Absolute Machine Tools Inc. recently posted a video demonstrating its Tongtai TD-2000YBC, a high-precision CNC turning center cast from Meehanite iron. The turning center is loaded with high-tech features, according to the company. In particular, the machine features a rigid, ergonomic and accurate 75° bed design for excellent chip flow and operator accessibility.
The 75° bed also simplifies the programming of the optional Y axis as the Y axis is perpendicular to the X axis like a vertical machining center. High power spindles provide superior acceleration and deceleration times and the standard 12 station BMT-65 turret is servo driven, all of which add productivity and reduce cycle times.
Full advantage of the main 25HP high torque spindle motor is taken by the rigid vertical bed design. The 75° bed allows free flow of chips directly into the chip conveyor as well as easy access to the spindles and turret, making set-up very easy. The 75° bed also allows the X and optional Y axes to be perpendicular to each other, greatly improving accuracy and simplifying programming. The bed is a one-piece monoblock casting for strength and overall high machine accuracy. To ensure precision and thermal stability the headstock, tailstock, and saddle are all mounted on the same plane. The coolant tank is separate from the machine base to prevent heat transfer from the coolant to the machine casting which ensures precision and promotes easy clean out and maintenance. To further ensure accuracy and precision, the ballscrews are double-nut type and pretensioned to eliminate thermal growth. High rapid traverse rates using 45mm roller type linear ways are also achieved to reduce non-cutting time.
The precision spindle structures are mounted using precision double row roller bearings in conjunction with angular contact ball bearings for high rigidity and accuracy. The spindle quill inner and outer linings are precision ground for fit with the spindle, thus ensuring extreme concentricity and accuracy. The main spindle is driven by a 25HP high torque motor which provides power and surpassed acceleration. The sub-spindle is driven by a 10 HP high torque integral motor spindle. The spindles are synchronized on the fly for part transfer to the sub-spindle.
A 12 station bi-directional servo BMT-65 (16 station BMT-55 opt.) turret provides .3 second indexing as well as coolant through the tool holders. The BMT-65 turret provides superior rigidity for turning and milling compared with VDI type turrets. A full C axis with live tools is standard for milling operations on both the main and sub spindles. The true linear Y axis provides turret movement perpendicular to the X axis for complex off-center milling functions. Perpendicular axes also simplify machine alignment in the event of an accident. The Fanuc OiT-F CNC control is standard and fully loaded with operator friendly features including Manual Guide i Conversational. The Fanuc CNC system provides industry leading performance and reliability.
Related Glossary Terms
- computer numerical control ( CNC)
computer numerical control ( CNC)
Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- coolant
coolant
Fluid that reduces temperature buildup at the tool/workpiece interface during machining. Normally takes the form of a liquid such as soluble or chemical mixtures (semisynthetic, synthetic) but can be pressurized air or other gas. Because of water’s ability to absorb great quantities of heat, it is widely used as a coolant and vehicle for various cutting compounds, with the water-to-compound ratio varying with the machining task. See cutting fluid; semisynthetic cutting fluid; soluble-oil cutting fluid; synthetic cutting fluid.
- gang cutting ( milling)
gang cutting ( milling)
Machining with several cutters mounted on a single arbor, generally for simultaneous cutting.
- machining center
machining center
CNC machine tool capable of drilling, reaming, tapping, milling and boring. Normally comes with an automatic toolchanger. See automatic toolchanger.
- milling
milling
Machining operation in which metal or other material is removed by applying power to a rotating cutter. In vertical milling, the cutting tool is mounted vertically on the spindle. In horizontal milling, the cutting tool is mounted horizontally, either directly on the spindle or on an arbor. Horizontal milling is further broken down into conventional milling, where the cutter rotates opposite the direction of feed, or “up” into the workpiece; and climb milling, where the cutter rotates in the direction of feed, or “down” into the workpiece. Milling operations include plane or surface milling, endmilling, facemilling, angle milling, form milling and profiling.
- rapid traverse
rapid traverse
Movement on a CNC mill or lathe that is from point to point at full speed but, usually, without linear interpolation.
- turning
turning
Workpiece is held in a chuck, mounted on a face plate or secured between centers and rotated while a cutting tool, normally a single-point tool, is fed into it along its periphery or across its end or face. Takes the form of straight turning (cutting along the periphery of the workpiece); taper turning (creating a taper); step turning (turning different-size diameters on the same work); chamfering (beveling an edge or shoulder); facing (cutting on an end); turning threads (usually external but can be internal); roughing (high-volume metal removal); and finishing (final light cuts). Performed on lathes, turning centers, chucking machines, automatic screw machines and similar machines.
