Tornos Swiss ST26 sliding-head gets UK exhibition debut at MACH 2014

Initially developed as a simple machine covering a wide range of requirements for the Asian and American markets, the success of the ST26 will see a CE version for the European market launched at the show (Birmingham NEC, 7-11 April). Equipped with seven linear axes and two C axes, the ST26 will be positioned as a direct competitor to machines equipped with five or six axes, but in the same price range. It completes Tornos mid-range offering, sitting between the EvoDeco, a flexible solution with excellent production capabilities, and the Gamma, a machine with proven performance for machining moderately complex workpieces. The ST26 has a 25.4 mm diameter capacity and can handle lengths of 220 mm in a 2,300 by 1,300 by 1,700 mm (L, W, H) footprint. With a weight of 3,300 kg and a spindle and counter-spindle power of 9.5 kW, the new ST26 offers all the precision and rigidity a customer could require, says Tornos. With the first machines already delivered, customers say they are impressed by two things in particular: the kinematics that offer two independent plattens, the rear of which can perform back operations, allowing machining operations to be executed concurrently; and identical main and sub-spindles, which are both powerful and highly responsive. The combination of these two enables a balanced set-up between the two sides of the workpiece being machined. It also supports production of relatively complex workpieces on such a 'simple' machine. Three tools can be engaged in the material simultaneously. Back operations are performed simultaneously with either platten, allowing work to continue on the guide bush. Completely developed and produced in Switzerland, the synchronous type spindle delivers 9.5 kW, as well as rapid acceleration and deceleration from 0 to 10,000 rpm in 0.9 seconds. It is by far the most powerful and responsive machine on the market in this product category, claims the company. Equipped with an integrated cooling system, the spindles contribute to the machine's thermal stability to deliver increased precision. Equipped with a variety of tool systems, the machine can take up to 42 tools, including 16 rotating tools. Numerous devices are available for specific operations, such as polygon operations, thread-whirling processes and milling. The Swiss ST 26 is offered as standard in three versions. The Starter, the Advanced and Medtech. These three packs include a variety of equipment suited to the type of workpieces to be produced. Depending on the requirements, the company can also supply additional equipment, such as chip conveyor, high pressure pump or oil mist extractor. MACH 2014 - Birmingham NEC, 7-11 April