Multi-Spindle Automatic Lathe Debuts at IMTS 2018

Index will introduce its MS40-8 multi-spindle automatic lathe with eight CNC spindles, two back-working spindles for rear-end machining, deploying up to 18 CNC slides (X and Z) and additional Y axes if required. The machine is ideal for high-volume precision work in the automotive, fastener, connector and aerospace industries.

The MS40-8 handles barstock through a new bar loader (which will also be at IMTS), the Index MBL40-8. The machine can also chuck parts. The 110-mm chuck allows machining of pre-formed, forged or extruded parts of up to 80 mm. For simple parts, the machine can be used as a double four-spindle machine, reducing cycle times in half.

The heart of the MS40C-8 multi-spindle automatic lathe is the compact spindle drum with eight fluid-cooled motorized spindles with synchronized technology (max 7,000 rpm, 24 kW, 57 Nm). They are characterized by infinitely-variable speed control, high torque, low size and no maintenance requirements.

With the increased number of main spindles and tool carriers, the MS40C-8 is able to completely machine even very complex parts in one operation. Up to two pivoting synchronized spindles are each able to work on up to seven rear end machining tools: four of them can be live. A new feature is that two rear end machining tools can work simultaneously on the workpiece.

A significant highlight of the MS40C-8 is its versatile economic usability, including for simple workpieces. For example, if components need to be cut with only a small number of tools, it can be used as a highly productive double four-spindle machine. If the user makes this choice, they have practically two four-spindle machines available, each of which provides a synchronized spindle for rear-end machining. Each cycle finally outputs two finish-machined parts.

Since each spindle is independently programmable, it is possible to machine troublesome materials that until now were hardly suitable for multi-spindle machines. Speed changes are also possible during drum indexing, resulting in no additional downtime.