THE MICROTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION PORTAL/THE SHOW
08.12.2017
A - Machines
MULTISWISS – NOW AVAILABLE IN LARGER SIZES
Tornos has now extended its MultiSwiss portfolio of solutions with the arrival of new machines for processing workpieces with diameters from 4 to 32 mm. The two new variants have been designed with the philosophy and technology that made the MultiSwiss 6x14 and MultiSwiss 6x16 machines such a success. The new MultiSwiss 8x26 and 6x32 models are equipped with sliding headstock spindles including Z-axis, barrel indexing with a torque motor and a container that comprises all peripheral units required for machine operation.
The floor space requirements have been optimised.
Just like the smaller models, these new machines mark a sharp break from conventional multispindle machines and further bridge the gap between multispindle and single-spindle lathes.
The technology in these machines enables them to almost reach the cycle times of cam-driven multispindle lathes.
VARIANT NO. 1
MultiSwiss 8x26 – Eight spindles with more possibilities
With its eight spindles and eight slides for front machining, where each slide can hold up to three tools, the MultiSwiss 8x26 will bring the MultiSwiss range to a new performance level in terms of complexity and productivity. Thanks to its highly dynamic eight synchronous-drive spindles and ultra-fast barrel indexing, the MultiSwiss 8x26 can produce elaborate workpieces with extraordinary productivity.
Its 11 kW high-power spindle drives boast a high torque of 16.1Nm. All spindles, including the counter-spindle,
have their own C-axis. In being able to reach 8.000 rpm in just tenths of a second, the spindles make a major contribution to machine performance.
The maximum standard workpiece length is 65 mm.
Optionally, the machine can be equipped with Y-axes that will further increase the potential of the machine.
It is available in 3 configurations.
Firstly, a “simple” set-up without Y-axis, the “intermediate” with 3 Y-axes or the “full” system with 6 Y-axes for the most complex parts.
VARIANT NO. 2
MultiSwiss 6x32 – 32 mm, 19.5 Nm. All you need for large diameters
The MultiSwiss 6x32 that will be making its debut at this year’s AMB in Stuttgart, Germany (hall 3, booth C14), has the same base as the MultiSwiss 8x26 machine.
It is equipped with 6 independent spindles with hydrostatic bearings and can machine bars up to a maximum diameter of 32 mm.
To achieve excellent machining conditions with such diameters, the 11 kW motor has been designed with a higher
torque of 19.5Nm. The maximum spindle speed is 6,000rpm and workpieces with a maximum length of 75 mm can be machined.
This machine can be equipped with three Y-axes.
Let’s now look at some basic items ‘ALL’ MultiSwiss machines have in common
ASSET NO. 1
Ergonomics
The machining area has great accessibility, a unique asset of the machine range. The operator can ‘enter the machine’ as the ergonomic design allows operators to change tool holders without leaning forward to reach into the machine.
The working area is the largest in the machine class. This outstanding accessibility implies important economic benefits when changing over jobs.
Even if the machine is fully equipped with complex tool holders, its design allows better chip removal compared to conventional multispindle lathes.
ASSET NO. 2
Hydrostatic technology for outstanding parts
All MultiSwiss machines are equipped with independent sliding headstock spindles with hydrostatic bearings.
The Z-axis especially allows the machining of workpiece lengths that are difficult to achieve with conventional multispindle lathes.
At each machining position, the operator can precisely adjust the speed and the machining conditions.
Each spindle has its own C-axis. The hydrostatic bearings provide better shock absorption, which enhances the obtainable surface finish while extending the tool life. This technology has already demonstrated its effectiveness on the MultiSwiss 6x14 and MultiSwiss 6x16 machines.
It protects the tool and even enhances machine efficiency.
ASSET NO. 3
Torque motor for barrel indexing
Productivity is more essential than ever before with every single tenth of a second having importance.
The torque motor allows indexing times of 0.4sec. and perfectly complements the optimum performance characteristics.
This technology was introduced with MultiSwiss 6x14 and the MultiSwiss 6x16.
It replaces the Hirth serration that had been used for the majority of the customary multispindle lathes and boasts the same features whilst running with absolutely silence.
ASSET NO. 4
Comprehensive back machining capabilities
The counter-spindle is installed in two axes and ensures completely independent operation.
Up to five tool positions are available for complex machining tasks. On two of the five positions available, driven tools can be mounted.
Thanks to the extremely dynamic synchronous-drive counter-spindle, acceleration and deceleration times can be kept as low as possible.
The unique kinematic design with the arrangement of the tools for back machining in close proximity to the machining spindle reduces tool travel and slashes machining times.
ASSET NO. 5
Versatile tooling system
The versatile tooling system with preset quickchange tool holders provide optimum utilisation of the astute kinematic configuration of these machines.
The machine can be equipped with up to three tools at each position.
At the same time, a strong emphasis has been placed on flexibility.
These systems will save minutes during frequent tool changes and set-ups.
ASSET NO. 6
“Plug and run” system for driven tools
Each of the driven tools that were introduced with MultiSwiss 6x14 and 6x16 have their own motor.
This means belt drives and other gear units are no longer needed. The direct drive system is rigid, precise and simple.
Simple means you only have to install the tool unit on the machine and connect it to one of the sockets provided in the machining area.
This ensures that tool holders are recognised by the machine and are ready for use.
ASSET NO. 7
An all-in-one concept
Full integration of all required peripherals has been perfectly designed. All peripherals are arranged at the rear side of the machine in the very same ‘container’.
As standard equipment, the MultiSwiss includes bar feeder, chip and oil management.
This is complimented by a dual filtration system with a paper-type filter (filter mesh 50μ) that is complemented by an ultra-fine filter (5μ). Options such as oil mist extractor, chip conveyor, fire-extinguishing system and high-pressure pump are available to harmonise perfectly with the machine.
The fact that this perfect integration was conceived from the very beginning means the MultiSwiss requires less floor space and will quickly find its way into every workshop.
ASSET NO. 8
Precision and thermal control
The precision of a machine is closely linked to its thermal behavior.
Temperature management on the machine is completely effected by the cutting oil that is controlled by a plate heat exchanger.
The machine core is kept at a constant temperature, even if the machine is stopped during production.
For even better efficiency, the control system can be preset to reduce the normal warm-up time of the machine.
Apart from the conventional integrated chiller system, the MultiSwiss has a plate heat exchanger that can be connected to the plant’s central cooling system.
With this type of system, it is not necessary to install a distinct cooling unit on every machine and this concept perfectly fits the energy-saving policy of many companies. The MultiSwiss is intended to be directly connected to the central cooling circuit.
Precision will be ensured by the extremely precise control through the heat exchanger of MultiSwiss.
However, as many companies do not have the required equipment yet, it is also possible to install a cooling unit on the machine.
Companies interested in doing so, can install an external cooling unit with reduced constraints.
ASSET NO. 9
Integrated PC
Like other NC multispindle lathes made by Tornos, the MultiSwiss has an integrated PC. This system ensures ease of operation through a large color touch-screen. Programming is done using the TB-Deco software.
The integrated PC offers high flexibility. If any program changes are required, they can be carried out directly on the machine.
The PC offers further service functions such as full machine documentation that can be accessed immediately.
Service, operating and maintenance instructions are also saved on the PC. In the case of an alarm, the operator can display the file and read all comments regarding the respective trouble. The operator has all information at hand and benefits from easy-touse navigation.
If a problem arises, the remote maintenance functions enable a service specialist to remotely take charge of the machine.
This means that under certain circumstances, it is not necessary to send a service technician. In any case, the diagnostics are more precise and optimise intervention.
www.tornos.com