Heavy duty CNC turning centres are flexible

A range of heavy-duty universal chuck and bar turning centres can be configured and supplied for either 2-axis turning or single set-up, multi-tasking machining operations.

Hardinge Machine Tools has introduced heavy-duty universal chuck and bar turning centres to its multi-tasking range turning centres.

The SR-Series machines are intended for precision manufacturers operating in tough and demanding production environments.

The machines are ideal for low or high volume production.

They can be configured and supplied for either 2-axis turning or single set-up, multi-tasking machining operations.

The SR-Series machines have a rigid cast iron base reinforced with 'Harcrete' polymer composite (synthetic granite).

This combination significantly reduces vibration and, as a consequence, improves workpiece surface finishes (0.25 micron) and increases tool life by up to 30%.

Extra rigidity, stiffness and thermal stability are provided by the machine's wide-spaced, over-size roller guideways.

The roller ways consisting of guide trucks and roller rails reduce friction and enable fast traverse rates to be achieved.

Closed-loop, linear glass scales on the X-axis compensate for thermal growth and result in greater positioning accuracy (5 micron).

* Spindle technology - the SR machines are equipped with powerful main spindles that take heavy turning, drilling and rigid tapping in their 'stride'.

Hardinge spindles have a one-piece construction and are hardened and ground.

They are mounted in a high-strength cast iron headstock which in turn is mounted to the Harcrete reinforced cast iron base.

The Hardinge spindle has a thermo-centric design that reduces the transfer of heat generated by the spindle bearings to the machine's structure - and, in the warm-up phase - allows the spindle head to warm up without affecting the location of the centre-line.

* Turret top plate - a VDI turret top plate is standard on SR machines - irrespective of whether live tooling or Y-axis options have been specified.

The optional ESA (Eppinger Self Alignment) turret, top plate and tooling system provide users with increased tool rigidity.

* Control system - the machines are equipped with Fanuc i control systems which have many multi-tasking features provided as standard -: graphic toolpath display, rigid tapping, tool life management, variable lead thread cutting, and run time and parts counter.

For ease of use and as a failsafe, the machines' advanced, conversational programming system - Manual Guide i - enables the operator to view the generated part program on the machines' display panel which ensures that the intended manufacturing process is proven prior to machining.

The SR machines can be supplied with a range of options depending on manufacturing requirements.

These include the following.

* Sub-spindle (A2-5) - the sub-spindle provides through capability/capacity up to 42mm with 16C collets - and a gripping capacity of 139mm with 150mm jaw chucks or step chucks.

Exact synchronisation between the main and sub-spindles (at any rpm) can be achieved enabling fast part transfer for secondary operations.

* Live tooling - this option is available on VDI 30 and ESA top plates to work on the main or sub-spindle.

Each station can be equipped with a driven tool for cross or end-milling/drilling operations.

* Y-axis - the machines' capabilities and productivity are increased with the Y-axis option which enables users to perform thread milling and complex off-centre mill/drill operations on either the main or sub-spindle.

* Hardinge at EMO 2007, Hannover, Germany, September 17-22, Hall 27, Stand D17.

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