A CNC function is to be introduced to Tornos CNC automatics that pre-heats the machines before commencing the machining of high accuracy components.

A new CNC function will be appearing on Tornos turning centres from April 2006 that will automatically activate a machine preheating mode at a predefined time. This new option will make it possible to preheat the Deco 13b and all Deco A-line machine tools before operators arrive to start work and following planned machine shut-downs such as overnight, weekends and during holiday periods. The automatic machine pre-heating mode will help to achieve substantial reductions in the time required to start producing high-precision components.

This new feature will prove invaluable to companies machining components that require the machine to be operating at a stable and constant temperature.

* Operation - the operator will be able to program a number of components for the machine to produce overnight or at weekends.

Once the machine has completed its production run, it switches into standby mode.

At a programmed time or at a pre-determined date and time, the machine will automatically activate its preheating mode.

At the start of this preheating phase, the machine retracts the bar into the tube to prevent collisions with tools.

The Tornos DECO unit then runs its last component program but cancels the movement of axis Z1 to prevent any machining from taking place.

To avoid any problems of overheating, the spindle override function can be reduced right down to 25%.

In the morning when the operator wishes to recommence production, the first step is to manually cancel the preheating mode.

Furthermore, the operator will not be able to start manufacturing parts until the bar has been manually moved so it is contact with the cutting tool.

This is a safety measure intended to prevent any risk of tool breakage when the first component is loaded on to the machine.

No change to the component program is required on the TB-DECO software in order to use the preheat function.