Turnkey and automation advances

The ‘where technology talks’ themed stand will feature nine fully operational high end machining centres, six of which are being featured for the first time in the UK along with two Halter robotic loading and unloading systems – also first time exhibits for UK visitors.

A range of live demonstrations will be running on Chiron, Nakamura-Tome, Stama, Quaser and Hardinge machines with the Halter ‘Load Assistant’ automation systems also operational. In addition a further four Hardinge machines along with a Quaser are being demonstrated on other exhibitors stands at the exhibition.

On show for the first time from Chiron will be the FZ12 FX FlexCell Uno. The machine offers versatility, is able to operate in high/medium volume manufacturing environments and undertake complex machining operations of true 5-axis forms and tight geometries with high process stability. As standard the FZ12FX FlexCell Uno is equipped with a 2-axis tilt rotary table and Siemens NC-control and is a machine well suited to lights out machining.

Three Nakamura-Tome turning centres are featured one of which, the NTRX-300, makes its UK exhibition debut. Described as a fusion between a 5-axis machining centre and a lathe, the NTRX 300 is a heavy-duty multi-tasking machine offering single set up capability for machining complex, high value components.

It features 5-axis capability on both of its twin opposed spindles and an upgradeable 8,000rpm milling head with a 30kW cutting power available for shaft turning. Other features include the Y-axis stroke capability of 250mm around the spindle centre line, the B-axis with a 225° rotation, a maximum workpiece turning length of 1,150mm and the distance between spindle centres of 1,350mm. The NTRX is exceptionally stable due to its bed design and rigidity and the exhibition demonstration machine features an 80mm through bore bar capacity. A smaller 65mm bore is standard although larger options are available.

The AS 200 turning centre is single turret mill/turn centre offering powerful machining performance at a competitive price. The centre features high performance milling on the Y-axis, a 15 or 12/24 station turret and is equipped as standard with NT Work Navigator permitting component coordinates to be set via the control – a Fanuc CNC.

At MACH this machine will be fitted with a Halter Load Assistant load/unload unit which uses a Fanuc robot arm with the Halter smart control and smart loading system to demonstrate optimised workpiece loading and unloading. The Load Assistant features conversational robot programming and is ideal for manufacturers operating small and medium CNC lathes and machining centres.

The third machine from Nakamura will be the popular WT-150II turning centre, a multi-turret, multi-tasking lathe built for production environments. It is a compact, high rigidity machine with upper and lower independent slides to eliminate vibration between operations and features a Nakamura SmartX control and integral software offering productive process monitoring.

Stama, the specialist in advanced four and 5-axis machines for heavy-duty machining applications will be featuring its MC538 Twin equipped with HSK 100 tooling for heavy-duty machining applications.

Twin Technology offers highly productive complete machining, fast changeover and flexible response to variations. Twin is only employed in double spindle machining centres giving increased production in the same footprint with high thermal and mechanical stability and rigidity. Manufacturing solutions with Twin technology can also be flexibly automated. Features include defined loading positions and interfaces for robot or gantry loader systems and an integrated handling system for workpiece and tools, which offer high productivity, reliability and availability. At MACH the large, heavy-duty HSK 100 tools on the MC538 will be demonstrated at full capability manufacturing steel callipers.

Two Quaser VMC machines are being featured – the MV235 and the MK603S. The MV235 offers high-speed, high power machining with large X and Y travels in a compact footprint. This machine will feature a Maxia 15,000rpm BT 50 taper spindle and 20 bar through coolant. It will be equipped with Nikken CNC260B toolholders.

The Quaser MK603S is a third generation full production VMC offering an exceptional working capacity with proven high productivity and reliability. The machine at MACH will feature a vertical pallet change, 15,000rpm spindle and linear scales on the X-,Y- and Z-axes.

Finally on the ETG stand there will be two new machines from Hardinge: the SP GT27 Turn Grind is a precision lathe which can be equipped with up to three grinding spindles that makes the machine ideal for producing high quality, high precision parts depending on the machine configuration.

The Hardinge XR1000 is a high performance, high specification VMC that features a large workpiece capacity coupled with high performance spindle technology. The machining envelope is an impressive 1,200 x 600mm and the 25hp (18.5kW) 12,000rpm spindle from Weiss features a new grease replenishing system. This machine will also be fitted with a Halter Load Assistant load/unload unit to demonstrate optimised productivity through workpiece loading and unloading.

ETG www.engtechgroup.com
Hall 5, Stand 5630/Hall 4, Stand 4318