Eighteen machining options

The wide cross-section of machines on display should have something of appeal to anyone involved in metal cutting, whether they are a small sub-contract machine shop, toolroom or large OEM.

Representing XYZ ProtoTRAK controlled range of mills are the XYZ EMX, SMX 2000, SMX 2500, SMX SLV, SMX 3500 and the largest machine in the range the SMX 5000. This mix of turret and bed mills provide the option of manual operation or CNC control via the ProtoTRAK system with up to three-axes capable of being precisely controlled by the control system.

The smallest machine in the range, the XYZ EMX, has a 3hp (2.25kW) spindle and a table size of 1,069mm by 228mm. At the other end of the scale the SMX 5000 bed mill features a 7.5hp (5.75kW) spindle and a table size of 1,930mm by 356mm. Key to the success of the XYZ mill range, though, is the use of the ProtoTRAK EMX and SMX controls, whose simplicity and efficiency maximises productivity whether producing a one-off component or small to medium sized batches.

In a similar vein the ProtoTRAK controlled lathe range is also well represented on the XYZ stand with the SLX 1630, SLX 355, SLX 425 and SLX 555. These machines cover between centre distances of 760mm through to 3,000mm with swing over the bed ranging from 360mm to 560mm.

Completing the ProtoTRAK controlled machine line up are the XYZ LPM and XYZ 2-OP. Both machines have been designed to maximise spindle run times and improve overall manufacturing efficiencies for customers. The LPM (Lean Production Machine) is a machining centre that is both a logical step up from, or can also run alongside the XYZ ProtoTRAK controlled milling range when volumes move from prototype to production levels. Programs can be transferred from the ProtoTRAK SMX control to the ProtoTRAK PMX control without any alteration.

Another key feature of the LPM is its use of dedicated precision location points machined into its bed. This allows fixtures to be positioned accurately and secured using the Jergens Ball Lock system.

Like the LPM the design and concept of the XYZ 2-OP portable vertical machining centre is changing how companies go about maximising their productivity. The XYZ 2-OP is aimed at relieving pressure on more expensive spindles and freeing up labour hours, with its portability allowing manufacturing cells to be created anywhere in the factory. Running machine tools in this way reduces cycle time, improves productivity, profitability, and is nothing new to high volume manufacturers, but it has always been difficult to justify in low to medium volume scenarios. With the XYZ 2-OP all of those barriers are removed and any business can benefit from the efficiencies of cellular manufacturing, such as maximising available labour hours, reducing work in progress, and significantly improving productivity through reduced component Takt time. Control is via the TMX version of the ProtoTRAK control, which allows simple programs to be created at the machine using canned cycles, using the conversational system familiar to any existing ProtoTRAK users.

Beyond its ProtoTRAK controlled range of machines the manufacturer also provides a wide range of machining centres and turning centres fitted with the Siemens control system. Its machining centre range from the small, but highly capable Mini Mill 560 with its 15hp/8,000rpm spindle and axis travels of 560mm x 400mm x 500mm through to the heavyweight XYZ 3010 VMC, which weighs in at 25 tonnes and has axis travels of 3,000mm x 1,000mm x 800mm. The range will be represented at MACH by the Mini Mill 560, the XYZ 710 VMC and the XYZ 1060HS.

When it comes to turning the XYZ range is equally diverse with the small, but highly capable Compact Turn 52 as the entry level machine with a 20hp spindle and a footprint from just 1,700mm x 1780mm through to oil country lathes with up to 16,000mm between centres and swing over the bed of 2,200mm. The range will be highlighted at the NEC by the XYZ Compact Turn 52 and XYZ TC320 LTY turning centre.

Concluding the machines on show from XYZ are those that will be displayed on its Education stand in Hall 4. Education is a growing market for the company and its range of manual, ProtoTRAK and Siemens controlled machines are proving popular with schools, colleges and universities, with over 200 education establishments being XYZ customers.

XYZ MACHINE TOOLS www.xyzmachinetools.com
Hall 5, Stand 5661
Hall 4, Stand 4991