Biglia B465 Y2 multi-turret bar turning centre stars at Hardinge demonstration facility

As standard, the main drive on the Biglia B465 Y2 is supplied with a Big Bore, giving 65 mm diameter through spindle bar capacity as opposed to the industry standard 45 mm. A 71 mm option is capable of the same 4,000 rpm cutting speed. The B465 has a fully programmable parts catcher with the ability to unload from both the main and sub-spindles in cycle. The catcher has 180° rotation that allows the remnant to be collected from the main spindle and loaded onto the conveyor for disposal. Finished parts are simultaneously loaded into a separate hopper ensuring minimising machining downtime. The parts catcher can unload workpieces up to 250 mm in length but a handling kit can extend this capacity to 1 m if necessary. The sub-spindle has a programmable linear axis allowing it to move 115 mm off centre from its opposing spindle giving a larger working envelope which allows, for example, drilling on both the main and sub-spindle without collision or interference. The sub-spindle also has the ability to act as a centre support without requiring manual intervention. For example, shaft machining can be supported with the centre and then transferred to the sub-spindle for any secondary operations. This also permits superimposed machining with the lower and upper turret both working on the main spindle while the sub-spindle will follow the rear side of the lower turret for simple operations such as drilling/tapping. The CNC controlled Fanuc motor powered horizontal-axis upper and lower turrets on the main and sub-spindle offer 12 stations at high speed (0.15 sec for one station). Driven tools are available on all turret positions (only the working tool rotates) with left and right rigid tapping a standard feature. The live tool is driven by a tang unit to a maximum of 4,000 rpm; the tang being a robust and rigid turret allowing machining of tough materials. Left and right rigid tapping is also a possiblility.