Zone: Turn/Mill Machines

OVERVIEW: Turn/Mill Machines are machines that are capable of both rotating-workpiece operations (turning) and rotating-tool operations (namely milling and drilling). Generally these machines are based on lathes. The machine is typically recognizable as a horizontal or vertical lathe, with spindles for milling and drilling simply available at some or all of the tool positions. With a machine such as this, a part requiring a variety of operations can be machined in one setup, particularly if a subspindle allows the part to be passed from one spindle to another during machining. More recently introduced turn/mill machines depart from the lathe design into something much more like a hybrid machine—combining a lathe’s chucks and spindles with the travels and milling power of a machining center. One of the most significant issues with these types of machines in general is figuring out just which parts to run on them. Many shops have discovered that, even though these machines developed from lathes, they are not necessarily limited to round parts. Various non-round parts can be machined on the same platform as efficiently, if not more efficiently, than on a machining center.

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Featured Zone Content

May 2011 -

Multitasking is Multiple Choice

Different levels of multitasking machine tools address different types of parts....MORE

June 2009 - Production Machining

Parts

A One Stop Shop

 Combining flexible manufacturing with volume production capability helps this shop cover all the bases. ...MORE

May 2012 - Production Machining

Optimizing B Axis on Gang Tool-Based Swiss Machines

This technological innovation has been increasing in popularity as well as multitasking sophistication. ...MORE

May 2013 - Production Machining

Shop Grows its Multitasking Operations

Chris Felix

Here's a look at what this shop's expanded multitasking capabilities have meant to its success and how it plans to continue building momentum. ...MORE

April 2013 - Production Machining

Multitasking Benefits a Process in Many Ways

Lori Beckman

Multitask machining is the ability to perform various manufacturing operations unattended, without moving the part to other machines. ...MORE

March 2013 - Modern Machine Shop

What Parts Make Sense for Multitasking?

Peter Zelinski

One of the striking things about Mazak’s new knowledge center on multitasking is how few of the part examples included within it are round. ...MORE

February 2013 - Modern Machine Shop

Methods Nakumura-Tom NTJ-100

Multitasking Machine Features Fast Cycle/Tool Change Time

By: Modern Machine Shop

Methods Machine Tools Inc.’s Nakamura-Tome NTJ-100 multitasking turn/mill center is well-suited for a range of production needs. ...MORE

February 2013 - Modern Machine Shop

Index Traub TNL 18

Flexible Swiss Turning with B Axis

By: Modern Machine Shop

Index’s Traub TNL18 sliding-/fixed-headstock automatic lathe is equipped with seven linear axes and an additional B-axis on the upper tool turret. ...MORE

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