In the field of machine tool, few brands can boast to be universally known, this one clearly can! In Asia, Africa, Europe, Americas and Australia, this brand is synonymous with Swiss quality, precision and reliability. More than 250’000 machines of this manufacturer have been delivered. The other side of the coin? The weight of this past hide a little innovation skills and willingness to propose new and effective solutions to market. To speak of these developments, we met with Mr. Rolf Muster, CEO of Schaublin Machines SA.
In the 137 turning center, everything has been thought to minimize vibration and thermal effects, a cooling system of the bed and carters also ensures thermal stability. The machine impresses by its level of finishing. Inside protections have been built in stainless steel for example.
You are active in mechanics? You certainly, at one time or another, worked with a 102 lathe. Mr. Muster says: " For many people the Schaublin image is associated with training or with machines that evolved little over the years. It is a pity because Schaublin Machines is also a dynamic company. Our strategy is simple: to develop continuously new more efficient products for precisely stay tuned with the market".
A few new features or products Hard turning To succeed, hard turning requires mainly two important features from the envisaged machines. Firstly the spindle must be very rigid and stable and secondly, their design must be irreproachable, the roundness must be perfect or almost. In this regard Mr Muster says: " We measure defective roundness of less than one half micron on spindle used in hard turning". Results are also superlatives: Machining parts with hardness up to 65 HRC with surface finishes as Ra 0.2 to 0.4.
Vacuum clamping on 102 lathe With this option, Schaublin Machines SA allows the realization of thin parts such as those used in watchmaking. The clamping is insured while protecting the part from any deformation. In case of need for machining with many tools, it is possible to combine this option with the new revolver (see below). The company used this system to perform engine-turned watch parts. In comparison with a machining center, the use of this technology allows machining parts with costs without comparison.
Revolver on 102 TM - CNC lathe The standard tool holder has three or four tools. According to the machining needs, this limitation may quickly become annoying. To give an answer, the engineers have developed a revolver with six additional fixed machining positions.
Family of high-precision 137 lathes To create this turning centre, Schaublin began by thinking about all operations to achieve and the characteristics of the machine to enable the latter. First a "full" machine was designed. On this basis, many declinations are possible, always perfectly integrated. Mr Muster says: " Sometimes we begin by offering a straightforward machine and it evolves later towards more complexity to meet customers’ demands. Unfortunately it is often also less and less ergonomic. We did not want to apply this logic with the 137 turning center. We built the concept the reverse. Each version is based on the "full" version and perfectly integrated in consistency and ergonomics".
Small and precise? A vocation Mr Muster Concludes: "Schaublin is a brand that combines a long tradition of quality and precision with a somewhat unknown aspect of innovation and development. We are renowned as one of the most accurate company in the world, and we work to enhance this reputation in other aspects, including innovation and automation".
Then is Schaublin a traditional brand? Certainly, but not frozen or dusty and the company works today in the reputation of tomorrow.
We will enter into more details into Scaublin’s features in Eurotec’s next issue. Stay tuned!
Schaublin Machines SA Rue Principale 4 2735 Bévilard Tel. + 41 32 491 67 00 Fax + 41 32 491 67 08 www.SMSA.ch
