Eight-spindle Index Multiline MS22C-8 tackles more complex components

Available in the UK through sole agent Geo Kingsbury, the Index Multiline MS22C-8 turn-milling centre with its two additional stations is able to machine components of higher complexity in the short cycle times. Alternatively, it is able halve the production time for simpler parts using the machine as a double four-spindle auto, indexing the drum by 90º each time instead of 45º resulting in two parts per cycle. The multi-spindle automatic is described as suitable for both small batches and larger runs and can incorporate a wide range of operations into production cycles. In addition to turning, these can include drilling, elliptical deburring of cross holes, milling, hobbing, tooth milling, deep-hole drilling and slotting. As on all Index multis, the speed of each spindle can be controlled independently to avoid compromising cutting parameters at any station. The spindle and also the spindle drum are fluid-cooled to minimise thermal growth. The advantage compared with the previous air-cooling approach is more efficient energy recovery from the spindle drum. In addition, the spindle bearing temperature can be maintained at a low level, prolonging service life and improving thermal stability. Each spindle is assigned two cross-slides that travel in both the X and Z axes and optionally in the Y-axis as well. Machining operations can be freely defined at all spindle stations. Standard toolholders and interfaces can be used with appropriate adapters (Capto, HSK, VDI, Index). The cross slides have integrated drive and a low-mass design with hydrostatic support that is wear-free and avoids stick-slip. Low moment of inertia enables highly dynamic movement for rapid acceleration, while damping characteristics prevent the transfer of machining vibrations to the adjacent slide via the headstock. This allows, for example, heavy duty roughing at one station, while high precision finishing takes place at another, without sacrificing surface quality. One or two swivelling, synchronous backworking spindles, locked into position by three-part Hirth couplings, can perform simultaneous operations on the rear of the components. A high level of stiffness means that even with bar diameters up to 24 mm, reverse-end machining operations with very high cutting volumes does not compromise machining precision. The spindles are also dynamic, with swivelling to the end position taking less than 0.3 sec. The front-opening MS22C-8 can be operated as either a bar auto or a robotically-loaded chucker with the possibilities of integrated measuring and part stacking. The control cabinet on top of the machine minimises the machine's shopfloor footprint. Weight-optimising of components is aimed at reducing energy consumption and increasing dynamic response. Energy recovery by means of regenerative drives is included. Units that consume large amounts of energy are put into standby after a user-defined time. Friction is minimised using optimally paired materials and hydrostatic bearings. Intelligent cooling principles are used for targeted cooling and reuse of waste heat. The Index cooling concept ensures that the spindles, hydraulics and control cabinet are cooled constantly and that all recovered energy can be used to provide heating or to power other manufacturing processes.