Ward CNC’s Hyundai-Kia turning centre for bearing specialist

"Like every manufacturing engineering company, we have taken a very close look at everything we do and part of that process has seen a lot of previously subcontracted work brought back in-house," said Joe Peacock, Roballo's works manager. "In the case of the Hyundai-Kia turning centre, this has meant a lot of one-hit turn/mill/drill components that are for our slewing bearings, which can measure up to 2.8 m diameter." "We were already familiar with Ward CNC's customer service and engineering support capabilities, having previously purchased a VTL from them, and it was this experience – coupled with the Hyundai-Kia's specification and price – that made us place the order when a turning centre was required," "Importantly, we are finding that the machine's driven tools are proving especially beneficial for the single set-up work we require. The 90 mm bar capacity Hyundai-Kia SKT-300M has a maximum turning diameter and length of 500 mm and 660 mm, respectively. The machine has a spindle speed of 3,000 rev/min (22/18.5 kW motor) and boasts a 12-tool station tool turret driven at 5.5/3.7 kW to achieve 4,000 rev/min. Travels in X and Z are 290 mm and 750 mm, respectively, with corresponding rapid traverse rates of 20 m/min and 24 m/min. Control is by Fanuc 21iTB CNC with Manual Guide-I routines.