Extra axes raise sliding head lathe flexibility

A seven-axis, 21-tool CNC sliding head automatic lathe now has an X-2 axis on the back spindle and back tool post that further improves machining flexibility.

The latest Type VII version of Citizen's most successful world launch of CNC sliding head automatic lathes, the seven-axis up to 21 tool A20, will be demonstrated at the UK's MACH 2008 machine tool exhibition.

The lathe has a new X-2 axis on the back spindle and back tool post that further improves machining flexibility.

The arrangement enables simultaneous cutting with two tools on the front and back ends of a component.

The machine also has the benefit of built-in 8,000 rev/min spindle and sub-spindles and improved rapid traverse rates from 18m/min to 32m/min.

With four, 6,000 rev/min driven tools available as standard, one is also able to be interchanged to accept face, rotary or slitting style tools.

The original A20 was an immediate success with its heavier duty cast construction almost doubling the weight of a typical 20 mm capacity machine, said NC Engineering to manufacturingtalk.com.

Not only did this enable heavier cuts to be taken, it improved vibration absorption when milling and created very effective thermal displacement characteristics giving a more consistent production platform over extended periods and especially when running unmanned.

Also very important to users was the benchmarking of a high specification machine in a ready-to-run package requiring a lower capital outlay.

The Citizen A20-VII continues the same value for money theme with higher flexibility for machining parts up to 165mm long with an installed 'ready-to-run' price of GBP 75,000.

This package price includes a 3m Iemca bar feed unit, a workpiece conveyor, delivered and commissioned.

Sandvik Coromant's QS quickchange tool system, developed in conjunction with Citizen, is also a standard feature.

This system enables utilisation of the machine to be improved with tools changed in just 40s.

* Right or left hand main spindle layouts - the Citizen A20-VII is available in left and right hand main spindle formats giving higher flexibility for factory layout.

An 'on-the-shopfloor' installation deal from NC Engineering includes full training to enable the customer to maximise the return on the investment.

Both the main and sub-spindles are built-in avoiding the use of belt drives.

The main spindle is powered by a 3.7kW drive and the subspindle by a 1.5kW unit with both spindles having maximum speeds of 8,000 rev/min and full C-axis.

The modular toolholder configuration will hold up to five turning tools.

There are also four front end tools and eight positions for back end machining that can be split into four tools on each side of the spindle.

There are four 6,000 rev/min driven tools powered by 0.75kW motors positioned by a Fanuc-based Series 32i control that incorporates the Citizen developed 'Streamline Control' software technology.

Not only does this high speed processing software very successfully reduce idle or non-cutting times and improve productivity through the use of overlapped sequences, it introduces new levels of programming and operational flexibility, said NC Engineering.

* NC Engineering at MACH 2008, NEC, Birmingham, UK, April 21-25, Hall 5, Stand 5260.

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