Product category:
CNC automatic lathes
News Release from: Star Micronics GB | Subject: Star SB-16 CNC sliding head automatic lathe
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 17 July 2003
A machine to start into CNC sliding head
turning
An entry-level CNC sliding head lathe aimed at first time entrants is also suitable also for existing users that need a cost-effective machine to produce fairly complex small diameter parts.
Two sliding-headstock lathes from the Japanese manufacturer, Star, will be launched in Europe at the Milan EMO this year, although one has already been previewed in the UK at the April open house held by UK subsidiary, A and S Precision Machine Tools, Melbourne That machine is the SB-16, an entry-level lathe aimed at first time entrants to CNC sliding-headstock turning, and suitable also for existing users that need a cost-effective machine to produce relatively small diameter parts of medium complexity
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 14 May 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Roger Innes of Inro says that he has based his company's rapid growth over the last three years mainly on the purchase of Japanese-built Star CNC lathes through A and S Precision
Says Bob Hunt, managing director of A and S Precision, "If an OEM or subcontractor in the electronics or dental instrument sectors, for example, know that they are never going to machine components over 16 mm diameter, this early entry model could be an ideal, cost-effective solution.
"The new Star SB-16 is perfect for those types of user, as well as any company whose capital investment must be around GBP 55,000 including the bar magazine.
Being the sole UK agent for FMB, Germany, we fit this manufacturer's Minimag as standard to complete the cell." There is considerable capability built into the new lathe.
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Two new bar magazines capable of increasing the productivity of an automatic turning machine by typically 10 percent have been introduced to Britain and Ireland by A and S Precision
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The comprehensive specification includes a gang tool post for six turning tools plus two live stations at the right hand end, while there is the option to have five turning and three driven tools.
In either case, the machine additionally has a sleeve holder deploying four stationary front end-working tools and up to four similar rear-working tools for use after component pick-off in the sub spindle.
The 2.2/3.7kW main spindle power delivers a maximum speed of 10,000 rpm.
It is provided with 15 degree indexing for use in conjunction with the live tools, which are driven by a 0.4kW motor at up to 7,500 rpm.
The sub spindle is rated at 0.5kW / 6,000 rpm.
Despite its compact size (W:1900 x D:1060 x H:1750mm), the machine nevertheless has an installed weight of over one and a half tonnes, indicating that there has been no compromise on build quality and hence the accuracy of components that are mill-turned.
Standard equipment includes centralised lubrication, broken tool detection, parts separator, sub spindle air blow and parts ejection detector.
New also at EMO will be the ECAS-32, which complements the ECAS-20 introduced to the UK at MACH 2002.
The latest machine will handle bar up to 32mm diameter and builds on ECAS technology with the introduction of a slant-bed, twin-turret design.
A combination of Star's advanced motion control system for relatively simple turning functions with conventional computer numerical control for more complex operations makes the sliding-headstock lathe a very capable, highly productive, 11-axis CNC machine with a synchronous sub-spindle and extensive back working capability.
Programming can be carried out either remotely or at the machine in ISO for complex feature machining; or directly on-line for relatively simple, very high speed turning operations using the new Star E CAMO system.
The latter provides a full suite of programming tools including the ability to take geometry developed on CAD systems.
Full on-screen simulation is available to check both machining geometry and collision / interference, while accurate calculation of the machining cycle time is also available.
The program developed off-line can either be used directly or edited on the machine as part of the prove-out process.
Running the part program on the machine is electronically controlled; there are no hydraulic systems.
This allows tight synchronisation between axis movements, virtually eliminating non-cutting time and maximising productivity.
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