Product category:
Pick-up spindle turning, multi-tasking, turning and machining centres
News Release from: Emag UK | Subject: Multi-function vertical turning centres
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 March 2007
Workpieces up to 800mm diameter machined
in one
Vertical pick-up spindle (or hanging spindle), multi-function vertical turning centres machine components up to 800mm diameter for small and medium batch production.
The VLC 800 Turning Center, shown at Metav 2006, completely machines workpieces of up to 800mm diameter in a single set-up and thus replaces the vertical turret lathes previously employed for the machining of this size of component The three frame sizes of the VLC - 500, 630 and 800 - reduce waiting and transport times of individual machining processes
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 12 Nov 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Pick-up spindle machines - does the UK lag behind?
Are UK suppliers - particularly automotive sub-contractors - lagging behind Germany and the US in the take-up of pick-up spindle machining and turning centres? The question is put by EMAG UK.
EMAG is a market leader in vertical machining
EMAG has literally turned machining on its head.
The pick-up-principle simplifies automatic loading and unloading of workpieces at almost no extra cost.
They also cut set-up times and floor space requirements, as the number of machines and storage facilities required is reduced.
The resulting flexibility and the integrity of its process capability make the VLC series ideal for the small and medium size batch production.
To accommodate long axis travels and - at the same time - allow ergonomically favourable access to the machining area, the X-axis has been positioned across the operator's access window.
Further reading
EMAG UK - a company profile
Since its foundation in 1984, EMAG UK has established a strong position in the UK automotive market supplying CNC multi-functional production centres.
Turrets feed vertical shaft turning centre
Following on from its earlier horizontal shaft turning machine, Emag has developed a vertical shaft turning machine using two turrets to exchange workpieces as well as perform machining.
Grinding and automation expertise extended
With the integration of Ingersoll Naxos crankshaft grinding machine company into the Emag Group, systems can be developed in conjunction with Karstens, Reinecker, Kopp and Heilig Automation.
With an X-axis travel of 2350mm the VLC 800 also applies the pick-up principle developed by EMAG.
The raw parts are conveyed to and clamped in the spindle and taken to the machining stations in the tooling zone.
The sturdy main spindle with its power rating of maximum 100kW, a torque rate of up to 4300Nm and speeds of maximum 500 rev/min is contained in a quill unit that travels in Z-direction.
The non-friction, wear resistant, play-free hydrostatic guideway for the quill has optimal damping properties.
This minimises tool wear - even when using interrupted cuts - and guarantees an excellent surface finish.
Damping properties result from the machine base cast in Mineralit, a mineral cast compound that has particularly good damping qualities.
Spindle motor, main spindle with quill unit, turret, electrical cabinet and machine base are all fluid-cooled.
A twin-circuit heat exchanger maintains the machine temperature within tight limits of the ambient temperature.
All this allows the VLC turning centers to machine even large workpieces at tolerances in the hundredth millimetre range.
EMAG's well proven modular design of the VLC provides for ample space in the machining area to accommodate equipment for many production requirements.
Possible specifications include one or two fixed turrets that can be optionally equipped with live tools and which can - also as an option - travel a second X-axis.
An optional Y-B-axis unit can be equipped with a drilling or a milling spindle with a tool magazine.
The great stability and precision of these machines also allows for grinding and hard machining operations to be carried out.
Tooth profiles can be machined with a gear hobbing attachment from EMAG-Koepfer.
To ensure that required workpiece tolerances are held, a measuring probe - mounted outside the machining area - can be integrated with the process.
To ensure that a larger number of manufacturing facilities can enjoy the twin-advantages of combined process sequences and process stream consolidation in future, EMAG has further extended its series of vertical turning centres for larger workpieces.
The VLC 1200 is for components of up to 2000kg in weight and a maximum diameter of 1200mm.
EMAG now offers the most comprehensive range of vertical turning centers with fully integrated workhandling and measuring and a multi-functional machining capability.
These machines, which can be expanded - using standard optional equipment - into customised production centers for complete-machining, now allow you to manufacture components of between 10 and 1200mm diameter. Request a free brochure from Emag UK ...
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