New from Index is the option to fit a four-axis CNC tool turret in addition to a standard two-axis turret on the German manufacturer's V300 vertical turning lathe (VTL), allowing the production of mor

New from Index is the option to fit a four-axis CNC tool turret in addition to a standard two-axis turret on the German manufacturer's V300 vertical turning lathe (VTL), allowing the production of more complex parts than hitherto. According to sole UK agent, Geo Kingsbury Machine Tools, the previous options were one or two standard turrets or alternatively a gang tool post. The X,Y,Z,B movements of the new turret enables angular surfaces and holes to be machined and it is even possible to gear hob using standard tools.

Both this and the standard turret are available with ten VDI/DIN 40 or twelve VDI/DIN 30 stations, all of which accept fixed or live tooling.

The 4,200 rpm / 20 kW (optionally 31 or 35.5 kW) inverted spindle moves in two axes.

This allows it to pick up a casting, forging or billet from a loading system, present it to the tooling for machining and then transfer the finished part to an unload station such as a conveyor.

Short travel distances and high rapid traverse rates in X and Z of 40 m/min and 30 m/min respectively reduce idle times significantly.

Turning diameter is 420 mm diameter although components up to 450 mm may be swung on the lathe.

Chuck size is up to 315 mm.

As with all Index VTLs, apart from mill-turning tools the machine may incorporate other equipment including an induction coil for hardening, gauges for in-process measurement, electro-welding equipment, assembly jigs, a high speed grinding spindle, multiheads and many other options.

The machines are equally applicable to large and small batch production and are well suited to integration in multiple machine lines and cells, for which Index has developed complementary automated workpiece storage and handling systems.