Programming Option Enables Turning on HMCs

Okuma’s Turn-Cut programming function enables turning operations on horizontal machining centers without secondary machinery. Workpieces remain stationary so that large, unbalanced parts that would be difficult to set up on a lathe can be machined. According to the company, no special-purpose machines, tooling or fixtures are necessary. The circular motion of the feed axis is synchronized with the spindle’s turning angle to perform cutting operations. The function is activated by a G code in the program and follows standard programing convention to describe the desired path.

The Turn-Cut option enables the horizontal machining center to create bores and diameters with circular and/or angular features. The surfaces can be created either on the outside or inside diameter of the machined part. The function does not interfere with the performance or longevity of the machine, and may improve performance with the addition of abso-scales or Super-NURBS, the company says. The feature is available as an option on Okuma’s MA and MB series of horizontal machining centers, and can also be retrofitted to existing Okuma machining centers.