Self-Loading Vertical Turning Center Maintains Tight Tolerances

Emco Maier is expanding its successful line of compact, inverted vertical turning machines for production with the VT400, designed with integrated automation for complete machining of cast or forged chucked parts ranging to 400 mm (15.75") in diameter. It combines compact design and fully automated operation to offer a cost-effective production package for automotive, off-road, power generation and other industries.

The VTC performs turning as well as drilling and milling operations to complete parts with swing diameters ranging to 450 mm (17.7") and lengths ranging to 200 mm (8"). The vertical, water-cooled, high-torque spindle provides 36 kW (48 hp) of power and speeds ranging to 4,000 rpm for shorter turning, drilling and threading cycle times. The main spindle torque is 600 Nm (442 foot-pounds) with custom horsepower and torque configurations available. The machine spindle and chuck are used to load and unload parts for self-loading, saving on the cost of external automation. The loading design enables 13-sec. part-to-part times with workpieces weighing as much as 88 lbs.

A rigid machine structure provides good cutting performance in serial production and is ideally suited for fine and hard turning, the company says. Direct-driven axis travels measure 37.8" and 15.75" in the X and Z axes, respectively, and ±3.5" in the optional Y axis. The machine uses large cross-roller guideways in each axis to ensure high stability despite heavy loads. These ways are preloaded to eliminate backlash which enables the machine to continually hold extremely tight tolerances. The machine carries 12 driven VDI40 toolholders capable of 5,000 rpm and 40 Nm (29.5 foot-pounds) of torque. Other turret configurations are available, such as VDI50 and BMT65P.