Originally Published EMDM November 2005
EQUIPMENT NEWS
Gang-tool lathe provides short cycle times and high precision
 |
Rapid and accurate small-parts turning is provided by a gang-tool lathe built on a polymer base that features a c-axis spindle as standard equipment. Supplied by SNK (Goppingen-Ursenwang, Germany), the Prodigy GT-27 reaches spindle speeds up to 6000 rpm.
The lathe’s three axes of motion can be operated in absolute or incremental modes. The spindle allows for indexing and positioning as well as interpolation and polar coordinate milling. Because the gang-tool design eliminates tool changes, the machine lends itself to projects requiring short cycle times and precision work.
The polymer composite base reduces machine vibration, compared with traditional cast-iron or Meehanite designs, and extends tool life. The material also resists oxidants and thermal distortion.
The integration of collet closures that do not generate heat, the absence of a turret, and full c-axis indexing provide precision and versatility. Indexing can be done in 0.01° increments, enabling the use of live tooling for side drilling and milling. The machine operates with a GE Fanuc controller.
Copyright ©2005 European Medical Device Manufacturer
