XYZ Machine Tools takes its biggest MACH stand ever; unveils "revolutionary" second op machine in 16-model display

These include a selection of tried-and-tested favourites, such as the ProtoTRAK controlled SMX range of turret and bed mills and SLX ProTURN lathes. Added to that will be a number of Siemens-controlled CNC machining and turning centres. The Burlescombe, Devon-based company will also unveil new innovations, among which are the XL780 lathe and the totally new concept in machining, the 2op The new XL 780 lathe is an extension to XYZ Machine Tools' already comprehensive range of medium-sized lathes. This development extends the range to 780 mm swing and 3,000 mm bed length. It will be controlled by a Siemens 828D control with Shopturn conversational programming software and bridges the gap between the SLX range of lathes and the larger XYZ XL and oil country lathes. Like other machines in the XYZ large lathe range, the XL 780 will feature a substantial single-piece bed to provide the rigidity required for heavy duty turning operations. XYZ Machine Tools will also be unveiling a machine that, it says, "is set to revolutionise first and second operation work". Due for release later this year, the TRAK 2op concept machine is a 3-axis CNC unit, with a footprint of just 762 by 1,220 mm, it will significantly improve companies' workflow and productivity, it is claimed. Customers familiar with XYZ's ProtoTRAK control system are aware of its simplicity and ease of use, but there are still many who are yet to benefit, says XYZ Machine Tools. To demonstrate the capability of machines equipped with ProtoTRAK, the company will demonstrate it across a number of SMX bed and turret mills. The machines with ProtoTRAK control on show range in sizes from the SMX 2000 turret mill with axis travels of 750 by 380 by 400 mm (XYZ), through the SMX 2500 bed mill with axis travels of 780 by 390 by 560 mm (XYZ) and up to the largest machine in the range, the SMX 5000 bed mill with axis travels of 1,524 by 596 by 540 mm. The ProtoTRAK 3-axis control system supplied with these machines is said to be ideal for one-off and small batch quantities, while the robust construction, including the solid Meehanite cast iron construction and Turcite-B coated bedways, provide a rigid and accurate machining platform. The SMX 5000 is the largest in this bed-mill range Similarly, the ProTURN SLX range of lathes make full use of the ProtoTRAK control to provide both manual and CNC capability across a wide range of machine specifications. On show at MACH 2014 will be a cross section of the SLX range, starting from the smallest SLX1630 featuring a 400 mm swing over the bed and a between centre distance of 760 mm, through to the largest machine in the range, the SLX 555 with 560 mm swing over the bed and options on the between centre distance of 1,000, 1,750 and 3,000 mm. The SLX 555 is the largest in this range The SLX range differs from many lathes on the market, with the exception of the smaller SLX 1630, by having a one-piece, solid-ribbed, cast base, the design and weight of which adds significantly to the machines' rigidity and precision. Here too, XYZ will be demonstrating the simplicity of the ProtoTRAK control system, underlining that even operators without any knowledge of CNC will be operating and producing parts within a day. Completing the line-up of ProtoTRAK-controlled machines is the XYZ LPM, or Lean Production Machine. The XYZ LPM is the first ProtoTRAK controlled machine to be fitted with an automatic tool changer, helping to reduce production costs. The XYZ LPM, a different approach offering fast repeat set-ups and familiar ProtoTRAK control Other time saving features of the machine include simplified workpiece setting, thanks to the machine table having locating bushes at precise locations and with the Jergens ball locking system ensuring accurate and secure clamping of fixtures. The LPM system also comes with a tool pre-setting facility that helps to reduce set-up time, while the ProtoTRAK control has the facility for background editing of programs while another component is being machined (see Machinery detailed feature here and also editor's comment here). Complementing the range of ProtoTRAK machines, XYZ's range of CNC controlled machining and turning centres will also feature at MACH 2014. The machining centres on show are the XYZ 710 VMC, XYZ 1020 VMC and the high speed XYZ 1060 VMC. Across the XYZ VMC range there is a common feature of high quality manufacture with features such as solid Meehanite castings and extra wide induction hardened box slideways with Turcite-B coatings adding to rigidity and performance. Standard specification of the VMC range includes an 8,000 rpm 20 hp spindle and feedrates up to 20 m/min in all axes. Additionally, customers can specify either the Siemens control with ShopMill conversational programming or the Fanuc production control. For higher performance the XYZ 1060 HS machine has a 12,000 rpm spindle (24,000 rpm option) and feedrates are 43 m/min in all axes. The XYZ 1060 HS is also equipped with high precision, high quality, NSK linear roller bearings and, in common with the rest of the XYZ VMC range, has direct drive servomotors on all three axes that guarantee high positioning accuracy and repeatability under all cutting loads. Two of XYZ's CNC lathes complete the MACH line-up, with the XYZ TC 320 LTY turning centre and Compact Turn 52 representing the extensive range of available. The powerful XYZ TC 320 LTY features a 3,300 rpm/45 hp spindle, 300 mm chuck and a bar capacity of 78 mm. Combining the machine's 100 mm Y-axis travel with live tooling at each of the turret's 12 positions means that complex components can be quickly and accurately machined, eliminating in many cases the need for secondary operations. Complex components can be quickly and accurately machined on the XYZ TC 320 LTY turning centre The Compact Turn 52 is the smallest of XYZ's CNC lathes, with a footprint of just 1,700 by 1,450 mm in its standard form. However, it still provides a powerful machining platform, thanks to its 5,000 rpm/min, 20 hp spindle, and offers axis travels of 185 and 325 (X and Z), with rapid traverse rates of 20 m/min. Like all of the machines in the XYZ range, its turning centres also benefit from a highly rigid and stable construction, with hardened and ground box slideways and solid meehanite castings for the major components.