Gildemeister CTX beta 800 4A pushes 4-axis turning centre envelope

The Gildemeister CTX beta 800 4A features non-contact DirectDrive in both 12-station turrets for complex turning and milling operations and the Trifix quick tool change system. Another highlight is a counter spindle tailstock combination that can be positioned, for example, for 4-axis machining with support at the main spindle, or for parallel machining at main and counter spindle. The main spindle can be operated with either an ISM 76 or ISM 102 integral spindle motor, while an ISM 76 spindle is used on the other side. For turning operations the two spindles provide up to 5,000 rpm with 360 Nm torque as standard. Gildemeister DirectDrive in the turrets supplies driven tools with 34 Nm torque and up to 10,000 rpm. Both turrets have a Y-axis, allowing the top one to provide an operational range of ±60 mm, while the bottom turret is traversable by ±40 mm in Y. Liquid-cooled spindles provide the process with thermal stability, while there are also direct measuring systems in the X-axes. Rapids of up to 45 m/min help to minimise process times. The Trifix precision interface at all tool stations allows tools to be positioned in the fixture avoiding time consuming adjustments inside the machine. Gildemeister says Trifix also ensures a repeat accuracy in the micron range and a highly stable toolholder. The Siemens 840D solutionline control enables two channel programming of both the top and bottom turret for two-sided machining or up to 4-axis milling with both turrets working together on the main and counter-spindle. Technical data Work area Swing diameter --540 mm Max swing diameter --340 mm Turret slide (top) Cross travel in X--300 mm Vertical travel in Y--±60 mm Longitudinal travel in Z--800 mm Turret slide (bottom) Cross travel in X--195 mm Vertical travel in Y (optional)--±40 mm Longitudinal travel in Z--780 mm Main spindle--ISM 76--ISM 102* Max bar diameter--65/75--102 mm Max drive power (40 / 100% DC)*--32/25--48/40 kW Max torque (40 / 100% DC)--360/280-- 680/570 Nm Max rotational speed--5,000--4,000 rpm Turret 1 and 2 (DirectDrive) Toolholder--12 x VDI 40 Max drive power (40% DC)--14.2 kW Max torque (40% DC)--34 Nm Max rotational speed--10,000 rpm Counter spindle with X3 slide Cross travel in X--180 mm Longitudinal travel in Z--780 mm Counter spindle Max drive power (40 / 100% DC)*--32 / 25 kW Max torque (40 / 100% DC)--360/280 Nm Max rotational speed--5,000 rpm This product was unveiled at the DMG/Mori Seiki Open House in Pfronten, Germany in February 2012 - see full article here