Machining Centers Offer Rigidity, Stability

German Machine Tools of America (GMTA) now offers a full line of Rasoma machining centers, used primarily for gear making, to its customer base in automotive powertrain, off-highway and other high-performance markets.

The line includes vertical turning centers, four-axis shaft turning centers, end machining, double spindle and various special purpose machining centers with full automation. Additionally, gear machines for milling, hobbing and shaping are available in a variety of configurations.

These machines are said to offer high rigidity, due to the separate X- and Z-slides. Additional rigidity is provided by the machine head, which is designed as a monoblock with a polymer concrete fill. Thermal stability is enhanced by cooled motor spindles. The rapid traverse rates on these centers range to 60 m/min., with feed rates of 120 m/min., resulting in part-to-part times of less than 6 sec. and turret indexing typically under 1 sec., the machine builder says.  

Optional features include robotic handling and part articulation, integrated metrology, working inside or outside the work envelope, full tool measurement and monitoring systems, and driven tool packages, all controlled by a Siemens CNC.