Multi-Spindle Automatic Lathe Debuts at IMTS 2018

Index will introduce its MS40-8 multi-spindle automatic lathe with eight CNC spindles, two back-working spindles for rear-end machining, deploying up to 18 CNC slides (X and Z) and additional Y axes if required. The machine is ideal for high-volume precision work in the automotive, fastener, connector and aerospace industries.

The MS40-8 handles barstock through a new bar loader (which will also be at IMTS), the Index MBL40-8. The machine can also chuck parts. The 110-mm chuck allows machining of pre-formed, forged or extruded parts of up to 80 mm. For simple parts, the machine can be used as a double four-spindle machine, reducing cycle times in half.

The heart of the MS40C-8 multi-spindle automatic lathe is the compact spindle drum with eight fluid-cooled motorized spindles with synchronized technology (max 7,000 rpm, 24 kW, 57 Nm). They are characterized by infinitely-variable speed control, high torque, low size and no maintenance requirements.

With the increased number of main spindles and tool carriers, the MS40C-8 is able to completely machine even very complex parts in one operation. Up to two pivoting synchronized spindles are each able to work on up to seven rear end machining tools: four of them can be live. A new feature is that two rear end machining tools can work simultaneously on the workpiece.

A significant highlight of the MS40C-8 is its versatile economic usability, including for simple workpieces. For example, if components need to be cut with only a small number of tools, it can be used as a highly productive double four-spindle machine. If the user makes this choice, they have practically two four-spindle machines available, each of which provides a synchronized spindle for rear-end machining. Each cycle finally outputs two finish-machined parts.

Since each spindle is independently programmable, it is possible to machine troublesome materials that until now were hardly suitable for multi-spindle machines. Speed changes are also possible during drum indexing, resulting in no additional downtime.

Because users can set up live tools on the compound slides, multiple machining operations can be accomplished: off-center drilling, thread cutting, inclined drilling, cross drilling, contour milling, hobbing, bevel gear cutting, multi-edge turning and more.