The latest version of a 64-bit CNC on Traub mill-turn centres allows the cycle times to be be reduced and programming, optimisation or a 2D simulation can be made in dialog or NC.

Traub says that its successful mill-turning centres have now higher NC performance The mill-turn centres have a 12-station disk-type turret with VDI40 shank, extremely high degree of collision-free working due to a turret clearance of 420mm and an optional Y-axis. These are the features of Traub's 'tried and tested' concept of the TNA400 universal turning machines. The tailstock is part of the basic equipment; it can be manually positioned on the separate guideway and is operated hydraulically.

The major advantage offered by this concept, however, is still its working area: The travel of the X-axis is very high.

This makes it possible to have the X-way moving up to 50mm below center in case of milling processes or hole patterns.

This corresponds to the travel of the Y-axis in both directions.

Thus, it is possible to work very precisely without a C-axis in the applications mentioned above.

The main drive with the tried and tested belt spindle produces a torque of up to 485Nm.

The very high positioning accuracy of the C-axis is achieved by the direct travel measuring system which is part of the standard equipment.

Besides the short taper mounting A6, Traub now offers also the A8 type according to DIN55026 as a new feature.

But the absolute highlight is set by the 64-bit control TX8i in its most recent version which has been entirely developed by ourselves and which is now also offered for turning machines TNA300, TNA400 as well as for the turn mill center TNC42/65.

The latest version of the 64-bit control TX8i With this new control system, the cycle times can be reduced to a considerable extent by an even higher CNC performance - that is Traub's commitment to their customers.

As against the TX8H, the PLC cycle time is reduced by factor of four, the block change times are reduced by 50% from 28ms to 14ms, the block calculation time can be reduced by 30 % and the macro calculation time even by up to 100 %.

A decisive and thus very significant advantage offered by the TX8i is the possibility of interactive programming - in dialog as well as on NC basis.

This means that programming, optimization or a 2D simulation can either be made in dialog or on NC basis.

On his way to the first good workpiece, the user is guided by the control system with graphical, object-oriented dialogs, which minimises the possibility of errors occurring and leads to a significant reduction of set-up times.

While producing the required safety is provided by a very sensitive tool breakage and tear monitoring system on the basis of current measurements on the axis motors.

This monitoring is integrated into the control system.

When several tools are working, each of them can be monitored simultaneously.

The TX8i Control is compatible with all previous Traub control systems.

Electronic handwheel In connection with the TX8i Control and with TNA300, TNA400 as well as with TNC42/65, Traub now offers also an electronic handwheel for starting up the programs.

This does not only put the user back into the good old times but also turns out to be very useful, especially at extremely complex program positions.

So it is possible to switch from automatic operation to the handwheel mode and each turret can be moved manually within the CNC program according to the programmed contour.

* Automatic tool control (ATC) - one of Traub's 'hallmarks' is still the Automatic Tool Control (ATC).

ATC is an instrument for measuring tools in the machine quickly and completely.

For this purpose, the tool is positioned under an optical crosshair, an acknowledgement key is pressed and the tool data are directly transmitted to the control system.

* The advantages offered by the TNA400 at a glance - 12-station disk-type turret with VDI40 shank - high degree of collision-free working due to a turret clearance of 420mm - profile or hole pattern machining without moving the C-axis, since the X-axis - moves up to 50mm below center and this corresponds to the travel of the Y-axis of +/- 50mm - high torque of up to 485Nm - high accuracy of the C-axis due to a direct travel measuring system.

* Arguments in favor of the 64-bit control TX8i - reduced set-up times due to higher NC performance - interactive programming, optimisation and simulation in dialog or in NC mode possible - prevents errors and reduces set-up times due to its object-based dialogs - sensitive tool breakage and wear monitoring system - compatible with all previous Traub control systems - high availability, cost reduction since machine, control and drive are provided by one single source