Compact self-loading VTL provides fully automated turning

Citation

(2009), "Compact self-loading VTL provides fully automated turning", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 81 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2009.12781bab.006

Compact self-loading VTL provides fully automated turning

Article Type: Aerospace technology From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 81, Issue 2

A self-loading, ultra-modern design, vertical configured lathe with an inverted spindle from DMG has been developed for unmanned running with component feed by a fully integrated adjustable transport carousel able to accommodate 20 parts. The cell is also very compact, taking just 4.7 m² of floor space and can be installed as a single lift ready for commissioning.

The Gildemeister CTV 160 has a 200 mm swing and 160 mm inverted chuck with a larger 200 mm capacity option. The X-axis travel is 575 mm and the 300 mm Z-axis stroke enables workpieces between 20 and 210 mm to be machined. As an option, a large +90 mm Y-axis is available for eccentric and off-centre boring, milling and drilling.

A 21 kW, 176 Nm spindle drive delivers 6,000 rpm and the 12 station, driven tool turret has options of either 30 VDI with 5.4 kW and 18 Nm of torque or 40 VDI and 11.7 kW with 28 Nm of torque for heavier cutting requirements. Both driven tool options have maximum speeds of 4,000 rpm.

Each of the 20 carousel pocket positions, that are integrated into the modern lines of the machine, are quickly adjustable to suit the part to be processed. As parts are indexed on the carousel’s individual platens, the inverted spindle and chuck is repositioned from the cutting zone at 60 m/min rapid traverse to automatically deposit the completed part in a vacant position. The carousel then indexes to present the next raw component for machining. The spindle and chuck are programmed to pick up the part such as a housing, hub, gear blank or bushing, that can be in forging, casting or billet format and return to the machining zone ready for the cycle to commerce.

Owing to the inverted spindle configuration and the lower position of the turret, swarf control is highly efficient with it falling under gravity directly into the chip conveyor for fast extraction out of the machine frame either to the side or rear of the machine.

The large, 19 in. flat screen and independent keyboard of the DMG ERGOIine control can incorporate Siemens ShopTurn software as an option. There is also the added support from on-screen -D programming and cycle simulation. Both the control panel and full height, slide-aside guard door with large viewing area makes access into the working zone both safe and easy.

DMG SOFTkeys enable customisation of hot keys for frequent screen selections or regular operational sequences. DMG SMARTkey is also included which provides personalised authorisation using access rights and enables individual presentation of control functions, user data and operating modes.

Details available from: DMG (UK) Ltd, Tel.: +44 (0)1582 570 661, web site: www.gildemeister.com