ETG demonstrates machine versatility in new Permanent Trade Show

At the recent opening of its Permanent Trade Show based in the ETG headquarters in Southam, Warwickshire no less than 5 of the 12 machine tools being demonstrated were being shown for the first time.

Here we highlight two machines with widely differing capabilities but both capable of exceptional performance and versatility.

The latest innovation from Nakamura-Tome – the NTRX-300, is a heavy duty multi-tasking machining centre with full 5 axis capability to offer complete component machining in a single set up.

The Engineering Technology Group is the exclusive distributor for Nakamura-Tome Machine Tools in the UK and offers extensive engineering and technical support throughout the lifetime of the machine.

On the NTRX-300 the X and Y axis travel on the machine ensure a machining range of 250mm wide, further enhanced with the X axis having a 125mm travel below the spindle centre to extend the machining range to 250mm square.

Features within the machining envelope include the B axis with a 225º rotation, a maximum work piece turning length of 1150mm and the distance between spindle centres of 1350mm.

Because of the 300’s reduced distance from the tool tip to the B-axis centre of rotation, the B axis resists cutting torques and retains stable machining performance.  The X, Y and Z axes are all highly stable, being directly mounted to their respective ball screws to ensure backlash free, high speed and smooth movement.

The NTRX-300 features a robust 18.5kW tool spindle offering 8,000rpm (12,000rpm optional). It is available with either tailstock or twin spindle configurations.

In twin spindle configuration the LH and RH spindles offer 4,500rpm with 15kW powerful motors and up to 30kW cutting power can be available for turning shaft work with the synchronised spindles.  High powered motors are also available for large bar capacity versions at 22kW.

All these features in a machine mounted on a uniquely designed bed which maximises thermal stability, creates uniform loads during slide movement and features a highly rigid spindle.

From the operator standpoint, a feature of the NTRX-300 is the ergonomic operating position with the spindle centre easy to reach at 1100mm above floor height and 450mm from the door.  Likewise the operating panel offers a range of vertical and lateral adjustments making it easier for the operator to work at the panel.

The machine features Nakamura’s new Smart X control with Windows 8 software interfacing with the main control based on a Fanuc 31i-B5 5 axis system. It also features a unique in-built load/unload device, a 40 tool Capto C6 ATC as standard (60, 80 and 129 capacities optional) and a standard bar capacity of 65mm with options of 71mm, 80mm and 90mm diameter.  Eight or ten inch chucks can be mounted to either spindle.

Another highly innovative machine featured in the Permanent Trade Show is the Hardinge GT27SP super precision lathe which can be equipped with up to three grinding spindles that makes the machine ideal for producing high quality, high precision parts depending on how the machine is configured.

The grinding spindles can be 30,000, 50,000, 80,000 or 100,000 rpm speeds with surface finishes of 8 micro-inch and exacting part roundness of .000015 inches achievable.  The lathe can produce continuous machining accuracy of .0002 inches giving it a machining consistency to support SPC requirements. Accuracy Certification is included with every machine.

ETG is the exclusive distributors for Hardinge Machine Tools in the UK including the Super Precision range. Super Precision machines are a combination of best practice design, high precision manufacture, complex software development, intense testing and certification. Combined with the Hardinge knowledge and experience of producing the most difficult parts and processes, Super Precision turning centres will exceed expectations with as well as the superior .000015” part roundness, 0.000008” (Ra) surface finish achievable.

Features of the new GT27SP lathe include the patented Hardinge inter-changeable top plate and the quick change collet ready spindle. The machine features advanced automation capability offering piece part or bar feed. This extends the capability of the machine between the parameters of stand-alone component machining to very high capacity.

As standard the machine’s main spindle is a 5C collet ready unit accommodating bar work up to 27mm diameter.  However the GT27SP can be equipped with a ‘Big-Bore’ version to handle up to 42mm diameter.  The headstock assembly features heavily ribbed construction, allowing minimal heat retention and optimum part size control.

The versatility of the GT27 is further enhanced by the use of the same machine bed to create a CHNC version with either a 4 station or 8 station indexer in place of the top plate.

Many standard features are included that other machine tool builders charge extra for rigid tapping, variable lead thread cutting, run time and parts counter. The CHNC version is available only in the turning version.