Article From: 6/10/2004 Production Machining
Maier CNC Swiss turning centers provide start-to-finish machining (simultaneous turning and milling/drilling) in one operation. ML ProLine machines are available in five different series with configurations ranging from four axes to 11 axes.
Originally developed for the Swiss watchmaking industry, Swiss-type turning centers are designed to turn small, complex parts with high precision, but these machines can also handle bar stock to 32 mm in diameter. Machines feature 6,000 or 8,000 rpm with 5 to 7.5 hp main spindles, 6,000 or 8,000 rpm with 3.5 hp subspindles and 1,260 ipm rapid traverses within a distance of 0.03937”. Several models offer simultaneous processing with two or three tools and are capable of secondary processing (milling and drilling) by means of a 2-hp front drilling spindle. To facilitate complex machining combinations, three independent carriages are available for automatic placement.
ML ProLine machines achieve high dimensional accuracy through extreme rigidity, the company says. In the Z axis, the tool is stationary and the stock advances from the main spindle through a guide bushing to expose only the length to be machined. The bushing and, when necessary, a subspindle clamp the stock tightly into place to minimize deflection. Meanwhile, the machine’s Y axis provides milling.
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