Mill/turn cell has programmable handling

Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team Sep 22, 2005

Integrated 7-axis mill/turning cell development features a fully programmable, automatic workpiece loading and unloading system provides maximum unmanned utilisation.

Extending its highly competitive and cost-effective 'Lights-out' machine package strategy for the top-selling Tornado range of CNC turning centres, new from Colchester Lathe at EMO 2005 is the fully integrated 7-axis turning cell development of the Tornado T6MS that features a fully programmable, APL5000 automatic loading and unloading system.

The Tornado T6MS is a true integrated mill/turning cell devised for maximum utilisation involving unmanned operation.

Now with loading and unloading of components performed by purpose developed automation, that operates within the confines of the machine without additional guarding or fencing, it sets a new standard for economic production at, in true Colchester Lathe tradition, an affordable price.

The automation is fully programmable via teach pendant and operates through the Fanuc 18i-TB control with Manual Guide i software on the machine as standard while being integrated with Colchester Lathe developed automation programs.

As a result, loading sequences are combined with first and second chucking operations with automatic part transfer between main and subspindle for parts up to 80 mm diameter by 100mm long and weighing up to 5kg.

The machine concept involves a loading beam mounted above and onto the headstock and running parallel to the centre line or Z-axis to link component storage at the headstock side of the machine to the cutting zone.

Powered via ballscrew and servo drives a novel rotating arm mechanism carrying two hydraulic chucks handshakes with the user specified material handling systems of either part stockers, carousel, palletising or conveyor systems.

The different types of material and work handling systems are able to manipulate raw material supply to the main spindle and accept the off-load of completed parts from the main or subspindle enabling the production cycle to continue independent of the loading system.

The loading system therefore is able to carry on to complete the handling sequence with the part storage elements and is able to be parked clear of the machine working area to enable normal machine operation.

The Tornado T6MS has a 440mm swing over bed and 220mm maximum turned diameter by 450mm long with a 54mm bar capacity and 130mm chuck size.

The 15kW, 6,000 rev/min main and 5.5kW, 6,000 rev/min subspindle are serviced by a 12 station all-driven tool turret with 3.7kW, 5,000 rev/min drive.

Rapid traverse rates are 30m/min in Z and 25m/min in X.

Maximum stiffness of the machine is achieved via Colchester Lathe's well-proven 'Duo-Stable' construction that uses an encapsulated polymer concrete base fill with a compact cast iron bed to minimise vibration and thermal effects and provide new levels of mill/turning operational consistency.