Tornos launches revolutionary multi-spindle featuring world-first barrel technology

Based on a 'fully integrated' concept and featuring innovative front access, the 14 mm bar capacity machine is designed with three types of customer in mind: users of numerical multi-spindle turning machines: those using cam-operated machines; and users of single-spindle turning machines. Being fully integrated means that all necessary peripherals are included as standard - bar feeder, swarf management system, oil with dual filtration incorporating a paper filter system (50 µ) in addition to an ultra fine filter (5 µ). With completely open access at the front, Tornos says it has pushed accessibility further than any other solution on the market by offering a design that enabled the operator to "get right inside the machine". The toolholders with integrated spray via the slides and the option to change the grippers from the front of the machine mean set-ups are as quick as on a single-spindle machine. Another immediate noticeable difference is the MultiSwiss 6x14's size – it takes up no more space than a single-spindle machine of equivalent capacity, says Tornos. Key in this is the fact that the machine uses 1.5m bars, instead of 3 m bars, reducing the machine footprint by 35%. This also makes bar handling easier and offers reduced noise and vibration produced levels. To overcome loss of efficiency owing to the number of feeding operations, which are doubled, bar is fed four times faster than the integrated bar feeders currently available. On material loss, which could also have doubled, it is three times shorter than with current solutions. The MultiSwiss 6x14 also features what is claimed to be a world first – a revolutionary new barrel that features faster and quieter torque motor technology. It was tested for over 40 million cycles before being awarded its validation certificate, the company underlines. As regards metalcutting capability, the machine can hold up to 15 tools in operation and three in counter operation. Each shaft and each spindle can be independently programmed, which enables tools to be used at the ideal cutting speed for each. The controlled angular position of each spindle enables drilling and milling operations with precise angular location even between stations. "All machining configurations are possible," says Rocco Martoccia, Tornos product manager. "Our machines can obviously turn, but for those who are very keen to use the machine for indenting, the use of hydrostatic technology provides much-needed damping and also enables this type of operation to be carried out." Polygon generation and high pressure drilling/milling systems can also be fitted. The MultiSwiss 6x14's temperature is fully controlled via the cutting oil, which is monitored by a plate heat exchanger. The machine core is kept at a constant temperature, even when stopped. To improve efficiency, the regulation system can be pre-programmed to reduce the machine's standard heating times. The machine incorporates a plate heat exchanger, designed to be connected to the company's centralised network, meaning that cooling systems do not need to be fitted to each machine. As on other Tornos CNC multi-spindle turning machines, the MultiSwiss includes an integrated PC. This offers a user-friendly interface with a large colour touch screen. Programming is carried out on TB-Deco.