Equipped with C- and Y-axis plus 12 driven tools, a twin-spindle CNC slant bed lathe - built to Japanese quality - is being offered in the UK at at Taiwanese machine prices.
With C- and Y-axis plus 12 driven tools, the Taiwan Takisawa EX-910 twin-spindle CNC slant bed lathe available exclusively in the UK from Ward CNC of Sheffield offers an unmatched 'Japanese quality at a Taiwanese price' turning centre package. Having X-, Y-, Z-axis travels of 245mm, 160mm and 710mm, as well as 710mm travel in the B-axis (right-hand spindle), the EX-910 features bar capacities of 75mm and 52mm (left- and right-hand spindles, respectively) to complement the machine's maximum turning diameter and length capabilities of 340mm and 660mm. Swing over the bed is 680mm, chuck size is 255mm on both spindles, and spindle speeds are up to 3,500 rev/min from the 22/18.5kW motors on both spindles.

Driven tool speed is 4,000 rev/min from a 5.5kW motor.

Rapid traverse rates are quoted as 24m/min.

As standard, the heavy-duty cast iron construction is complemented by Fanuc 18i CNC, as well as four-track super rigid precision linear guideways and high-speed servo turret, auto tool setting arm, parts catcher and swarf conveyor.

Bar feed systems and collet chucks can be supplied as options.

Some GBP 3 million has already been allocated to a College's Technology Suite, for which the CNC lathe installations have been a focal point of a GBP 700,000 investment in new equipment.

The reason East Tyrone College of Further and Higher Education elected to spend GBP 140,000 with Ireland's Colchester Lathe sole dealership, Gillen Machine Tools, was it needed machines installed that would be recognised and accepted by local industry as being the standard of equipment that would provide trainees and engineering students with the experience and knowledge that would be useful in their future careers. As Alastair Booth, lecturer in engineering pointed out: 'With the equipment we have credibility as a top training establishment and are able to perform a positive service to industry in the area and also increase our revenue generation.' East Tyrone College of Further and High Education is based in Dungannon to service Northern Ireland and the border area and has been funded to the tune of almost GBP 20 million for new buildings and facilities. Some GBP 3 million has already been allocated to the Technology Suite for which the Colchester Lathe installations have been a focal point of the GBP 700,000 investment in new equipment.

As a result of 10 years in concept, six years planning and the last three years spent on detail, the Technology Suite will encompass a very modern machine shop, welding and fabrication facility, rapid prototyping, advanced CADCAM and a structural testing and diagnostics suite.

There are also courses available on subject areas such as programmable logic control, customised for local industry and during 2006, a new home automation course is being planned.

The college is the first centre in Ireland to gain certification as an EIB/KNX centre for advanced training in the configuration of bus devices in lighting, blinds control, safety and security and energy cost reduction, The first course is scheduled for February in a new course delivery suite.

Enrolling almost 15,000 students a year, it employs 75 full-time staff and 100 part-time people.

There are also 25 'out centres' and mobile IT vehicles kitted out with 16 laptops that provide Information Technology classes in the community.

The Colchester Lathe contract was clinched following a visit to an Open House set up by Gillen Machine Tools in its showroom at Ballymena when Alastair Booth and his team took the opportunity to see the Colchester machines in action.

In particular they wanted to bridge the manual to CNC technology gap and while they decided that five Colchester Student 2500 conventional lathes fitted with Heidenhain digital readouts gave the perfect training platform/machine combination, providing 'real' turning experience at a very competitive price, it was the Colchester Combi K2 lathe that came across as the ideal solution for what they were seeking in higher technology machining.

Says Alastair Booth: 'It is the versatility of the machine and the Fanuc 21 Oi TA multi-functional control with the user friendliness of Microsoft Windows that provides the ideal bridge we were seeking.

The machine has six ways in which you can input instructions which covers a wide range of programming avenues.' With the Combi, the operator can manually turn a part using the electronic handwheels, and use the control simply as a digital readout for positioning.

He also has the facility to create his own canned cycles as well as using the Colchester developed cycles in the memory or cut and paste to make up toolpaths.

Setting is helped by access to the extensive tool library which can hold up to 960 tools.

There is also the simple teach/repeat memory and on-screen CADCAM, with icon-based commands and, for the more advanced user, conventional CNC programming can be performed using G-Codes.

Programs can also be downloaded by DNC or input from a 'flash card' taken from a PC.

To which Booth adds: 'We also have a full CNC machine in the Combi K2 for repeat cycles that will have the respect of any engineering manager for the way it will perform in production.' Indeed, the College already has the support of 10 local companies taking up a 10 week introductory course to provide a sound understanding of CNC machining techniques and a course for manual machinists to upgrade to CNC.

According to Maria Hackett, head of school and job skills co-ordinator: 'The Dungannon area is the most active in Northern Ireland for engineering and in particular fabrication.

However, there is an increasing number of businesses that want to break into, or upgrade from manual to CNC machining and that is a prime area for us to satisfy with the new equipment.

With the addition of part time staff we will then introduce customised courses for local industry.' Modern apprenticeship courses are also being run on a day-release basis as well as full time BTEC National Diploma in Engineering.

And indeed, keen to catch the prospective student and with a view to nurturing an interest in engineering, the College has structured a series of two-day courses for local school children in conjunction with local businesses to give them an introduction to what engineering is all about.

As part of the two-day course, the children will be involved in projects such as making a CD holder and even be taken to a local engineering company to see real 'live' manufacturing.

Meanwhile, through the Women in Engineering WISE programme, European funding was gained by the College to train 20 women to NVQ Level 2 followed by placement with local employers.

With fresh ideas and schemes like these, Booth is adamant that selecting the right equipment was so crucial.

But as he maintains: 'We will need help with training and retraining as well as technical assistance, and part of our decision to buy the Colchester machines from Gillen Machine Tools is that we will be able to draw heavily on support in times of need.'

High quality CNC universal lathes now have a choice of function expansion options including sub-spindle for two-sided machining, driven tools and Y-axis for eccentric boring and milling.

For metal removal performance, flexibility, speed and precision, the newly expandable DMG CTX-10 universal lathes are now unmatched in their price category. Already established as a range of universal lathes that represent good value for money, the CTX-10 Series is now available with a choice expansion options including sub-spindle for two-sided machining, driven tools and Y-axis for eccentric boring and milling. Not only do these allow the machine to grow to meet changing needs but also to be tailored to accommodate the complete machining of standard-sized parts.

Further options include the integrated spindle motor for fast acceleration and deceleration, digital drives and fast-indexing VDI servo turret - starting at 0.1 sec - with 12 tool stations.

These features enable idle times to be reduced by 25% leading to increased productivity and efficiency.

Customers can also specify a package for bar machining with an enlarged hollow clamping cylinder, steady-rest technology for shaft machining and workpiece pick-up units.

The easy integration of these elements is made possible by the build-quality of the CTX-10 machines and their sophisticated control technology.

All models have a 45 deg cast iron bed based on a rigid four-track design with linear roller guideways.

This combination provides the best operating conditions both the dynamic cross-slide and the hydraulically traversable tailstock.

Despite exceptionally quick positioning times, high rapid traverse speeds and dynamic digital drives the CTX-10 models can maintain the highest degree of accuracy thanks to direct measuring systems in the X and Z axes.

This eliminates the need for the time-consuming reference-point method.

For greater operator comfort customers can now also opt for the pivoting DMG SlimLinePanel with 15in TFT screen.

There are also three CNC control alternatives, the Siemens 840D with the latest ShopTurn 3D programming software, Heidenhain Plus IT with DINPlus (optionally TurnPlus), or the Fanuc 32i with Manual Guide i.

Heavy duty, long bed universal CNC lathe offers users an exceptional combination of turning capacity and capability at an unrivalled cost.

The Taiwan Takisawa EX-122 heavy-duty, long bed universal CNC lathe available from Ward CNC of Sheffield offers users an exceptional combination of turning capacity and capability at an unrivalled cost. With maximum turning lengths and diameters of 1650mm and 610mm, respectively, coupled with a 22/26kW motor producing spindle speeds from 12 to 1,200 rev/min, the machine's cast iron slant bed construction combines with extra heavy duty linear guideway technology to provide an exceptional performance 'Japanese quality at Taiwanese prices' package. Part of Ward CNC's Taiwan Takisawa portfolio, the EX-122 has a swing over the bed of 910mm and 560mm over the crosslide, as well as X and Z axes strokes of 330mm and 1650mm, respectively, and a 200mm spindle bore.

Rapid traverse rates are up to 24m/min and the Fanuc 21iT CNC complements the 10-station tool turret to offer users a multitude of machining alternatives on a machine that is fitted with a 533mm (21in) three-jaw hydraulic chuck as standard.

Auto tool setting arm, bar feed interface and swarf conveyor are supplied as standard; bar feed systems and steady rests are optional extras.

When a Welsh subcontract machining company wants to extend capacity, it invests in the latest CNC turning centres, lathes and feeding equipment rather than expand working hours or add shifts.
As the third generation managing director of family-owned TS Henderson located at the foot of the Brecon Beacons, UK, Rob Henderson maintains: 'Most people arrive here thinking they will find a field of sheep, a cow shed and tractors, and they are actually quite surprised - and naturally relieved - when they see our 15,000ft2 factory, our portfolio of over 20 high-tech CNC machines and, in particular, how we utilise our nine Colchester CNC Tornado two- and three-axis turning machines.' Henderson never fails to be amused by the expectations of potential customers when they arrive at the Hay on Wye (Herefordshire) based specialist supplier of high-quality sub-contract parts to, for example, companies in the automotive, electronics, lifting gear, marine and motor sport sectors. While all these customers are based in the UK, he suggests that 80% of the parts he supplies are eventually destined for export. Henderson is very serious when it comes to making the most of his high-tech CNC machining technology to satisfy customer demands for a wide variety of prismatic and shaft-type components in varying batch quantities.

Most of the company's turning work is produced on the Tornado machines - a mixture of two- and three-axis Tornado 80, 90, 220M and the latest T6M models that have been installed progressively since 1996.

All equipped with bar feeders for unmanned, automatic running, the Tornados have consistently proved to be reliable generating high returns on their investment in the production of all manner of parts in all materials - including the often problematic 316 stainless steel - an important factor in his continual investment in the marque against the demands of his order book.

He says: 'In addition to offering the right specification at the right price, the Tornado machines bought from Colchestersales have always been supported with excellent back-up.

This is crucial to us.

And if we do have a problem, with either the machine or programming, for example, we can get superb 'phone support - which means they're not automatically sending out an engineer followed by an invoice.

Customer service on this level means a lot to me, and it gives me great confidence when I need to invest,' he insists.

Henderson's capital expenditure philosophy is equally as pragmatic: to meet any sustained hike in demand, he simply buys additional machines rather than extend the working hours; even though the company's single day shift for 5.1/2 days a week is complemented by the extended running capabilities of the Tornados via bar feed systems.

Currently employing 28 people he outlines: 'If we added another shift, i e, a night shift, we would effectively have to almost double the workforce but you have to be mindful of the effect of a quiet period which could lead to having to lay people off.

For us, installing another machine is a much simpler solution.

Machines do not go to the dentist, they do not have personal problems, and if the workload does dip, then they can be switched off.' Thankfully, he reflects, it has been some time since any machine has stood dormant through lack of work and, in fact, increasing demand - especially for turn/milled parts - during the past two years has spurred the BS EN ISO 9002-accredited company to invest in three-axis driven tool turning cycles from Colchestersales.

It has installed both the Tornado 220M and latest T6M models during 2005 to complement the six Tornado 80 models and a single Tornado 90 two-axis machine.

These machines complement six machining centres and an impressive multi-spindle turning, milling, grinding, thread rolling and centreless grinding capacity.

Specifically designed to combine previous separate operations into a single cycle, TS Henderson has found increased productivity has been achieved at an unrivalled cost-to-performance ratio.

The latest Tornado T6M has a 54mm bar capacity, offers a swing over the bed of 440mm and maximum turning diameters and lengths of 200mm and 450mm, respectively.

With a 15kW spindle motor providing spindle speeds of 6,000 rev/min, coupled with rapid traverse rates of 25m/min and 30m/min in the X and Z axes, for the 12 driven tool VDI 30 turret, the machine has satisfied every demand that Henderson has so far presented it with.

Workpieces successfully machined in a single cycle sequence of turning and milling extend from the complex to the fairly simple, including filter adaptors for the automotive sector and even single parts for steam engines.

In addition to highlighting the machine's impressive build qualities as enabling consistent performance, the Duo-stable construction that uses an inert concrete composite encapsulated in a heavy-duty fabrication and reinforced with a network of ribs for excellent thermal and dynamic stability - Rob Henderson also points to the T6M's Fanuc 21i control system as being particularly beneficial.

The CNC includes the Colchestersales-developed Manual Guide - i conversational programming technology.

This has high level graphics support giving full simulation and verification of any cutting cycle in both 2-D and 3-D plus the ability to manipulate machining operations so that the part and toolpaths can be viewed from any angle.

Not only does this system interface with all major CAD/CAM systems but it also makes programming of single part cycles extremely effective, quick and simple.

Equal praise is also bestowed upon the accompanying ColCAM off-line programming software: 'Once a job is programmed, the cycles are easy to follow with 3D graphics showing the tool tip shape, and axial and radial drilling and milling tool paths clearly depicted,' he says.

Commenting on the effectiveness of 'upgrading' to three-axis machining, Henderson does not mince his words: 'I cannot say that we always achieve fantastic reductions in cycle times on multi-operation work through one-hit machining,' he comments.

'But the real benefit is the reduction in the number of operations, setting and inspection which reflects on reduced lead times and the associated labour resource of transferring parts to, say, a machining centre or pillar drill.' This down-to-earth business philosophy is applied to every aspect of the company - for example, almost GBP 100,000 of round steel/stainless bar, as well as brass, bronze, aluminium and Nylon, is maintained as a key factor to provide immediate response to all customer demands, to complement the usual just-in-time delivery schedules.

And in terms of customer service, it has not been unknown for the TS Henderson delivery van to be despatched to a distant customer with just a handful of parts on board, to meet a particular request.

'Sub-contractors are service providers,' Henderson concludes, 'You need the right equipment to perform the task which we have managed to achieve but if you don't provide a service you will not stay in business.

Purpose-built for automated, high-precision, internal and external machining of large shafts and pipes, CNC shaft lathes has automatic chucking and steadying, for rapid loading and set-up.

Classic lathe maker Dean, Smith and Grace of Keighley, West Yorkshire, UK, has received the first order for one of its new breed of CNC shaft lathes - purpose-built for fully automated, high-precision, internal and external machining of large shafts and pipes. Designated 'SE' (Special Equipment), the first in the range, set to be delivered in February to a Northeast UK-based manufacturer of mechanical excavator rams, is a 2817 x 150 model. It incorporates a 4000mm length bed, Fanuc 18i control - and fully automated chucking and steadying equipment, for rapid loading and set-up.

By fully automating the set-up process, large and unwieldy pipes or shafts can be quickly loaded and set-up with just one operator, at a stroke slashing floor-to-floor times for what has historically been a difficult and labour-intensive task.

Providing the quick loading and set-up is a fully automatic SMW KCNS 400 hydraulic, quick release, chucking system; complemented by an SMW type SLU-Z-4 three-point roller steady with mechanical positioning.

The three-point roller steady can traverse the full length of the bed - under operator's control or automatically - to find the optimum position of support, while hydraulically operated jaws clamp to the workpiece or retract as required.

The chuck and steady work in conjunction with an automatic tailstock, designed and manufactured 'in-house' by Dean, Smith and Grace.

The tailstock utilises hydraulic power and the lathe's rack and pinion drive to automatically position at pre-set locations programmed by the operator.

Other features of the 'SE' include: Sauter 12-station auto indexing VDI turret, slat-type swarf conveyor, Fanuc digital motors, precision ball screws and Vogel/Sterling automatic lubrication system - though customers can specify the control/equipment of their choice.

Dean, Smith and Grace managing director, Nigel Grainger, comments: 'Few lathe manufacturers in the world - if any - have a machine range on the market that addresses the 'pipe' lathe sector as comprehensively as our new 'SE' range.

By keeping costs down, building on a proven build spec, and addressing the requirements of rapid loading and set-up using a single operator, this new lathe offers up new standards of cost efficiency and productivity for a wide range of industries.' A significant feature of all Dean, Smith and Grace production, including the new 'SE', is the capability not only to supply 'off-the-peg' lathes, hand-built to the highest specifications, but also individual engineered solutions tailored to the customer's needs.

Thus, Dean, Smith and Grace engineers and designers are more than happy to discuss application requirements before the build phase begins.

Latest production CNC turning machine features a NC electric tailstock that delivers quick set-up with no manual intervention.
Quick Turn Nexus - the solution to the problem The Quick Turn Nexus series of turning centres from Yamazaki Mazak combines those crucial elements required in today's modern manufacturing environment - namely advanced technology, productivity and value for money. In designing the Quick Turn Nexus range Mazak completed a thorough review of the basic machine components and used state-of-the-art design technology to arrive at a range of turning centres ideally suited to meet the production needs of businesses large and small. At MACH 2006 the range will be represented by the recently introduced Quick Turn Nexus 350MY.

This single 30kW/3300 rev/min spindle machine has a machining capacity of 420mm diameter by up to 1538mm long.

It also benefits from the inclusion of a NC electric tailstock that delivers quick set-up with no manual intervention.

The tailstock provides accurate support even for components that can only be supported by low-thrust force.

Positioning and thrust force is achieved using servo motors and are programmable.

Each position in the 12 station drum-type turret can be used for rotary tools, which are driven by a 7.5kW/4000 rev/min motor.

The versatility of the QTN350MY is complemented by the addition of a 150mm Y-axis, further expanding the machine's possible application areas.

Power is matched by agility, with the X and Z axes having rapid traverse rates of 30m/min and 25m/min respectively.

The resulting fast, vibration-free acceleration/deceleration is due to the use of high-gain servo-control and high-power AC servo motors.

Control is provided by the Mazatrol Fusion 640T Nexus CNC unit that features the easy-to-use Mazatrol conversational programming format.

As a result programming time and program length are considerably reduced and editing of existing programs is simplified.

Additional benefits of the Mazatrol Fusion control are its ability to accept modification of programs with minimum editing, cutting conditions are determined automatically by the automatic cutting condition function, edited cutting conditions are stored and recalled when the same material is used again.

Five high-specification yet cost-competitive CNC turning machines to be shown at MACH 2006 - including high capacity, long bed types - suit different production demands - and budgets.
The MACH display being mounted by Ward CNC of Sheffield will include five high-specification yet cost-competitive turning machines to suit the production demands - and budgets - of companies of every size in all industry sectors. Featuring four Takisawa Taiwan lathes that boast 'Japanese quality at Taiwanese prices', plus a heavyweight 4m bed Hankook machine, the machines will complement Ward CNC's MACH display of Hartford machining centres that, like the Takisawa Taiwan portfolio, are hard to match in terms of cost-to-performance ratio. Takisawa Taiwan machines utilise a special one-piece, thermally balanced bed that promotes powerful and stable operation, coupled with four-track super rigid precision linear guideways and high-speed servo turrets.

Fanuc 18i or 21iT CNC feature as standard.

With C and Y axes plus 12 driven tools, the Takisawa Taiwan EX-910 twin-spindle CNC slant bed lathe has X, Y, Z axes travels of 245mm, 160mm and 710mm, as well as 710mm travel in the B-axis (right-hand spindle).

It accommodates bar capacities of 75mm and 52mm (left- and right-hand spindles, respectively) to complement maximum turning diameter and length capabilities of 340mm and 660mm.

The main spindle incorporates oil-cooled Fanuc built-in motor providing exceptional performance for turning and C-axis operations.

Swing over the bed is 680mm, chuck size is 255mm on both spindles, and spindle speeds are up to 3,500 rev/min from the 22/18.5kW motors on both spindles.

Driven tool speed is 4,000 rev/min from a 5.5kW motor.

Rapid traverse rates are 24m/min.

As standard, the machine is supplied with auto tool setting arm, parts catcher and swarf conveyor.

Bar feed systems and collet chucks are options.

With a swing over the bed of 400mm, the Takisawa Taiwan EX-108 has a crosslide travel of 320mm and a between centres distance of 645mm.

Standard turning diameter is 216mm, and with a 203mm chuck the machine has a maximum turning diameter and length of 320mm and 530mm, respectively.

Bar capacity is 52mm and spindle speeds range from 60-4,000 rev/min (7.5/11kW) for the 12-tool turret machine.

Auto tool setting arm, parts catcher, swarf conveyor and programmable quill tailstock are standard; collet chucks and bar feed systems are options.

Two Takisawa Taiwan heavy-duty CNC lathes will be on show - the EX-122 and the TW 46.

Of cast iron slant bed construction combined with extra heavy duty linear guideway technology, the long bed EX-122 universal has maximum turning lengths and diameters of 1650mm and 610mm, respectively, coupled with a 22/26kW motor producing spindle speeds from 12 to 1,200 rev/min.

The EX-122/H variant offers a 30/37kW main motor, which coupled with the standard two-range geared headstock offers excellent power and torque capabilities.

The EX-122 and EX-122/H have a swing over the bed of 910mm and 560mm over the crosslide, as well as X and Z axes strokes of 330 mm and 1650mm, respectively, and a 200mm spindle bore.

Rapid traverse rates are up to 24m/min and the Fanuc 21iT CNC complements the 10-station tool turret to offer users a multitude of machining alternatives on a machine that is fitted with a 533mm (21in) three-jaw hydraulic chuck as standard.

Auto tool setting arm, bar feed interface and swarf conveyor are supplied as standard; bar feed systems and steady rests are optional extras.

Based on similar construction principles, the Takisawa Taiwan TW 46 features a 760mm swing over the bed and maximum turning diameters and lengths of 460mm and 910mm, respectively.

With 250mm in the X-axis and 980mm in Z, the 91mm spindle bore machine features a 318mm chuck (15in) as standard and spindle speeds of 25-2,500 rev/min and rapid traverses of 20m/min.

With a 4m bed, the Hankook Protec 9NC two-axis horizontal lathe is based on a double-walled and ribbed one-piece meehanite cast iron bed with induction hardened and ground precision slideways for maximum stability and accuracy.

The large spindle bore (up to 254mm) twin chuck machine has a 950mm swing over bed, 630mm over carriage and 4000mm between centres (options up to 8000mm available).

It features a Fanuc 21i-T CNC, which offers semi-CNC manual guidance and teach facility.

At MACH, Ward CNC will also have details available of its extensive ranges of Soraluce milling, Toshulin VTL and Union milling and boring centres.

For oil and gas industry applications a heavy duty flat bed eight station VDI turret combination lathe - up to 4m between centres - has Fanuc 210i-TA CNC with six programming methods.
Colchester Lathe's heavyweight Combi 6000 flat bed eight station VDI turret combination lathe, with a massive 800 mm swing over the bed and a 170 mm large bore that is ideal for oil and gas industry type applications now has bed length options giving 2000, 3000 and 4000mm between centres. Sold through the Colchestersales (UK) of Heckmondwike, West Yorks, it is the Fanuc 210i-TA control with its single screen program creation software and six methods of programming that really set this muscular flat bed combination machine apart from the competition. It has the flexibility for cost-effectively producing single cycle turning operations using the intuitive menu selection and extensive 960 tool library memory with simple to use macros giving step by step operation sequences.

However, most important is its ability to re-enact programmed cycles in automatic mode for batch production.

Having some 26kW of power available at the spindle with a low and high range providing speeds between 10 and 1,500 rev/min according to specification, it is the control system that enables the versatility of the machine to be fully explored according to the skill level available or type of machining required.

For instance, the Fanuc 210i-TA control can act as a simple digital readout in conjunction with electronic handwheels, be used in a teach and repeat mode or the operator can make full use of the on-screen icon-based command CAD/CAM capability and virtual tool and solid modelling programs.

In addition, the system will accept off-line created program download via DNC.

With each method, the control will automatically convert the input data into G-code format which means editing at the machine is very simple using copy and paste similar to a PC editor.

Once created, programs can be transferred or used with any Fanuc compatible machines.

Programs can be stored on the hard drive in the control and once prepared can be subjected to 'fast-check' simulation cycles involving the tool tip shape depicting the relevant toolpath.

The Combi 6000 has a swing in the gap bed of 870mm, ideal for face plate work and has a cross slide travel of 400mm.

The quill diameter of the power operated tailstock is 120mm with 210mm travel and there is a choice of toolposts from Multifix (size C) or Parat size 3 or 4.

As an aid to batch machining, the machine can be specified with a choice of two types of VDI 50 automatic indexing turret, an eight-station disc or four-station head unit.

Both are fully programmable.

There is also a range of stationary or travelling steadies, face plates up to 790mm diameter and three jaw self-centring 400mm or 535mm chucks or four jaw independent chucks of either, 460mm or 610mm diameter.

Colchestersales (UK) is to market the Richmond vertical machining centres as part of its high technology mill/turn machining packages involving the Tornado, Combi and MultiTurn.
Colchestersales (UK) based in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, is to market the latest advanced and high specification range of Richmond vertical machining centres as part of its high technology machining packages involving the Colchester Lathe range of Tornado, Combi and MultiTurn. The machine range is also sold by 600 Centre of Shepshed near Loughborough, UK, where the Midlands-based Colchestersales Technology Centre is also established. Explained Colchester Lathe director Mike Berry: 'Both 600 Centre and Colchestersales (UK) are putting together packages of machines to customers that want to deal with a single supplier that has a known history and good aftersales support, so it was logical to offer the Richmond as a 600 Group product to both operations.' The Richmond range spans a compact 500L with travels of 510mm in X, 410mm in Y and 460mm in Z with 12 or 20 tools, 5.5kW or 7.5kW spindle motor and options of 8,000, 10,000 or 12,000 rev/min to the top of the range VMC 1600S.

This machine weighs a massive 14 tonnes and has a BT50, spindle with options of 15kW or 22kW, 4,000 or 6,000 rev/min spindle drive and travels of 1600mm in X, 800mm in Y and 850mm in Z.

There are also options of 24 or 32 tool magazines.

There are two basic designs with the L version configured with linear guideways to provide faster axis movements of 36 m/min across the Richmond 500, 610, 850 and 1020 machines.

The S version, that is more suited to users requiring heavier milling cycles uses a hardened and ground solid boxway arrangement which is available on the Richmond 610, 850, 1020, 1300 and largest in the range the 1600.

Rapid traverse rates are 24m/min on the three smallest machines and 15m/min in X and Y and 12m/min in Z on the two larger varients.

All machines can be specified with either Anilam 6000M or Fanuc OiMC controls with Heidenhain iTNC530 available on request along with a fourth-axis interface.

There is a range of spindle options, again tailorable to customer requirements.

The VMC 500L has a 5.5kW or 7.5kW drive, with BT40 taper while the 610, 850 and 1020 have 11kW, or 15kW BT40 taper units.

The larger 1300, has 11kW or 15kW of power and BT40/50 taper and the 1600 a choice of 15kW or 22kW with BT40/50 taper and maximum speeds of 4,000, 6,000 rev/min, 10,000 rev/min and 12,000 rev/min with a BT40/50 taper.

A Geneva-type carousel tool magazine changer is fitted as standard with 16 or 20 position options and a 10 second exchange while a 24 or 32 tool magazine with twin-arm changer can be specified having a 2.5s change time.

With five models and various bed lengths offered, 'extra large' capacity straight bed CNC lathes can be supplied with Siemens 810D conversational Shopturn CNC or Fanuc Oi TC CNC.
With five models and various bed lengths to choose from, XYZ Machine Tools' new 'extra large' capacity straight bed CNC lathes can be supplied with either Siemens 810D conversational Shopturn CNC or Fanuc Oi TC CNC. The model designations - XYZ XL 730, XYZ XL 860, XYZ SL 1100, XYZ XL 1200 and XYZ XL 1500 - denote the mm swing over bed, with the between centres distance varying, depending on model, from 1m to 9m. The maximum cutting length is 300mm less than the between centres distance in every instance.

Spindle motor ratings range from 15kW to 37kW, providing ample power for heavy metal removal and large diameter turning.

All models feature a solid ribbed casting construction, and are fitted with a 160mm spindle bore - except the XYZ XL 730, which has a 130mm spindle bore - and four-jaw chuck as standard.

Similarly, all models feature two speed ranges, with the exception of the XYZ XL 860 and XYZ XL 1100 which have three speed ranges.

Equipment options include fixed and travelling steadies, gap bed and chip conveyor.

Conversational programming software that is equally useable for single part manual cycles or for full CNC repeat operation will be demonstrated on a CNC turning machine
The latest developments by Colchester Lathe to its Manual Guide i conversational programming software, that is equally useable for single part manual cycles or for full CNC repeat operation over a batch of parts direct from memory, will be demonstrated on the top-selling Colchester MultiTurn 2000. The competitively priced machine will be used to show how effortless 'at the machine' programming should be and how solid model 3D graphic simulation gives higher operator confidence before a part is turned. Launched at MACH 2006 on the Colchestersales (UK) stand 5334 the latest version of the mid-range MultiTurn 2000 enables parts up to 400mm diameter by 1250mm long to be swung over the bed.

However, by utilising the gap bed, a swing of 585mm by 165mm is available.

It is the Fanuc OiTc CNC TFT contouring control with the powerful but simple and quick to use Manual Guide i conversational programming that sets this machine apart enabling the operator to manually turn a part using its electronic handwheels with the control screen functioning as a digital readout for tool positioning.

To this, a series of canned cycles can be added to reduce the input required and the operator also has the facility to cut and paste or call-up his own prepared macros to create the toolpath.

Further help is at hand in building a program through an extensive tool library able to store up to 960 tools with the added supporting bonus of virtual tool and solid modelling programs.

There is also a simple teach/repeat memory plus on-screen CAD/CAM using icon-based commands.

For the advanced user, conventional CNC programming can be performed using G-codes.

And, in the same fashion as a normal CNC lathe, programs can be downloaded by DNC or input from a 'flash card' taken from a PC.

The MultiTurn CNC lathe is very competitively priced and provides high levels of functionality that takes full advantage of the 7.5kW spindle drive.

The spindle is carried on a cast iron flat bed with an eight-station 360mm diameter, bi-directional, electrically indexing disc turret capable of holding 20mm by 20mm tool section size and 30mm diameter boring bars.

Quick-change toolposts from Parat, Multifix or Dickson are available on request.

Three-jaw geared scroll or four-jaw independent chucks up to 250mm with a 54mm bore define the capacity of the machine which can also be supplied with travelling or stationary steadies.

The tailstock is No 5 MT and is available with heavy duty or general purpose centres.

The ergonomically positioned travelling Fanuc OiTC control has a large area to view TFT flat colour screen with a 10 GByte hard disk memory and can be moved totally independently of the fully interlocked enclosure which has twin, slide-aside guard doors.