Dual Machining Zones Improve Lathe Accuracy

The Tongtai MT series of lathes, available from Absolute Machine Tools, was developed to improve cycle times and turning processes for the automotive industry and is suitable for precision turning, high-production volume, automatic production and insertion into mass-production lines.

The machines feature twin spindles and two individual machining areas with separate bed structure to limit transfer of harmonic vibration, improving machining accuracy and surface finish. The turrets and spindles are parallel to each other, enabling parts which need two processes to be finished on one machine, the supplier says. Cutting feed rates range from 0.001 to 5,000 mm/min.

The two individual working areas feature a separate bed structure which is designed to decrease the transferring of harmonic vibration to provide increased machining accuracy and high-quality surface finishes. Maximum swing diameter is 210 mm with a machining diameter of 210 or 120 mm with a robotic arm, and a machining length of 145 or 100 mm with a robotic arm. 

That series features a programmable, gantry-type robotic arm that processes three axes movements and is driven by a servomotor, enabling the operator to adjust positioning points and moving routes. The arm provides rapid traverse rates of 160, 120 and 35 m/min. in the X, Y and Z axes, respectively. The rotary axis moves at 180 degrees/sec.

The lathes are equipped with 6" or 8" chucks on 6,000- or 4,500-rpm spindles. Other standard features include a through-coolant spindle, A2-5 or A2-6 spindle nose, and 0.001" indexing increments.