Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Quest for more precision ousts an 11-year conquest

Believed to be the most accurate CNC lathe yet produced by a company already renowned for precision, a gang tool machine offers 0.0001mm resolution on diameters and length.

The Quest GT model replaces the successful Conquest GT27 after 11 years in production. The virtues of the earlier model in terms of fast change over, fast cycle times and Hardinge Super Precision accuracy are completely revised, with an all new high speed 8,000 rpm spindle and much more capable driven tooling. The Quest GT27SP is the most accurate Hardinge CNC lathe ever put into production, with 0.0001mm resolution on diameters and length and spindle runout figures that are better than most grinding machines.

The detachable tool top plate system (3 minute changeover) enables complete set ups to be saved for repeating batch work, making the Hardinge GT the ultimate in lean manufacturing.

With no offset adjustments to make for parts with tolerances down to 0.010mm or better, the Quest GT has universal appeal.

The addition of a multi tool end working driven tooling arrangement and full C-axis spindle adds significantly to the productive capability of the machine with sub-second chip to chip tool changes.

The 8,000 rpm spindle has fast acceleration / deceleration to ensure that short cycle operations typical for hard turning can be completed in short order, with or without automatic loading systems.