Product category:
Pick-up spindle turning, multi-tasking, turning and machining centres
News Release from: Emag Maschinenfabrik | Subject: VTC Production Centres
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 01 October 2004
Four-axis pick-up spindle centres reduce
costs
Inverted pick-up spindle, four-axis turning centres reduce cycle times through the simultaneous loading/unloading in a very compact space for a lower capital outlay.
In 1992, Emag was the first in the world to build a revolutionary vertical turning machine with an inverted main spindle designed as a pick-up work spindle and traversing the main axes This allows the machine to load itself
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 12 Jan 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Pick-up spindle CNC developed for batch turning
Using machine modules from the established VSC vertical pick-up volume production turning machines, Emag has developed the VL variant for batch production.
Emag develops shaft production turning centre
Emag has developed a new machine design platform for machining shaft-type components, and will be unveiled at the forthcoming EMO exhibition in Hannover.
The work spindle chuck collects the workpiece at the pick-up station and conveys it into the machining area.
On completion of the machining process the spindle returns to the pick-up area with the component and deposits it on the outlet conveyor.
With over 5,000 pick-up machines in the field, Emag is the market leader in this new generation of highly efficient, multifunctional Production Centers and complete manufacturing systems for chucked components.
Further reading
Emag Group - a 1990s growth story
From manufacturer of simple turning machines Emag has developed into a supplier of tailor-made solutions to manufacturing problems based on vertical pick-up spindle turn-machining centres.
Pick-up spindle principle now applied to shafts
The HSC series from EMAG: the 'intelligent' machine platform for multi-functional horizontal pick-up turning and production centres for the complete machining of shaft-type components.
Modular grinding platform custom-configured
Horizontal HG CNC machine platform is designed for external cylindrical, out-of-round, face and internal grinding.
They not only turn but also drill, mill, grind, gear cut and allow for the application of laser and other cost-saving process technologies.
In fact, their multifunctional Production Centers made EMAG a trendsetter and the partner of the manufacturing industry in the implementation of modern production techniques.
With its VTC series Emag has now also turned the 4-axis machining of shaft-type components on its head - offering a great many advantages for the user.
The fundamental principle in the development of vertical pick-up machines a decade ago was to design a product that would be of noticeably greater benefit to the customer than the metal cutting machines then known to the market: * 1/3 less capital outlay.
* 1/3 less footprint.
* 1/3 higher output rate.
With its VTC series, the Vertical Turret-Loaded Center, EMAG also turned shaft machining on its head.
This innovation followed the same fundamental principle that led to the success of the vertical turning machines for chucked components.
The cornerstone of the new VTC series, like that of all turning machines and Production Centers from Emag since the end of the 70s, is an exceptionally sturdy machine base in high-grade polymer granite Mineralit.
The superior vibration dampening properties of Mineralit compared to conventional materials, result in a better surface finish and longer tool life.
Spindle motor, main spindle, turret and electrical cabinet are all fluid-cooled.
Its high power rating (29/38kW) and high spindle speeds, and the very sturdy Emag turrets for 40mm shanks make the VTC 250 a highly efficient turning center for 4-axis machining.
Tailstock and steadies are CNC-controlled.
For complete machining, all 11 free positions (in addition to the workpiece gripper) of each turret can be equipped with stationary turning tools or with live tools for drilling and milling.
Workpiece handling - uncomplicated, safe, fast and very cost-effective - the two turrets carry out the simultaneous loading and unloading of raw-parts and finish machined components in the simplest way possible: * The gripper in turret no.
1 picks up the raw-part from its storage section and conveys it to the clamping position, whilst the gripper in turret no.
2 simultaneously picks up the finish machined workpiece from the clamping position, removes it from the machining area and deposits it on the storage conveyor for finished components.
A wide range of applications - it has taken many enterprises only a very short time to opt for this type of production tool to machine short, medium size and long shaft-type components, using steadies for support.
The VTC machines are also increasingly converted to multifunctional Production Centers by including, for instance, end machining operations, such as sizing and centring; or by using multi-spindle drilling heads, etc ...
either prior or subsequent to the 4-axis turning operations - with everything fully automated and being carried out on a single machine, of course.
Cost reductions across the board: * 4-axis machining reduces cycle times.
* Simultaneous loading and unloading of components reduces idle times.
* Vertically mounted main spindle and tailstock, and vertical loading/unloading of the components, make the VTC a compact machine and drastically reduce floor space requirements.
* Integrated load/unload using Emag turrets reduces the capital outlay for automation and peripheral equipment.
* Raw-part and finished component storage systems form an integral part of the machine and reduce the need for monitoring and manual intervention.
Tailstock and steadies are CNC-controlled, and the turrets provide easy access.
This reduces set-up and changeover times.
* Direct-drive machine axes and the latest in control system technology reduce the capital outlay for expensive monitoring and sensory equipment.
* Complete machining reduces the number of set-ups and improves workpiece quality.
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