Partnership delivers world’s first simultaneous horizontal multi-axis machine

The new SOHMAX (Simultaneous Operation, Horizontal Multi-Axis) machine was launched at EMO 2017 and has been specifically designed for machining operations on both ends of shafts, bars, axles and couplings – dramatically reducing set-up and cycle times.

The SOHMAX, was designed in partnership with Fanuc and uses both Fanuc CNC for its programming and a Fanuc robot for loading and unloading.

The machine allows up to 12 machining operations to be performed on components simultaneously, from simple turning, drilling and tapping operations, through to profiling, broaching, swaging, spline shaving, pressure testing and assembly operations. Workpieces are hydraulically clamped onto work surfaces using swing clamps or hydraulic collets, allowing rapid loading and unloading.

Seven machine variants are available in the SOHMAX range, capable of machining operations on bar from 26mm to 63mm with a range of turning lengths from 100mm to 5000mm. Beds are available in different lengths depending on component size and the BT40 spindles can accept any compatible tooling including those equipped with through-spindle coolant.

Programming is via Fanuc 30i CNC control which controls each station independently. The SOHMAX also comes equipped with a Fanuc robot for loading and unloading as standard equipment.

Says Cambridge Dynamics technical sales manager John Hawkins: “The SOHMAX has been designed to provide an innovative machining solution to increase competitiveness and profitability, by dramatically reducing machining times for shaft and bar applications. We worked extensively with Fanuc to develop this machine and we believe that we have delivered a world first. We had an enormous amount of interest in the machine at EMO, particularly from the Chinese market.”

He continues: “The SOHMAX is ideally suited to high volume parts machining, such as automotive and general industrial work, due to its ability to dramatically reduce set-up times set-up times and improve manufacturing flexibility, particularly with high mix product batches.”