The Index MS16C compact six-spindle CNC automatic production lathe is designed for the cam-driven multi-spindle market. Built on the company’s multi-spindle modular system, the lathe performs turning center operations including turning, drilling, milling, polygon turning, hobbing, tooth milling, deep-hole drilling and slotting.
A stable platform provides high-precision work from bar ranging to 16 mm. Each spindle offers independent, variable speed as fast as 10,000 rpm. Each driven tool can be synchronized with the C axis of the spindles using smart NC drives to permit milling and polygon turning.
The X-axis slides provide high dynamic stiffness with steel-on-steel, matched box-type guideways for high-precision machining. The Z-axis slides are quill-type with hydrostatic bushings. The five form tool slides work in the X axis and feature W-groves to ease adjustment.
The lathe features a spindle-integrated bar-feeding unit and integrated chip conveyor. According to the company, liquid spindle cooling provides higher power density in the spindle carrier and better thermal stability. The machine can accommodate heavy loads and high speeds without excessive heat generation, the company says.
Backworking is accomplished with a Z-axis synchronized spindle. As many as threebackworking tools may be used, as well as a cut-off tool, to provide more machining in a single rapid cycle. All standard toolholders and system interfaces can be used with the appropriate adapters (Capto, HSK, VDI, Index systems).
The standard lathe includes 24 CNC axes, five forming slides in the X axis, two drilling slides, three compound slides with X/Z axis, a cut-off slide with backworking and X/Z axis, and a Synchron spindle in the Z axis. The machine can also be configured with 26 CNC axes, five forming slides, five compound slides, a cut-off slide and the Synchron spindle for backworking.
Old-world craftsmanship combines with precision machining on a vertical machining center and Swiss-type lathe to produce some of the only U.S.-made mechanical wristwatch movements.
Automation is only the tip of the iceberg for Famar, which also provides multitasking options for its vertical lathes and horizontal five-axis machine tools.
