Product category:
Flexible machining cells and systems (FMS)
News Release from: TW Ward CNC Machinery | Subject: Kia SKT 21V vertical spindle turning cell
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 January 2002
Stacker-fed VTL cell beats horizontal
CNC lathe
Machining trials on an automotive component, using a Kia SKT 21V vertical spindle turning cell have beaten the machining times achieved by a horizontal two-axis CNC lathe.
Machining trials by Ward CNC on an automotive component, using a Kia SKT 21V vertical spindle turning cell with work stacker, have not only beaten the machining times achieved by a horizontal two-axis CNC lathe, but have also eliminated a polishing operation and the variable load/unload times involved in piece-part operation The time trials at Ward CNC's Sheffield site on the batch of suspension components saw the Kia SKT 21V take 45 secs to machine a bore and face then create a thread and produce a through-hole in the cold extruded steel blank
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 13 Feb 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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This was 5 secs faster than the previous machining time.
But, importantly, multi-loading using the Kia's built-in work stacker has also obviated the downtime associated with individual component loading and unloading, with the Kia's overall cycle time including load/unload being only 1.1 min.
In addition, because of the machine's inverted spindle, the swarf created when machining the bore naturally fell away from the cutting area.
This avoided the build-up of balls of swarf that, with conventional Z axis turning, were becoming trapped and affecting the bore's surface finish of 0.8 micron Ra.
The result is that the Kia has eliminated a subsequent polishing operation that was necessary to salvage damaged components and proving the differentiator between profit and loss on the job.
Powered by a 7.5/11kW motor, the SKT 21V can achieve 5,000 revs/min and has a 440 mm swing over the bed.
Diameters and lengths up to 350mm and 150mm, respectively, can be accommodated.
The machine is supplied as standard with a 12-pallet work stacker.
During the trial, surface finish on the bore was maintained by the use of tool geometry having an integral wiper, and part loading/unloading was performed within the machining cycle thus potentially releasing the operator for other duties.
The resulting overall productivity benefits could have been improved through further refinements to the process, Ward CNC points out.
The SKT 21V is one of a series of Kia CNC lathes and vertical and horizontal machining centres for which Ward CNC is exclusive UK agent.
MACH 2002 - NEC, Birmingham: April 29-May 3.
Hall: 4.
Stand: 4660.
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