Multitasking: Produce Complex Parts in a Single Setup
Multiple processes in one compact machine result in advantages without sacrificing precision and efficiency.
Posted: June 11, 2024
Multitasking machines are ideal for industries that demand high precision, versatility, and efficient use of space and resources.
Machining Center Offers Versatility for Gears
While machining centers are capable of multiple part processes from drilling to milling and turning, the machining center also offers the potential of achieving mass production of a variety of gear parts. With fixturing, flexible programming, and tooling developed for gear parts, well-designed machining centers offer high accuracy and high production, along with large tool magazines. That’s multitasking.
JTEKT Machinery Americas Corp.’s (Arlington Heights, IL) gear skiving center reduces setup changeover time through integrating gear cutting, in addition to turning and drilling capabilities within one machine. As all processes require only a single chucking, the JTEKT gear skiver increases both productivity and machining accuracy over conventional gear manufacturing methods. JTEKT’s GS200H is designed to benefit production lines by adding increased capabilities and flexibility, along with its use of significantly less floor space compared to conventional machining methods. It includes a B-axis and #50 high-power spindle, with a rotation speed of 6,000 min-1 and travels of 470 mm-x-360 mm-x-620 mm, X, Y, Z.
Versatile Multitasking Machine
Mazak Corp.’s (Florence, KY) MULTIPLEX W-300Y Multi-Tasking CNC Turning Center with industry-leading DONE IN ONE® part processing , and gantry loader, achieves approximately 20% shorter load/unload times with fast workpiece exchanges through a new rack-and-pinion design that allows for simultaneous door motion, chuck confirmations and linear rail motion to reduce overall tack times.
Designed for single-setup, mid- to high-volume production and continuous operations, the machine features dual spindles and dual turrets with milling tools, along with Y-axis capability. Both spindles offer identical performance for greatly increased part-processing flexibility. Full 360° clamping units incorporated into the integral spindles further increase C-axis indexing accuracy.
Both the main and second spindles of the machine accommodate 10″ chucks and deliver 4,000 rpm and 35 hp (26.1 kW) of machining speed and power. With a combined 24-tool capacity, the left and right turrets feature 4,000-rpm rotary tool spindles. As applications require, a center partition enables the MULTIPLEX W-300Y to perform as two separate machining envelopes.
Mazak’s SmoothG CNC provides advanced functionality for easy programming; the machine is also MTConnect® ready.
Compact Precision Meets Multitasking Efficiency
The MW40 by Murata Machinery USA (Muratec) (Charlotte, N.C.) sets the standard for high-performance automated CNC chucker machines. With a chuck size of up to 5” (ø 135 mm), it effortlessly accommodates a diverse array of workpieces. Its dual turret configuration, boasting 10 stations each, maximizes efficiency and tooling flexibility.
The MW40 ensures pinpoint accuracy and swift maneuverability with its high-accuracy box-guide construction and spindles. With integrated live tools and Y-axis functionality, the machine is able to handle the most complex parts with extreme efficiency.
Powered by robust 3.7 kW integral spindle drive motors, capable of reaching speeds of 8,000 rpm, and supported by live tooling functionality, it is well suited for processing complex machining tasks. Its integrated gantry loader streamlines automation. Engineered for high-speed precision machining, the MW40 features an isolated bed construction that reduces the transfer of harmonic vibrations and the effects of thermal displacement. This guarantees unrivaled precision and stability and makes it the ideal solution for machining intricate small parts. The MW40’s compact size optimizes floor space without compromising capabilities.
Multitasking Machines Improve Accuracy and Lower Costs
The flexibility of Okuma America Corp.’s (Charlotte, N.C.) multitasking machines improves accuracy and decreases total cost of ownership in a more compact footprint. Two machines, the MULTUS B300II and MULTUS U3000, expand your shop’s potential.
Highlights of the MULTUS B300II: It is equipped with B-axis head and is the ultimate fusion of turn-mill operations, with lathe, vertical, or horizontal machining center and material-handling operations consolidated into one 8”-to-10” chuck class machine. The machine is equipped with Okuma’s THINC-OSP P300S control and performs process-intensive machining for shorter deliveries while making more effective use of floor space. With fewer setups, work in process is drastically reduced and machine utilization is greatly increased.
The MULTUS U3000 with OSP-P500 CNC control, equipped with B-axis head, is a multitasking machine with an automatic tool changer and optional sub-spindle and lower turret. This 8”-to-10” chuck class machine has a broad scope of machining functions and is the embodiment of power, speed, and process flexibility — you can complete the work in one setup and with tools to spare in the ATC.
Machine Complex Parts in a Compact Machine Tool
The Tsugami America (Windsor, CT) TMA8F Multifunction Turning Center is a 6-axis turn/mill equipped that can perform full 5-axis simultaneous machining to machine complex parts complete in a compact, flexible machine tool. You can take the most complex part and perform a full range of operations: CNC milling, drilling, tapping, compound angle work, turning, boring, and threading in a single set up.
A 60 position (CAPTO C4 Standard) tool magazine with a tool-to-tool speed of 0.8 sec. The unique 90° indexable tool spindle can reduce the number of tools and reduce tool change time by using a multi turning holder with four turning tools or can turn back and front faces with the same tool.
The machine includes high-end components as standard, such as glass scales on X/Y/Z axes, standard touch setter, parts catcher, and C-axis capability. The 8” chuck allows for machining of large diameter parts while a quick change collet system can be adapted for up to 2.5” bar work through the spindle.
