Technical analysis of CNC eight-axis machine tool

Innovation and vitality born in a crisis

Index-Werke, based in Esslingen, has always had a strong vitality and innovation in the midst of a crisis. We can see the development potential of CNC grinding lathes, CNC milling and milling machining centers and CNC multi-spindle lathes produced by the company in the many new mechanical design schemes of EMO.

Reiner Hammerl, head of Index-Werke, said: "We defeated the economic crisis at the end of last year. Moreover, there were targets for investment during the economic crisis, such as investment in large parts production. We relied on short-term work plans, we retained Most of our experienced and motivated employees have enabled us to shorten production time and the company has continued to grow. At EMO we have launched the newly developed R300, TNL32 and of course our eight-axis machine MS22C-8. Using state-of-the-art machinery to protect our customers' success in the coming year."

Progress from six to eight

The decision to extend the existing CNC six-axis lathe to eight axes comes from the customer's needs. Bernd Reutter, multi-spindle technology sales manager, said: "The trend in the market today is to produce smaller and more complex parts, and to a certain extent, for small batch production. With MS22C-8, we are here. All directions have achieved the ultimate state of the art."

Features of the MS22C-8 machine include: the bar diameter is extended to 24 mm, two additional spindles, each of which can be installed with four more tool holders. The structure can also be used as a composite four-axis lathe for double the simple parts. Output, up to 12 tools for back machining, and finally can be combined with the integrated robotic loading and unloading system in the work area. Thanks to the adaptable technology and superior assembly and maneuverability, this machine tool offers a high degree of flexibility.

A new highlight of the device is the fluid cooling of the spindle drum and spindle bearings. In this regard, Reuttler said: "Because we have to integrate many functions in a small space, air cooling can not meet the production needs." Fluid-cooled spindle roller - this technology has been successfully applied to the MS40 since the previous year. - Minimize the heating of the spindle bracket.

The MS22C-8 machine specifications are slightly larger than the MS22C-6. The main core components of the six-axis lathe have been inherited after partial modifications, including the spindle, the cross slide and the synchronous spindle. “This reduces mechanical risk and ensures the proportion of common parts used,” Hammerl said.

The lightweight hydrostatic cross slide and the integrated servo motor achieve excellent acceleration with its low moment of inertia and the resulting high power. The advantage of the static slide of the feed shaft (Z-axis) is its shock absorption, which can be carefully avoided to transfer the working vibrations through the headstock to the adjacent sliding frame, even at the same time in the eight axes. The same is true for different processing operations. When a spindle is subjected to strong roughing, it does not affect the surface quality exhibited by other spindles that are undergoing fine machining. In addition, the static pressure bearing does not wear out - neither wear nor slip.

The new lathe can also be retrofitted into three different configurations depending on its assembly. Its sales manager, Michael Czudaj, said: "The MS22C-8 can be used as an eight-axis lathe with a rotating synchronous spindle. It can also be used as a composite four-axis lathe or with a composite back-processing function. Customers do not purchase You need to decide which structure you need. You can add a cross slide and a rotary synchronous spindle to your needs.

The eight-axis lathe not only demonstrates its high efficiency in bar processing. Michael Czudaj said: “The machine can also be used as a forging, deep-drawing, bar section or finishing machine. The blanks are mostly single-sided and do not require a synchronous spindle. A rotating plate automatically assembles an external loading system and an integrated robot. For the operator, the front-open configuration allows them to freely access the device when setting up and assembling the device. In addition, the waste can also be freely dropped back into the waste chute.

The eight-axis lathe also has a handling device for the external stacking device on the device – the workpiece can be continuously measured as needed and the information can be fed back in time to automatically modify the operating parameters when needed.

New control architecture

From a control perspective, it is essential for most newly developed devices. Bernd Reuttler said: "We do everything we can to eliminate the fear of people coming into contact with this 'multi-spindle lathe' that looks very complicated at first. People who have been exposed to NC for a few weeks can be without training. The problem is pre-programmed for multi-spindle lathes. The biggest difference with single-axis lathes is that instead of moving the tool to the workpiece, the workpiece moves toward the tool. Each sliding frame can be set separately."

The drum drive has also been modified. The drum drive is integrated into the support wall and can be used both to drive the spindle drum and to drive the rod supply, eliminating the need for a drive and saving space. Also for higher energy efficiency contributions and quality-optimized components, energy is recovered through a feedback-trigger to cut off power supply to energy-intensive devices during free-selection time (standby mode). The final cooling design ensures continuous cooling of the spindle, hydraulic and electrical cabinets, and heat is delivered through a 'watering port' for new applications.

Another benefit of the device for the user is that all standard tool holder and tool holder system interfaces can be equipped with the corresponding adapters (Capto, HSK, VDI, Index system). There are 27 types of tools available in the standard structure, 16 of which can be used simultaneously, with all the technology on the lathe machining center. Bernd Reuttler said: "We are proficient in turning, drilling, milling, multilateral turning, cot cutting, hobbing, deep hole drilling and impact. If the Y-axis is fitted, we also specialize in eccentric bore, lateral milling and transverse holes. The ellipse removes the burr."

Flexibility, also suitable for small batches

The new CNC CNC eight-axis lathe MS22C-8 is used in a wide range of industries – from automotive to medical technology. What is interesting here is that small batch production is equally economical. Reiner Hammerl, president of the company, said: "For any industry that wants to further increase the productivity of parts with conventional complexity, our new eight-axis lathes are the first choice. Not only that, but the number of available spindles has increased by two, that is With the addition of four tools, our lathes can also be used to machine more complex workpieces. It can be said that, in terms of innovation and technological advancement, Index relies on the perfect technology of the machine and in the field of multi-spindle lathes. Years of experience have created a technological bridge for the component market to move higher and further.