New CNC Multispindle from Tornos

In multispindle machining, the longest operation at a given position dictates a complex part's overall cycle time. Generally, the position dedicated to working on a part's back end takes the longest time because there is just one spindle performing different operations. To overcome this productivity drain, Tornos has developed an eight-spindle machine with two independent, 3-axis back working stations. "In essence, it's a ten-position machine," said Mark Saalmuller, Tornos' marketing and communications manager.

"It's a great solution particularly when you need to perform up to five distinct back working operations. This configuration can cut cycle times in half."

In operation, positions 1 through 6 are used to perform operations on the front of the part. Every two indexes, two parts are cut off in positions 7 and 8. Those parts are then clutched by the two independent pick off spindles and presented to as many as five tools per part for a variety of back working operations. In theory then, if the longest front work operation is 10 seconds, for example, and the back working position takes 20 seconds, the cycle time would still be only 10 seconds.

Further enhancing productivity and quality are the eight independent motorized spindles. Adjustable spindle speeds range from 0 to 8,000 RPM. With non-independent spindles, each has to operate at the same RPM which is determined by the position running at the slowest speed.

"Now, with the eight independent spindles, the RPM is optimized for the each position," said Saalmuller, "which results in better efficiencies and part quality. The achievable goal with this machine is for parts to come off complete, with no secondary operations required other than inspection and washing perhaps, ready for packaging and shipping."

"Up to 40 parts per minute can be produced on this machine," said a company spokesperson. "It's also the most precise, maintaining part tolerances of 0.0002¾." Additionally, the MultiDECO 20/8d can be equipped with a palletizer, which is useful for more delicate parts that need to be handled more carefully than ejecting them down a chute and into a bin. With the palletizer, pick and place mechanisms move the part out of the working area and onto a pallet stacked in a wheeled cart for easy transport to a washing or shipping area. As an alternative method, parts may be placed on a conveyor belt featuring part dividers to help avoid nicks and dings.

Completing the MultiDECO 20/8d system are the chip and oil management unit and Tornos' dedicated computer-controlled automatic bar feeder that holds up to 80 bars of stock. Standard "live" tool machining attachments permit rotary milling, polygon and thread milling, broaching, and cross drilling operations.

The MultiDECO 20/8d accommodates part diameters up to 20mm. The applications are numerous for this machine in the automotive industry as well as in the fittings, hydraulic/pneumatic, electronics, disc drive, watch, consumer hardware, and medical markets.