Product category:
CNC automatic lathes
News Release from: Tornos Technologies | Subject: Deco 20 CNC sliding head automatic lathe
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 10 January 2007
CNC sliding head automatic cuts cycle
times
A multi-axis CNC sliding head automatic lathe has cut cycle times by an average of 40% in comparison with those achieved using its existing 'conventional' CNC lathes, said subcontractor.
Since acquiring its Deco 20 multi-axis sliding head auto from Tornos, Ely, UK-based subcontract machinist Paragon Precision Engineering said it has cut cycle times for certain components by an average of 40% in comparison with those achieved using its existing 'conventional' CNC lathes "On our CNC lathes certain turned components would take two operations initially plus a further one or two operations to complete drilling and tapping cycles," explained Paragon's managing director, John Kent
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 11 Jun 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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"Now, using the Deco 20, we can complete parts with turned features on both ends (and with high prismatic machining content) in a single set-up.
In my estimation we have cut cycle times by an average of 40%." Kent continued: "We originally acquired the Deco 20 to serve a particular customer who was unhappy with his existing supplier.
We investigated the market and chose the Tornos ahead of two Japanese models, primarily because the machine offered much better access to the working area.
Further reading
Turnkey, multi-spindle lathe has own bar-feeder
At the EMO in Hanover during September of this year, Tornos will unveil as a first throughout the world, its new multi-spindle lathe working on the DECO concept: - the MULTIDECO 32/6 i.
Advanced CNC automatic enhanced further
Since its first appearance at the EMO, Hannover, last year, the Tornos 20a has been further improved aesthetically and the counter spindle increased in diameter.
Modular set-up autos expand subby's business
Needing to increase its flexibility, remain competitive and widen its market opportunities a subcontractor purchased three sliding head turning centres that could be updated as business grew.
Some of the competitor machines were restrictive with regards to space availability for operators' hands." Kent has since had no cause to regret the decision and the machine now plays a pivotal role in the continued success of the company.
At the time of visit the machine was busy producing a batch of 350 complex medical components for an established customer.
"So far it's been a fantastic machine for us," continued Kent.
"Its reliability record in comparison with our other machine tools is exemplary.
For a small company like ours we need to have machines working 'around the clock'.
Downtime is simply not an option." To this end Paragon often leaves its Deco 20 and accompanying Tornos Robobar barfeed to run unattended overnight.
""We regularly load up the barfeed and leave the machine running overnight," he confirmed".
"Sure enough it's still going strong at 6am the next morning, typically producing batches up to 1000-off but sometimes up to 5000.
We can leave it to run in the knowledge that it will stop safely in the event of an unforeseen difficulty, however, this situation occurs rarely.
When programming, the software will highlight any potentially critical errors before the component gets anywhere near the machine.
And if we do have trouble programming a particularly complex part, the applications team at Tornos always provides an extremely helpful and responsive service." Producing parts from a range of materials that include 303 and 316 stainless steel, the Tornos Deco 20 is also adept at holding tight tolerances.
Kent said the machine can hold 0.006mm comfortably, even over long lengths.
"Accuracy and reliability are everything to a growing company," he concluded.
"In the past 12 months we have been very busy and there is little doubt in my mind that the Deco 20 has helped attract some of this work.
The machine has definitely increased turnover and revenue into the company." * About Paragon - since its launch just 10 years ago Paragon Precision has achieved impressive growth.
Today the company employs 25 people and generates a turnover in the region of GBP 1.8 million, serving industries such as medical, scientific, quality hi-fi, vacuum engineering and specialist telecoms.
Paragon is also doing more export work to countries such as Germany, Austria and the USA.
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