With a theme of ‘Where technology talks’, the stand features nine fully operational machining centres, six of which are being featured for the first time in the UK, along with two Halter robotic loading and unloading systems, also first-time exhibits for UK visitors.
A range of live demonstrations will be running on the Chiron, Nakamura-Tome, Stama, Quaser and Hardinge machines; the Halter ‘Load Assistant’ automation systems are also operational. In addition, a further four Hardinge machines and a Quaser are being demonstrated elsewhere at the show.
On show for the first time from Chiron will be the FZ12 FX FlexCell Uno. The versatile machine can operate in medium to high volume manufacturing environments and undertake complicated machining operations of true 5-axis forms and tight geometries with high process stability. As standard, the FZ12FX FlexCell Uno is equipped with a 2-axis tilt rotary table and Siemens NC control.
One of three Nakamura-Tome turning centres, the NTRX-300, makes its UK exhibition debut. Described as a fusion between a 5-axis machining centre and a lathe, the machine is a heavy duty multi-tasking machine offering single set up capability for machining complex, high value components. It features 5-axis capability on both of its twin opposed spindles and an upgradeable 8,000 rpm milling head with 30 kW cutting power for shaft turning. Other features include a Y-axis stroke capability of 250 mm around the spindle centre line, a B-axis with 225º rotation, a maximum workpiece turning length of 1,150 mm and a distance between spindle centres of 1,350 mm. The exhibition demonstration machine also features an optional 80 mm through bore bar capacity; a smaller 65 mm bore is standard (and larger options are available).
The AS 200 turning centre is a single turret mill/turn centre featuring milling on the Y-axis and a 15 or 12/24 station turret. It is equipped as standard with NT Work Navigator, permitting component coordinates to be set via the control – a Fanuc CNC.
At MACH this machine will be fitted with a Halter Load Assistant load/unload unit that uses a Fanuc robot arm and the Halter smart control and smart loading system. The Load Assistant features conversational robot programming and is ideal for manufacturers operating small to medium-sized CNC lathes and machining centres.
The third machine from Nakamura is the WT-150II turning centre, a multi-turret, multi-tasking production lathe. It is a compact, highly rigid machine with upper and lower independent slides to eliminate vibration between operations and features a Nakamura SmartX control and integral software offering productive process monitoring.
Stama, the specialist in advanced 4- and 5-axis machines, will be featuring its MC538 Twin equipped with HSK 100 tooling for heavy duty machining applications. Twin Technology, employed in double-spindle machining centres, offers complete machining, fast changeover and flexible response to variations. Twin Technology systems can also be automated; features include defined loading positions and interfaces for robot or gantry loader systems and an integrated handling system for workpiece and tools, which offer greater productivity, reliability and availability. At MACH the MC538 is manufacturing steel calipers.
Two Quaser VMCs also are on the ETG stand. First is the MV235, featuring a Maxia 15,000 rpm BT 50 taper spindle and 20 bar through coolant and equipped with Nikken CNC260B toolholders. Second is the Quaser MK603S, a third generation VMC that is featuring a vertical pallet changer, 15,000 rpm spindle and linear scales on the X,Y and Z axes.
Finally, there are two new machines from Hardinge. First, the SP GT27 Turn Grind can be equipped with up to three grinding spindles. It has a hard turning capability and the minimum workpiece overhang complements the unique features of the Hardinge spindle. Second, the Hardinge XR1000 VMC offers a 1,200 by 600 mm machining envelope. Its 18.5 kW 12,000 rpm Weiss spindle features a new grease replenishing system and through spindle coolant delivery. The XR1000 also offers an upgradeable 30 position ATC and a swarf management system that includes a chip conveyor. As standard, the machine is equipped with a Heidenhain iTNC530 control. It is also fitted with a Halter Load Assistant unit.
