6-spindle mill-turn can have up to 62 axes, but is available 'lean'

A 6-spindle mill-turning centre, designated MS22C, has been added to the German-built INDEX line of multi-spindle bar automatics. The new model, capable of accepting bar up to 22 mm diameter, fills a gap in the range that until now comprised machines with maximum bar capacities of 18, 32, 42 and 52 mm. According to configuration, the MS22C can have up to 62 CNC axes, including 12 compound slides with x, y and z travels of 62, 24 and 85 mm and a c-axis. Simultaneous back-working is achieved using one or two synchronous pick-up spindles that present the parted-off components to six separate tools, four of which can be driven. For manufacturers of less complex parts that do not require extensive reverse end-working or off-centre cross machining, a lower cost model is available, called MS22C Lean. Its compound slides omit the y-axis, there is only one synchro spindle and three fixed tools for back-working, and the single- instead of twin-NC control needs to manage the motions of only 31 axes. Machining possibilities are nevertheless still extensive, offering a modern alternative to high-end, cam-controlled multi's in terms of speed, but offering greater versatility and much faster changeover times.