High Accuracy Turning of Large, Heavy Parts Used in Oil and Gas

Ideal for turning large and heavy workpieces with diameters up to 900 mm used in the oil and gas industry, the LU7000 EX two-saddle turning center from Okuma America Corporation (Charlotte, NC) is equipped with a high-power (45 kW, 55 kW, 75 kW) spindle that offers maximum productivity and excellent dimensional accuracy. This machine is the latest evolution of 4-axis turning in the 10 in to 15 in chuck class, with a large variety of features and modifications that can be customized to the individual requirements of the user, making it suitable for a multitude of applications. Equipped with a two-meter-long bed and a self-traveling tailstock for easy setups of long workpieces, very long parts can be machined as well as difficult-to-cut materials. The maximum turning diameter is 18.9 in and maximum turning length is 49.21 in. For high productivity, the lathe is equipped with two turrets that can be utilized simultaneously. The lathe offers a milling turret that allows a high chip removal rate up to 120 cm³/min.

For ideal cutting conditions users can choose from different main spindles, with sizes ranging from a bore diameter of 200 mm with a max spindle speed of 1,500 min^-1 to a bore diameter of 560 mm with a max speed of 350 min^-1. Two tools at work simultaneously provide process flexibility as well as high removal rates. The large work ranges of the upper (V12) and lower (V8) turrets mean less interference and more flexibility. The highly rigid LU4000 EX has a 45 deg box bed with all box way construction for optimum support for the carriage and cross slide. The three-point bearing support for the spindle means stability and long life for this very accurate spindle. This turning center is equipped with an OSP-P300 control with a one-screen “easy operation” feature combined with an open-architecture design that is suitable for operators of all levels.

For high dimensional accuracy, the highly rigid construction of the lathe is complimented by a Thermo-Friendly system that avoids generation of immoderate heat during the manufacturing process, detects changes in temperature and compensates for thermal deformation to prevent inaccuracies due to thermal changes. In addition, an intelligent Machining Navi T-g application improves surface quality during threading by adjusting spindle and cutting speeds to reduce chatter and increase the manufacturing quality of the threads. Users can customize the LU7000 EX with enhancements such as a follower rest to adjust to their demands.

Okuma America Corporation, 11900 Westhall Drive, Charlotte, NC 28278, 704-588-7000, www.okuma.com.