'Entry level' universal slant bed CNC lathes, priced in the UK at under GBP 38,000, offer high accuracy, simple graphical programming and 3D simulation.

 

The development by Gildemeister of an entry level 'eco' version of its popular CTX 10 range of universal slant bed lathes offers more production performance, capacity and accuracy with simple graphical programming and 3D simulation at under GBP 38,000.

 

The Gildemeister CTX 310 eco, available through DMG (UK) of Luton, has a maximum turning diameter of 200mm by 420mm and a bar capacity of 51mm within a compact 'footprint' area of 3.2m by 1.6m.

 

The basic machine package comprises a high torque 13.5kW, 5,000 rev/min spindle with 12-station turret, programmable tailstock, hydraulic 210mm three-jaw chuck, hollow chuck clamping and the highly rated Siemens 810 D control with 15in TFT-screen.

 

Also included is the latest Shop Turn software providing full 3D verification and simulation, Ethernet interface and remote diagnostics.

 

Accuracy is a main feature of the CTX range.

 

These universal lathes are constructed on a 45 deg slant bed casting having excellent thermal stability and rigidity.

 

The resukting high performance provides a repeatable and consistent process.

 

Indeed, repeatability in X- and Z- axis is 0.003mm.

 

Rapid traverse on linear ball guideways is 24m/min in X and 30m/min in Y.

 

Targeted at the demanding subcontract user, the machine has a complementary specification of option packages that further improve utilisation and the return on investment.

 

Meeting the needs of integrated mill/turn cycles, the CTX 310 eco can be specified with C-axis and six driven tools from the 12 station VDI turret powered by a 4.2kW motor delivering up to 4,500 rev/min.

 

This configuration is available for under GBP 45,000.

 

There are three further option packages for production, pre-setting and bar machining, each containing a swarf conveyor and production indicator light.

 

 

 

 

4. Heavy duty lathe is rated at 45kW

A heavy-duty 45kW, CNC chucking lathe, able to machine 2.5 tonne components in excess of 1m in diameter over the bed by 3m length, has a 7.5kW power driven tooling turret.

 

A British-designed and built, heavy-duty chucking lathe, able to swing 2.5 tonne components in excess of 1m in diameter over the bed, has been added to the top end of the turning machine range built by the MHP division of Geo Kingsbury Machine Tools, Gosport.

 

The first such machine, whose specification is described below, was delivered in March 2007 to a UK customer that prefers to remain anonymous.

 

Having a Meehanite cast iron, 45 deg slant-bed construction, the 22 tonne MHP260/3000 has a 900mm turning diameter and can accommodate components up to 3m long between chuck and servo-driven, programmable tailstock, which features a hydraulic quill with 150 mm stroke.

 

The spindle is rated at 45kW / 1,250 rev/min and delivers 235Nm of torque through a 1:4 ratio gearbox.

 

Eight 60VDI tools are resident in the turret, all stations being powered by a 7.5kW, 3,000 rev/min motor.

 

Control is by Siemens 840D CNC with integrated, double redundancy safety system and 'Shopturn' shop floor programming.

 

Each subsequent lathe will be built to order and can be tailored to the requirements of the user, including selection of the control.

 

For example, the next machine has already been ordered and will have 1100mm swing over the bed, 1000mm turning diameter, 2000mm turning length, no tailstock and a 12-station, 60VDI turret.

 

Many different options may be selected including Heidenhain linear glass scales in X and Z for enhanced accuracy, a three-roller steady rest for components ranging from 200 to 500mm in diameter, a Renishaw infrared probe mounted in the turret for component measurement, vacuum chucking and interface, and hydraulic power chuck.