swarf removal.

Other machines featured on the Ron Mack Machinery stand include a FAT TUR MN 560mm x 2000mm CNC lathe, with eight-station turret, 25HP motor, a 105mm spindle bore, and Ficep hydraulic punch and shear machines.

Ron Mack Machinery is at stand G60 in the Austech Pavilion at National Manufacturing Week 2005, in Melbourne, May 10-13.

http://www.ferret.com.au/articles/ee/0c02e2ee.asp

DIMAC Tooling has released a new production dynamics full bore collet chuck that has been used to increase the capacity of hydraulic cylinder production machinery.

The production dynamics full bore collet chuck is a self contained, mechanical grip, air released collet chuck.

The collet chuck was recently installed by QMN Manufacturing to increase the capacity of their eight cnc turning centres. Previously, the turning centres were capable of machining chrome bars to only 70mm bore sizes, but after the installation of the chuck, the same machines were able to machine 82mm bore sizes.

The way in which the bar is held in fast full bore collet chucks has an effect on machining time, accuracy and repeatability of the operation. The actuation, typically in less than 1s, allows the bar stock to be advanced without stopping the spindle, which reduces the cycle time compared with traditional tooling.

The full bore chucks also enable use of the spindle capacity by eliminating draw-tube components, true diameter length positioning and open on-the-fly-capacity at any turning speed.

The mechanical grip, air actuation does not require any external actuators since the actuator is built in. Air is used only to open the chuck as spring force holds the work piece while it is being machined.

The part remains clamped even if the air pressure is lost while the clamping force is easily adjustable by using the spanner holes in the front of the collet.

http://www.ferret.com.au/articles/d8/0c01c2d8.asp

Hardinge Inc. has zeroed in on turning machines with chucks in the 6-in. to 10-in. range with the introduction of its SR and RS series of turning centers. According to the company, both machine types address common shortcomings, such as low torque, horsepower and rigidity, among turning centers in that part-working range.

Increased horsepower and torque highlight Hardinge’s SR Series of universal chuck and bar-type turning centers.

The SR Series of heavy-duty multitasking CNC universal chuck and bar-type turning centers includes the SR 150, SR 200 and soon-to-be-released SR 250. The machines sport 33 percent more torque and horsepower, and 35 percent more speed, than any of Hardinge’s (www.hardinge.com) previous turning centers. Other innovations center around machine top plates and tailstocks.

Spindles on the SR 150 6-in. jawchuck (2-in. bar capacity) machines pack 20 hp, 200-ft-lb torque and 6,000 rpm, while spindles on the SR 200 8-in. jaw-chuck (2.5-in. bar capacity) models have 30 hp, 270 ft-lb torque and 4,500 rpm. SR 250 10in. jaw-chuck machine spindles will deliver 35 hp and 450-ft-lb torque.

Hardinge has made its Eppinger ESA 12-station machine top plates more robust than ever, and they permit zero clearance and hands-free set up. The top plates allow shops to adjust every tool station so that they are exactly on centerline with the machine’s spindle. Hardinge said no other builder offers such capability.

Hardinge re-designed the machines’ tailstocks, and increased their stiffness by 37 percent. SR 250s also feature servo-driven tailstocks with built-in centers for additional functionality, such as if a shop wanted to lock the machine’s spindle in place and use the tailstock as a drilling axis.

RS Series super-precision turning centers are collet-ready-spindle versions of the SR machines. Hardinge said it has added vibration control, thermal stability and accuracy to have the RS machines deliver superior part roundness, surface finish and statistical process control (SPC) capabilities. Models in the series include the RS 42 with a 1.625-in. bar capacity, RS 51 having a 2-in. bar capacity and RS 65 with a 2.5-in. bar capacity.

Super precision RS models generate part surface finishes of 8 micro-in., part roundness ranging from 0.000015 in. to 0.000025 in. depending on the model, and continuous machining accuracies (total variation on diameter) of 0.0002 in.

Besides sharing common design features, both the SR and RS machines are built for hard turning/milling parts that have hardnesses to 90 Rc. Hardinge said the machines’ are built with its Harcrete-reinforced cast iron bases that provide the necessary rigidity and damping for improved tool life when carrying out such operations.

http://www.americanmachinist.com/304/Issue/Article/False/52789/

A fourth axis, in this case a “Y” axis, is said to come close to transforming this Mazak machining center into an almost universal metalcutting machine tool. The machine is the Mazak Integrex 50 CNC turning center incorporating the capabilities of machining centers. As is the case with many CNC turning centers on the market, the Integrex machines have three axes: Z axis, parallel with the spindle centerline for most turning and boring work; X axis, perpendicular to the spindle centerline for facing, plunge form cutting and for drilling, counterboring and so on, parallel to the Z axis, and the C axis, which is the rotary axis created by the spindle turning in continuous feed or index modes.

To mill a flat on the workpiece, there has to be simultaneous control of the C axis for rotation and the X axis for up and down (in and out of the cut). As the C axis begins to move counterclockwise, the cutting tool is at its farthest point from the centerline. Simultaneously with the C axis motion, the tool must feed into the cut, and continue to feed until it reaches the midpoint of the flat. At that point, the cutter begins to move back up until it reaches the other end of the flat, at a point equidistant from the centerline as was the starting point.

Stephen Ernst, Mazak applications engineer describes the problem. “This integration of the two axes simultaneously often generates a “flat” that is either slightly concave or slightly convex. The process with the Y axis, however, is entirely different and much simpler. Now, the C axis radially positions the part, holds that position, and then the cutting tool, feeding in the Y axis, simply mills straight across the part, generating a perfect flat. This takes a fraction of the time to program, generates a true flat and nearly always does it in less time than the C/X axes method. This ability can also be used to generate combinations of flats, such as squares (index 90 degrees on the C axis), hexagonal (index 60 degrees), and so on.

The Y axis also makes it simple to do off-center work, such as drill, bore and/or tap off-center holes. For example, on the milled flat previously described, a drill could be moved in the Y axis toward one end of the flat and then fed in the X axis to complete the holethen moved off center at the other end to repeat the operation. With ±4 inches travel (±5 inches on the model 70) the range for off center work is extensive.

Mr. Ernst and his associates are at work on a project for a customer who intends to machine camshafts in small lots. Although this is not a logical operation for a high-production cam milling machine, he plans to do it on his Integrex.

This assignment obviously requires a more complex solution than that for milling flats. This can be accomplished in two ways. In trials, Mazak has done both ways. First, in end milling, the cutting tool must always be perpendicular. So, when milling the cam contour using the C and X axes simultaneously, only a ball-nosed end will do the job; otherwise the tool would be perpendicular only on the concentric-circle portion of the camnot on the lobe. It takes about ten passes to turn the roughed blank into a “finished” shape, which then must be rough and finished ground.

The second way to generate a cam contour is to use the C, X and Y axes, simultaneously. Now users can use an end mill with indexable inserts, and the cam geometry will be generated in a single pass. The Y axis cross motion keeps the cutting tool perpendicular to the cut at all times. It is said to generate a better surface, requiring less severe grinding, and it is done in about one-tenth of the time it took with the ball-nosed tool.

The constantly perpendicular is important in other operations as well. An example would be machining a keyway along the Z axis. Using the C axis for position and the X/Z axes for machining, the cutter width must be equal to the desired width of the groove. Otherwise, if the user indexes C to make a wider groove, that new wall will be slanted, not vertical. Use the Y-axis reposition to assure perpendicularity, and all walls are straight and vertical.

Mazak managers report that customers are finding that the additional capability of the Y axis of the Integrex offers them to produce more complex parts, and complete them in a single setup

http://www.mmsonline.com/articles/0995bp2.html

When Hardinge Inc. (Elmira, New York) designed its new “flagship” line of multitasking CNC turning centers, it paid particular attention to the turret tooling top plate. On this type of machine, the top plate plays such a critical role that it can be either a weak link or major strong point. Well aware of this, the company chose a turret style that features a self-aligning top-plate configuration. This turret top plate system is integrated on the RS-Series of multitasking turning centers with a “collet-ready” spindle and is available on the SR-Series multitasking turning centers for universal chuck and bar work.

top-plate style tool turret
This top-plate style tool turret was designed for hard milling and hard turning on high-end CNC turning centers such as the Hardinge RS-Series and SR-Series multitasking machines.
What made the designers so conscious of the top plate’s importance was the experience of the firm that developed this turret design. That firm, Eppinger GmbH, is a German tooling manufacturer originally founded as a maker of static toolholders for lathes. During the last 20 years, the company shifted its focus to live tooling for CNC turning centers. Along the way, Eppinger acquired several Super-Precision Quest turning centers from Hardinge to do hard turning. The turning centers were equipped with VDI tooling top plates, which are commonly found on this type of machine. According to Uwe Eppinger, company president, this application was quite successful.

However, the company discovered that, as effective and flexible as VDI-style tooling is, something more was needed to take machining of hardened materials to the next level of precision and productivity. The VDI system, which is based on a standard that defines a tool shank and matching machined pocket, did not lend itself to extreme hard-milling and hard-turning applications with live tooling in a multitasking environment. Greater rigidity and more precise alignment were called for.

Drawing on its firsthand understanding of these machining challenges, the
Toolholder bodies
Toolholder bodies feature a keyway that interfaces with the turret top plate. This design allows the cutting tool position to be adjusted for alignment with the spindle centerline.
company developed a new concept for tool-turret design. Rather than relying on the machined tool pockets to position the toolholder body, the design uses a zero-clearance key system. Each of the turret’s 12 stations has a key used to move it along Y axis for a virtually perfect alignment with the centerline of the main spindle. In turn, each toolholder body is positioned with a keyway that is pulled against the key on the top plate. The key makes contact with only one side of the keyway so that key and keyway clearance is not a factor in positioning accuracy. A pushbutton on the top plate activates the gripper retention knob for “hands-free” tool installation. The four bolts that attach the toolholder body to the backplate’s ground surface provide rigidity while tightly locking in the precise positioning, the company says

The toolholder bodies are designed to interface with the company’s modular tooling system. Called Preci-Flex (for precision flexibility), this system features interchangeable components. In each toolholder body, the spindle-collet seats have a ground spindle nose with four threads. The spindle of the toolholder body accepts either a traditional ER collet or an adapter with a cone-face contact that is the same shape as a collet. The adapter is bolted down under the spindle and sits in the ER seat, so it has contact with the ground spindle nose. According to the company, this results in high repeatability and a very rigid connection between the adapter and the spindle.

With the adapter, the cutting tool can be clamped and preset outside the machine while the toolholder body remains attached to the top plate. Cutting tools and adapter assemblies can be exchanged quickly and still achieve highly repeatable positioning with low runout. Precise alignment of the toolholder bodies combined with the low runout of the adapters prolongs tool life because cutting conditions are highly consistent whether turning or milling hardened materials, the company says. In addition, each station can be equipped with a driven tool for cross or end milling/drilling operations.

As a Hardinge customer, Eppinger was eager to share its new turret technology with the machine tool builder. Because of the system’s apparent advantages, Hardinge was equally interested in integrating this turret design on its new CNC turning centers. The Eppinger Self Alignment (ESA) turret is supplied on an exclusive basis as a standard feature for the RS-Series and as an option on the SR-Series.

The two companies concur that the ESA turret complements the capabilities of the new Hardinge multitasking turning centers for which it was designed. The RS-Series machines are intended for hard milling and hard turning complex workpieces in one setup. They feature a collet-ready ground spindle and linear guideways. The series comprises two ranges: three Super-Precision models with overall axis repeatability of 0.00003 inch/0.76 micron, and three general precision models with overall axis repeatability of 0.00005 inch/1.27 micron. Available in two sizes, the SR-Series machines are positioned as heavy-duty “chuck-and-bar” turning centers. The design includes roller guideways and oversized ballscrews. Featuring a 150- or 200-mm three-jaw chuck for applications requiring high horsepower (as much as 30 hp) and high torque (as much as 270 foot-pounds), the models mark the company’s entry into the market for chucking machines in this size range.

http://www.mmsonline.com/articles/0607rt1.html

Of six CNC lathes to be shown at the forthcoming EMO, Miyano will demonstrate three new CNC turning centres that offer flexibility, ease of use and unmanned running

Miyano will be exhibiting six machines at the forthcoming EMO exhibition. Following on from R and D and customer development programmes, Miyano has launched three new machines that focus on flexibility, ease of use and unmanned running. Developed from the phenomenal success of the Miyano BNJ-42 series that has seen over 60 of these turning centres installed in the UK since 2004, the company will launch the BNJ-51SY2 7-axis turning centre.

This machine with its 51mm capacity answers customer requests for a larger BNJ turning centre.

The new BNJ-51SY2 is equipped with a state-of-the-art Fanuc 32i-A control whilst all turret positions accommodate driven tooling with tool monitoring as standard.

Also shown for the first time in Europe since its world premiere at Jimtoff in November 2006, will be the BNE-51SY5.

Enhancements discussed with customers’ only months ago are now standard on this 8-axis turning centre.

With four machines already sold in the UK, the BNE-51SY5 has load monitoring, presetter option, improved lubrication, a Fanuc 31i control and all turret positions driven.

Destined to be a success, the BNE-51SY5 has an extended Z-axis stroke on the bottom turret allowing ease of overlapping on each spindle for enhanced productivity and flexibility.

With the first two launches tailored to the requirements of the European machine tool market, the third product launch is a 14-axis turning cell that has been developed by a driving global need for the manufacture of complex components.

The world premiere of this machine at EMO will be the launch pad for a new generation of turning centre that delivers exceptional flexibility.

This flexibility and enhanced productivity will be derived from Y- and B-axis machining that can be conducted simultaneously on the main and sub-spindle.

From the extensive research conducted by Miyano regarding customer demands, features on the new range for enhancing unmanned machining will include part off breakage detection, tool monitoring, microfine swarf conveyors and sub spindle wash features.

The focus is also upon ease of use and reduced set-up times.

Alongside these new developments at EMO will be the already proven and successful technology of the Miyano ABX-51TH Three turret turning centre, the BX-26 sliding spindle lathe together with the MTV-T331 drill and tapping centre.

For enthusiasts of ground breaking technology that cannot make it to EMO to witness these new products, Macro CNC machine tools will be holding an Open House in October to show these products to the UK marketplace.

For further details of the products at EMO, come and visit us or alternately contact Macro CNC for more information on the October Open House.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/mau/mau116.html

The company offers a medium sized, 45-degree slant bed CNC turning center with box ways on all axes. This center is said to be more powerful than the company’s previous models because it uses an alpha P50i (30 kW / 40 hp) spindle motor. An additional, high torque option uses the alpha P30 motor and gearbox drive (37 kW / 49 hp). The machine’s tubular design with crossed ribs offers rigidity, while the motor mount reduces vibration for increased production.

It is also said that the medium-sized model offers increased capacity. The machine features a standard 12″ chuck with increased though-hole size for a 3.5″ bar capacity, or an optional 15″ chuck with 4.5″ bar capacity. The maximum turning diameter is 600 mm with a maximum swing diameter of 720 ram. The machine also features a Z axis that is available from 1,100 mm to 3,100 mm and suited for cutting long parts.

For more productivity, the machine has an increased feed rate: X-15 m/min and Z-20 m/min. It also offers a 12-tool turret indexing time of 1.1 seconds.

Additional features of the turning center include a double-pivoting operator panel for easy access to the machine; a built-in way cover wash; and lubrication oil that is separated from the coolant.

http://cnc-info.blogspot.com/search/label/cnc%20turning

When Dairy Pipe Lines (United Kingdom), a hygienic valve manufacturer, wanted to incorporate additional CNC turning efficiency and capacity into its Saffron Walden (Essex, England) facility, it selected a trio of Kia turning centers from Hyundai-Kia Machine (East Rutherford, New Jersey).

The three machines—a Super Kia Turn 28LB and two 21LMB turning centers—were installed primarily as replacements for older machines, but the company soon discovered that because of the machines’ high productivity levels, an additional CNC lathe could be removed from service and relocated to a sister company’s site.

With a history dating back to the 1890s, the company originally manufactured brass and gun metal valves and fittings for London’s breweries and dairies. Since its beginning, Dairy Pipe Lines (DPL) has developed a range of hygienic valves for the food, dairy, brewing and soft drinks industries, where quality of manufacture and confidence in product performance are key concerns. The company is also making inroads into the pharmaceuticals industry where stringent hygiene standards are also a concern.

The diverse nature of the modern fluids-handling market has led to the development of a range of product types including seat, butterfly, ball, non-return, relief, plug and diaphragm valves. DPL’s policy of continuous product development also means that it has to constantly review its manufacturing processes.

“Valves and actuators continue to represent an increasing share of our
Complete with a C axis, live tooling, subspindle and a 65-mm spindle bore, Super Kia Turn 21LMB turning centers were primarily installed to replace older machines.
Complete with a C axis, live tooling, subspindle and a 65-mm spindle bore, Super Kia Turn 21LMB turning centers were primarily installed to replace older machines.
manufacturing capacity, and significant investment in CNC machines has enabled us to continually achieve more efficient production targeted at meeting market demands,” says Managing Director Steve Sharp.

“This is highlighted by the recent purchase of the Hyundai-Kia machines. While they were partly bought as replacements for older machines, we were also looking for additional efficiency and to expand our manufacturing capacity.”

Complete with a C axis, live tooling, subspindle and a 65-mm spindle bore, the two Super Kia Turn 21LMB turning centers offer a main 15/11 kW spindle motor that produces 25 to 4,000 rpm, while the 3.7/2.2 kW subspindle reaches 30 to 6,000 rpm. The 12-station bidirectional turret has a driven tool speed range of 20 to 4,000 rpm generated by a 3.7/2.2 kW motor.

According to Manufacturing Manager Mark Edwards, the company wanted a “value-for-money” CNC lathe with live tooling specifically for the face drilling of flanges. Most of the work undertaken so far on the Kias has been batch work on stainless steel forgings and billets. The tough machining properties of stainless steel also led DPL to opt for high-pressure coolant delivery systems on the machines, which helps to remove swarf from the machining zone.

With maximum turning lengths and diameters of 530 mm and 255 mm respectively, the 21LMBs have a swing over the bed of 550 mm. Rapid traverse rates are 36 m/min. The 21LMB also boasts a series of high specification standard features, including a torque limiter on the X and Z axes, a Q-Setter for quick tool compensation, a 210-mm three-jaw hollow spindle hydraulic chuck on the main spindle and a main and sub-parts catcher.

Because DPL is accredited to BS EN ISO 9001: 2000, the importance of quality criteria is another reason for selecting the Hyundai-Kia machines. “Surface finish down to half a micron is commonplace on components of this nature,” Mr. Edwards states. “I’m pleased to say we don’t see any rejects from the Kia machines.”

Part of DPL’s mission statement highlights its ambition to be the United Kingdom’s largest manufacturer of hygienic flow equipment. With the three Kia machines now pulling their weight, there seems little reason to doubt that the company is well on its way.

“The machines are very reliable,” Mr. Sharp says. “Overall, the whole project has been a success. We did our homework and put a lot of effort into researching the market, and we feel we have gotten our rewards.”

http://www.productionmachining.com/articles/0106cip2.html