Spanish acquisition

The machine tool range has been selected by Leader CNC due to its excellent build quality, competitive pricing and technical advantages over more conventional multi-axis CNC lathes. Since becoming the UK representative at the end of 2009, Leader CNC has already sold its first machine – a Unamuno Optima 36 simultaneous multi-tool turning centre.

The customer, Wakefield-based Aqua Mist Fire Protection – one of the UK's leading companies in low pressure water mist technology - purchased an Optima 36. The new acquisition has been employed to produce components for water mist V sprinklers, low pressure systems and general water mist applications.

The Optima range is available with three variants – the Optima 36, 42 and 50. With six axes and 22 tool positions that includes eight positions on the 3-axis upper slide and a 2-axis gang slide with up to 14 tools, the Optima permits seven tools to be used on the main spindle with another seven on the sub-spindle. As an option, customers can acquire the Optima machine with indexing and power tooling on the gang and upper slides for complex component manufacture and improved productivity.

Optima 36, 42 and 50 machines have a respective 36, 42 and 50mm diameter capacity that is matched by the sub-spindle capacities. This is supported by power and rigidity that allows end users to divide operations between the main and sub-spindles, enabling end users to overlap up to three operations simultaneously using axis super imposition. With customers now utilising simultaneous milling and drilling processes, productivity is significantly improved.

This rigid and powerful machines are said to provide excellent surface with high levels of accuracy and repeatability. The construction of the Optima range enables it to conduct heavy machining operations as well as the most intricate and difficult-to-machine components.

The range permits simultaneous overlapped machining on the main spindle with a 2-axis gang slide that turns the component front profile while simultaneously using the 3-axis upper slide to machine the rear profile to significantly reduce cycle times.

As well as offering simultaneous overlapped main spindle machining, the Optima also enables overlapped machining on the sub spindle. The 3-axis upper slide machines the front of the next part in the main spindle whilst cutting the previous part with the gang slide.

Taking this capability one step further, the Optima is set-up to permit three simultaneously overlapped processes. The 3-axis upper slide and the front tool in the gang slide can machine the next component whilst using the superimposed feed with the sub-spindle and rear gang slide tool, the previous part is machined at the same time. The option of motorised tool stations enables the end user to increase the scope of the Optima to conduct additional milling operations and in most instances eliminate secondary machining processes. With simultaneous overlapped milling on the primary spindle using a motorised tool unit, the gang slide can mill the front of the part whilst using the 3-position motorised tool unit in the 3-axis upper slide to conduct pocket milling. This concept reduces the need for secondary operations on machining centres.

The motorised option also allows three motorised operations to overlap on the main and sub-spindle. The Optima can conduct tapping from the 3-axis upper slide in the previous part whilst the front rotary tool in the gang slide drills holes in the face of the next component. At the same time the rear rotary tool drills the previous part using the superimposed feed on the sub-spindle.

The ability to produce complex components and cycles is simplified by the Mitsubishi 730 multi-axis ISO control or the interactive touchscreen PC control. Optima machines come complete with part unloader, coolant tank and swarf conveyor.

Leader CNC
www.leadercnc.co.uk