XYZ Machine Tools to unveil turning centres at MACH 2020

3 mins read

XYZ Machine Tools will use MACH 2020 (Birmingham NEC, 20-24 April) to reveal the latest additions to its Compact Turn turning centre range, the XYZ CT65HD and the XYZ CT52LR.

On Stand 130 (Hall 18), visitors to the show will discover that the XYZ CT65HD replaces the existing Compact Turn CT65 and comes with a maximum turned length of more than double its predecessor, at 535 mm, and a total Z-axis travel of 550 mm.

Another enhancement is greater coolant delivery pressure of 30 l/min at 2.5 bar. The HD (heavy duty) designation relates to the construction, which remains as a solid Meehanite ribbed casting with the X and Y axes positioned along hardened and ground box slide-ways by means of ball-screws that have been increased in size to 28 and 40 mm respectively, with 20 m/min feed rates. The spindle remains as an 18 kW unit with a maximum speed of 4,500 rpm, while the 12-position 30VDI turret remains as standard, along with the MT4 tailstock offering 90 mm of travel.

Introducing the XYZ CT52LR mirrors the development of XYZ Machine Tools’ machining centre range, with the introduction of linear-rail technology to its turning centres for the first time.

Providing a 300 mm maximum turned length and 52 mm bar capacity, the XYZ CT52LR provides users with an entry into turning-centre ownership and, when combined with a machining centre from XYZ’s LR range, delivers a price-competitive package for any subcontractor that is unsure of what work will come in from week-to-week, says the company.

Further key specifications of the CT52LR include: an 11.2 kW spindle, which is capable of running at 4,500 rpm; 300 mm maximum swing; 180 mm maximum turned diameter; axis travels in X and Z of 165 and 315 mm respectively; and a 10-position block-type turret providing plenty of machining options.

“The arrival of the CT52LR is down to the success of the LR series of machining centres, which have been extremely well received by customers and opened up new opportunities thanks to the cost advantage, while retaining excellent machining capability,” says Nigel Atherton, managing director of XYZ Machine Tools.

In addition to these two latest developments, XYZ will be highlighting the latest version of its ProtoTRAK control for mills and lathes. The ProtoTRAK RX control sees several major developments, not least the use of a 15.6” touchscreen panel that allows the now familiar ‘pinch to zoom’ and ‘twist to rotate’ functions, creating a much more user-friendly interaction for the operator, especially when viewing 3D models. The larger screen also allows the component drawing to be visible while programming.

Using the touchscreen in conjunction with the optional DXF converter eliminates the need for a mouse to navigate and edit programs. Operators now have a wealth of information and functionality at their fingertips, with help videos, digital speed and feed control, and a detailed tool library all available on-screen. The ProtoTRAK control will be demonstrated at MACH 2020 on a range of ProtoTRAK mills and ProTURN lathes. Visitors can simply ask for a demonstration of its simplicity.

XYZ Machine Tools’ range of CNC vertical machining centres will be represented by models from the LR (linear rail) and HD (heavy duty) series. These machines come with the Siemens 828D control, with ShopMill or ShopTurn. Customers looking at the HD VMC version can also specify the Heidenhain TNC 620 control as a standard option.

XYZ’s VMC range provides machines covering axis travels of 510 by 400 by 450 mm on the XYZ 500 LR machine, through to 3,000 by 1,000 by 800 mm for the XYZ 3010HD. Those looking for even greater capacity have the option of the XYZ travelling column series of machines with up to 10,000 mm of X-axis travel.

The UMC series takes care of multi-axis machining with the UMC-4+1 and UMC-5X machines. On show at MACH 2020 will be the UMC-5X, which provides simultaneous 5-axis vertical machining centre capability via either Siemens or Heidenhain control. Both UMC machines feature a 600 mm rotary table with full 360° rotation and capacity to hold components up to 600 kg. A-axis capability is ±120° with servo worm-drive control allowing full rotation in under 2.5 seconds. On the UMC-5X, the X, Y and Z axes make use of linear scales (optional on the UMC-4+1), with both machines benefiting from precision rotary encoders positioned on the pivot points of the A and C axes.

Automation will also feature strongly on the XYZ stand, with the company’s integrated robot machine-tending system, Robo-Tend, being shown in action. This versatile system can be used with XYZ vertical machining and turning centres, and provides a modular answer to the automation needs of small to medium sized machine shops, where versatility and flexibility are key requirements.

The standard integrated Kuka robot (other robots are available) can handle parts weighing up to 10 kg, picking them from the Robo-Tend drawer system before placing them into the machining area. Once machined, the robot returns the finished component to the drawer, with the ability to flip the part ready for any second operation work. Like all other products within the XYZ Machine Tool portfolio, Robo-Tend is designed for ease-of-use, with programming simplified by a touchscreen panel that integrates with the Siemens control on the machine.

Cost was also a major factor in developing the Robo-Tend system, with payback being measured in months if bought outright, or finance available from as little as £2 per hour.