Fixed head lathe with Y-axis cross-feed gives improved flexibility

Citation

(2006), "Fixed head lathe with Y-axis cross-feed gives improved flexibility", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2006.12778cab.003

Fixed head lathe with Y-axis cross-feed gives improved flexibility

Fixed head lathe with Y-axis cross-feed gives improved flexibility

Keywords: Aircraft components

Developed to produce very complex multiple mill/turn features on components up to 42 mm diameter, combining high orders of accuracy for geometrical positioning and size in a single “one-hit” cycle, the latest seven- axis fixed-head Boley BE42-Y now incorporates a Y-axis cross-feed to one of its two 12-station all-driven turrets.

The machine, now available from NC Engineering of Watford, UK, has the added capability to perform cycles such as eccentric cross-milling and machining requiring three-axis helical interpolation on components out of a maximum bar size of up to 42 mm bar or on chucking applications up to 140 mm diameter. It also incorporates the ability to machine with three tools at the same time to lower cycle times and improve efficiency.

The high precision Boley BE42-Y is reported to be able to transfer parts between its two spindles which have full C-axis capability for mill/turn machining sequences. These spindles are serviced by two identical 12-station turrets which have one second indexing and a 1 kW, 4,500revs/min drive to each tool position. Besides the capability to use driven tools on all stations, both turrets have additional index positions set between each station which means 48 tool holders can be carried, with up to 24 on each turret.

When this tool carrying capability is combined with the addition of the ±40 mm either side of centre line Y-axis cross-feed to the top turret, the versatility of the machine increases further due to the freedom of turret axis movements to both main and secondary spindles.

A high precision and surface finish capability is enhanced by ceramic bearing technology used in the main spindle which also has liquid cooling. The spindle is powered by an 1 kW, AC built-in motor giving between 80 and 8,000 revs/min. The collet is hydraulically operated for bar machining and to create a higher gripping force when using the optional 140 mm capacity chuck. The secondary spindle is powered by a 3.7 kW 6,000revs/min drive.

In its chucking lathe guise, the Boley BE42-Y has the facility to carry a collet in the secondary spindle and is able to pick-up the component from the main spindle by locating from a previously turned diameter. It is then transferred at a traverse rate of 24 m/ min ready to position for second operational machining. In addition, the secondary spindle also incorporates an 110 mm X-2 cross- feed axis derived from the Boley BC42-X2 to enable component features that are dimensioned off the centre line to be accurately machined.

The Boley BE42-Y has a 308 slant bed and adopts many of the proven features of the existing Boley fixed spindle and Citizen CMC sliding head range including a common CNC control system with high speed processing capability. The machine is compact with a floor area of 2,350 mm by 1,560 mm. Options available include chute-type workpiece outfeed or conveyor, a back-spindle thread chasing device, automatic part-off, tooling monitoring and breakage detection and an automatic component loading system for chucking work.

Details available from: NC Engineering Limited, Tel: +44 (0) 1923 691500, e-mail: sales@ncenqineerinq.co.uk web site: www.ncenqineering.co.uk