High-performance yet cost-effective CNC moving column machining centre and bed-type milling and boring machines will be unveiled at this year's EMO exhibition.
Ward CNC of Sheffield, the exclusive UK agent for the Soraluce range of CNC milling machines, has announced that the Spanish machine tool builder will be unveiling three new high-performance yet cost-effective models at this year's Milan EMO exhibition. The SP-8000 fixed-bed, moving column milling centre as well as the TR 35 and TA20-Automatic bed-type milling machines will all be making their public debuts when the show opens its doors. Described as one of the most versatile milling machines available, the new SP-8000 is designed for one-hit machining of parts from heavy-duty cutting through to finish machining.

With X, Y and Z axes of 6500mm by 2000mm by 1200mm and a table of 8000mm by 1100mm, large parts or multiples of smaller workpieces can be processed efficiently by the machine that boasts rapid traverse rates of 25m/min and, as standard, features an automatic indexing head powered by a 30kW, 4,000 revs/min motor.

Combined with a 1000mm by 1000mm rotary table, the head has two indexing planes - one vertical to the spindle, the other at 45deg - and a 60-position toolchanger to enable even the most complex parts to be completed in a single setting.

The machine can also incorporate high-speed electro-spindles rated at 18,000 to 30,000 revs/min, to further hoist productivity levels.

Of the two new bed-type mills, the TR 35 has the larger capacity with X, Y and Z axes of 3500mm by 1400mm by 1200mm, rapid traverses of 20, 000m/min and a table of 3860mm by 1200mm.

A 40-tool automatic toolchanger is standard.

Importantly, this machine features a 5,000 revs/min oil refrigerated automatic indexing head with a feed rate of 10m/min and, coupled with oil-refrigerated gearbox, provides excellent thermal stability for high-accuracy machining.

With X, Y and Z axes of 2000mm by 1000mm by 800mm and rapids of 20m/min, the new TA20 Automatic bed mill has a working area of 2000mm by 800mm and a 22kW/3,000 revs/min automatic indexing head with through-the-spindle coolant.

A 20-tool ATC is standard.

Based on price to performance, this model will be of particular benefit to sub-contractors and relatively small mould and die work.

As expected of machines developed under the auspices of the Danobat Group's IDEKO research and development, Soraluce's new trio combine high-quality build and technologically advanced features for unmatched milling performance.

Their characteristic build qualities of stability and rigidity are based on their heavy-duty cast iron construction.

Soraluce CNC milling machines are available in three variants - TL, TR and TF travelling table types; SL, SP and SM travelling column, bed types; and FP, FS and FR travelling column floor types.

Capacities range from 1500mm to 16m plus in the X axis, from 1000mm to 3600mm in Y and up to 1500mm in Z.