Kays Engineering 1024C Machine Produces Light Camshafts

The Kays Engineering 1024C is a six-spindle gundrilling machine used for high-volume production of automotive camshafts. The machine is designed to gundrill a hole down the centerline of the camshaft to reduce weight. This enables a Tier 1 automotive supplier to produce lighter camshafts in large volumes for use in high-efficiency engines, according to the company.

The machine has a gundrilling capacity of as much as 1" (25.4 mm) and slide travel of as much as 24" (610 mm). It features six gundrilling spindles on a single machine base, and utilizes adjustable tailstocks and hydraulic workpiece clamping. The camshafts are automatically loaded and unloaded using a lift-and-carry material handling system.

The machine features steel box ways and hand-scraped mating components. This is said to result in superior vibration damping, extended tool life and improved surface finish.