The Gildemeister 32/42, a new 2-spindle lathe centre for bar and chuck work, has a distance between centres of 210mm, acceleration of 1G, rapid feeds of 30m/min in all axes.

No compromises made over quality and productivity The Gildemeister Twin 32/42, a new 2-spindle lathe centre for bar and chuck work has a distance between centres of 210mm, acceleration 1G, rapid feeds of 30m/min in all axes, turret indexing times of only 0,1 seconds and an acceleration time of the spindle motors to reach 8000 rev/min in 1 second. These are the most important characteristics of the Twin 32 which will particularly impress suppliers to the automotive industry and users from the hydraulics, fittings or electrical/electronic industry. The Gildemeister engineers' propensity for innovation can be seen in the machine base alone, which is made of a Meehanite cast and provides for a high rigidity due to FEM optimisation.

In addition, the 60deg machine base ensures optimum chip clearance.

The machine top stands in an oil tray and, as a result, any coolant dropping off automatically reaches the chip conveyor.

Another focus of the developers' activities was the minimisation of down time, which particularly entails a maximisation of the dynamic force.

The Twin 32 provides an acceleration of 1G (this acceleration due to gravity) due to highly dynamic feed drives, and to the excellent linear guiding systems, high rapid feeds of up to 30m/min are possible.

The other features of the Twin 32 are also pure high-tech.

Both spindles, on the left and right, are provided with a power of 15kW.

The most modern spindle motors in synchronous technology are applied which are responsible for both the compact construction and the high dynamic force.

With a spindle capacity of 32mm, machining can be carried out at rotational speeds of 8.000 rev/min and a torque as high as 100Nm.

The rapid acceleration speed of the spindles of only 1sec to maximum rotational speed is just as impressive.

As regards its flexibility, the Twin 32 also will not leave any wishes open: for example, manufacturing off the bar is possible as well as chuck work.

The two highly dynamic turrets hold a respective number of 12 tools, all of which are driven, with the y-axis in the top turret being responsible for exacting complete machining processes.

The operating time from one station to the next amounts to only 0,1sec which should be hard to beat.

The tool holding fixture complies with DIN 69880, with a shaft diameter of 25mm.

Optionally, it is also possible to insert an additional tool for centre machining on the opposite spindle carriage so that simultaneous manufacturing with three tools can be carried out.

The possibility of clearing the operating area of any completed work pieces through the opposite spindle is also of benefit to flexibility.

Due to the transverse travel of the opposite spindle, collisions are excluded regardless of this highly complex machining process in a very confined space.

As regards work piece handling, the Twin 32 is equipped with a modular handling system which reliably masters all work which comes up, from the handling of simple chuck parts to damage-free (as effected without jerks), SPC-capable placing and palleting of completely machined work pieces.

Material in bar work is supplied through the integrated IRCO bar charger.

But as a result of the standardised interface, users may also operate any other commercially available bar charger.

However, if work is performed in the chuck, material is provided from the pallet through a double gripper.

Of course, the control system of the Twin 32 complies with the 'Intel inside' and 'Windows on site' requirement, which is known to be one of the Trends 2000 at Gildemeister.

The Sinumerik 840 D produced by Siemens is utilised: this CNC control system is equipped with two improved diagnostic functions (extended error texts or on-line machine documentation are only two examples) and fulfils all the requirements for connection with the DMG Netservice.

In technological terms, the bar charger is integrated into the scope of functions of the CNC control system.

Consequently, the charger is automatically adjusted and optimally co-ordinated with the process through data import from the component programme.

The Gildemeister software 'MF Programmer' is also contained in the scope of functions of the control system.

This software makes programming, control and simulation equally simple and thus increases the productivity and process safety of the Twin 32.

In addition, the machine can be equipped with a process monitoring device for collision and tool breakage control as an option.

And if you want to be completely on the safe side, you can also order the automatic tool wear monitoring device.

With its comprehensive range of functions for machining both complex bar parts and equally complicated chuck parts with a diameter of no more than 32mm (or 36mm for bars).

The Twin 32 is another important milestone for Gildemeister Drehmaschinen GmbH on its consistent way to becoming a full-range provider.