Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Advanced universal CNC lathes have linear drives

Universal lathes are equipped with linear drives and the Siemens 810 D powerline CNC that features the ShopTurn user interface - including 3D-simulation.

The new CTX 320/420 linear universal lathes set new standards in using linear drives, Siemens 810 D powerline with ShopTurn user interface - including 3D-simulation. Features also include a rapidly indexing 12-position turret, fast-operation tail stock, and absolute measuring systems. The new universal lathes CTX 320 and CTX 420 linear offer perfection in process and performance, as well as a output increase of at least 10%.

The foundation for this increase lies in the dynamic linear drive in the X-carriages, the high-speed Siemens 840D powerline control with ShopTurn, a Windows based, shop floor programming system including extensive 3D functionalities, integrated spindle drives in synchronous technology, the fastest turret on the market, a fast tailstock, as well as direct measuring systems in all linear axes.

The fascination with linear drive technology springs no doubt from the advanced dynamics that can be achieved because of the reduced quantities moved, while simultaneously high rapid traverse speeds lead to previously inconceivable productivity increases.

And all this at an even higher rate of precision, because of the zero slack drive system.

Furthermore, the contact-free power transfer makes a wear-free construction of the drive train possible, which benefits availability of the machine during tough, multi-shift operation.

High process safety because of 3D simulation - already in the standard configuration, the new CTX linear generation is controlled by the new Siemens 840 D powerline with ShopTurn.

The 'powerline' designation stands for a performance increase of more than 100% in the CNC- and PLC sector.

This performance increase is due to no small degree to the integrated ShopTurn user interface and the comprehensive 3D functionalities.

Even complex work pieces with face- and shell surface requirements can now be generated very quickly with a high performance technology cycle package, with interactive, context sensitive operator guidance, and integrated 3D simulation, which can be operated without DIN/ISO knowledge.

In addition, ShopTurn makes machine setup easier through intuitive tool administration for the turret, and practice oriented support for workpiece introduction and - measurement.

The Siemens 840D powerline with ShopTurn is included in the machine price, as well as a Windows based PC version, which turns every computer into a high performance tool for external program generation and archiving purposes.

ShopTurn thus stands for highest productivity, maximum operating comfort, and impressive process safety during programming, installation, and machining.

The performance of the integrated spindle drive with impressive acceleration and deceleration capabilities is no less impressive.

Thus, it now takes only 1 second to go from zero to the maximum speed of 5,000 rpm, and it takes no longer to bring the speed back down to zero.

The torque in this case, for the CTX 420 linear, for example, lies at 270Nm (at 100% duty cycle), which is a remarkable 12.5% higher than in the previous model.

The CTX 320/320 linear machines are offered in a number of production oriented expansion configurations: these start at a configuration with a 12-face turret for fixed tools and tailstock, they include a package with 12 driven tools in the turret, a version with driven tools in the Y-axis, and finally include machines with counter-spindle, driven tools and an (optional) Y-axis.

The swing diameter of both machines measures 400 mm for the smaller CTX 320 linear, and 680mm for the CTX 420 linear, with a longitudinal path of 450mm and 635mm respectively.

This options are rounded off with a new hydraulically traversable tailstock with 0.5m/min (an NC-tailstock with 20m/min ipm rapid traverse is available as an option), as well as a fast indexing turret, which brings the next tool into position in only 0.15 seconds.

The bottom line: the machines of the CTX linear series excel with an idle time improvement up to 40%.