Okuma has introduced a 2-axis CNC turning machine, called Soarer L270E, which is the first of a new range from the Japanese manufacturer built to in-house standards under contract in Taiwan.

 

The machine, which sells for around 75 per cent of the price of its nearest Japanese-built Okuma equivalent, is designed to compete with lower cost CNC lathes while retaining traditional Okuma features, including the proprietary control and feedback systems.

 

The Okuma Soarer L270E is designed as a compact, robust and highly reliable slant-bed lathe.

 

Hardened and ground, Turcite-coated slideways are combined with a 100 mm diameter A2-6 spindle (with 62 mm bore) and an hydraulically clamped, V8 eight-station turret to offer heavy duty cutting capability.

 

Its 7.5 kW AC spindle motor offers over 90 Nm of torque while spindle speed range is 50 rpm to 4,200 rpm.

 

Maximum turning diameter is 270 mm, whilst provision of an Mt 5 taper, hydraulic tailstock with 100 mm quill travel allows shafts up to 500 mm long to be machined.

 

X-axis travel is 155 mm and Z-axis travel is 520 mm.

 

Rapid traverse speed is 15 m/min in X and 20 m/min in Z; minimum programmable feed increment is one micron.

 

Pre-tensioned ballscrews are used throughout for optimum accuracy.

 

Control is by the multi-processor based Okuma OSP 700L with positional feedback via Okuma encoders.

 

This offers a flexible specification according to user requirements.

 

Standard features include Okuma's 'forget-me-not' zero absolute position detection; and the fast-acting NC torque limiting system on the feed axes to detect collision and prevent serious damage.

 

Program input using standard 3.5 inch disks and MacMan machine utilisation logging are also standard.

 

The machines are supplied with a standard tooling kit including an eight inch hydraulic chuck, live centre and a set of tool holders and boring bar / drill sleeves.

 

A touch setting device is available as an option.