In multispindle machining, the longest operation at a given position dictates the time required to make a complex part. Generally, the position dedicated to working on a part’s back end takes the longest time, because just one spindle performs different operations.

To overcome this problem, Tornos Technologies US Corp. (Brookfield, CT) has developed the MultiDECO 20/Sd, an eight-spindle machine with two independent, three-axis backworking stations. In essence, according to the company, it’s a ten-position machine.

In operation, positions one through six are used to work on the front of the part. Every two indexes, two parts are cut off in positions seven and eight. Those parts are then taken by the two independent pickoff spindles, and presented to as many as five tools per part for backworking. In theory, then, if the longest front-work operation is 10 sec, and the backworking position requires 20 sec, cycle time would still be 10 sec.

Further enhancing productivity and quality are the eight independent motorized spindles. Adjustable spindle speeds range from O to 8000 rpm. The RPM is optimized for each position. The goal with the machine is for parts to come off complete, with no secondary operations required other than inspection and washing, ready for packaging and shipping.

Tornos says that as many as 40 parts/min can be produced on the machine, and it maintains part tolerances of 0.0002″ (0.005 mm). Accommodating part diams to 20 mm, the machine can be equipped with a palletizer, or parts may be placed on a conveyor belt. A dedicated bar feeder holds up to 80 bars, and standard tool attachments permit rotary milling, polygon and thread milling, broaching, and cross-drilling operations. Circle 201