Kinematic rods move CNC automatics' lathe turrets

In 42mm and 65mm bar twin-spindle lathes, kinematic rods drive X and Y motions of upper and lower turrets whose guideways consist of a cast iron plate sliding over ceramic-coated steel strip.

The UK agent for Index turning machines, Geo Kingsbury, will launch the innovative C-Series of CNC automatics to an audience of British OEMs and subcontractors on 11th and 12th May 2005 at the Index factory in Esslingen, Germany.

The lathes are the first that the manufacturer has built on a flow-line principle, there being 18 stages with one complete machine coming off the line every day.

Anyone interested in attending can obtain details from Paula Carter.

The twin-spindle lathe, available in 42mm and 65mm bar versions, has upper and lower turrets whose guideways consist of a cast iron plate sliding over ceramic-coated steel strips, X and Z motions being effected by kinematic rods behind the bed.

(Both turrets also have a conventionally driven Y-axis.) Another unusual feature is the 2-axis opposed spindle, which is electronically coupled with the lower turret so backworking may be performed while twin-turret front-working is in progress at the main spindle.

This allows three tools in cut simultaneously without recourse to a dedicated back-working tool station.

Back to top