Index, the multispindle specialist headquartered in Esslingen, Germany, unveiled its new eight-spindle NC automatic production lathe, the Index MSC-8, from its Multiline series, at the EMO Hannover 2011. The modular eight-spindle machine built on the multispindle modular system can also efficiently machine highly complex workpieces that would have driven the previous multispindle machines normally equipped with six spindles to their limits.
The new Index MSC-8 NC multi-spindle automatic lathe opens up additional opportunities for already unbeatably fast multi-spindle parts machining: Highly complex parts that even six-spindle machines have previously had to decline are no problem for the new eight-spindle machine.
Two swiveling synchronous spindles for optimal rear end machining Each of the eight symmetrically arranged spindles are assigned two cross-slides which can travel both on the X as well as on the Z-axis. Each cross-slide can be additionally equipped with a Y-axis. Added to that are up to two swiveling synchronous spindles for simultaneous rear end machining. Combined with a total of up to 16 cross-slides, the new eight-spindle machine is therefore a true multi-talent even for highly complex machining. The speed of each of the eight spindles can be controlled separately. The fluid-cooled spindle drum keeps the thermal growth in the spindle carrier to a minimum.
High stiffness The cross slides with integrated drive have a low-mass design with hydrostatic bearing support to mitigate vibration and rattling while workpieces are being machined. Another of the machine’s highlights is its double workpiece rear end machining capability, which is achieved using swiveling synchronous spindles that are locked into the end positions by three-part Hirth couplings. The high level of stiffness that this achieves also guarantees that even with bar diameters up to 24 mm, rear end machining operations with very high cutting volumes and simultaneously high machining precision can be performed.
Front-opening machine – diverse and various uses Also the new eight-spindle Index MSC-8 can be operated both as a bar lathe as well as a handling machine. The advantage of the front-opening design for the operator is the excellent accessibility during setup and tooling. The standard version of the machine, the Index MSC-8, already offers diverse and numerous applications: it can be operated as an eight-spindle machine, as a double four-spindle machine or as a machine with double rear end machining. When operated as an eight-spindle machine, the drum indexing angle from spindle to spindle is 45°; if the machine operates with two times four spindles, the drum indexing angle is 90°. Results from double four-spindle machining: two finished parts are produced by the machine per work cycle.
Many operations When it comes to the machining sequence, the Index engineers have exhausted all options for further improving efficiency: After front machining, for which six spindle positions are available, the workpieces are picked up by two rear machining units and machined simultaneously on the rear end. Because rear end machining is done during two drum indexing cycles, up to six tools can be used for this simultaneously with the other spindles.
There are already a total of 27 machining tools available in the standard model, of which 16 can be used simultaneously. As usual with Index multispindle machines, the new eight-spindle MSC-8 can handle all technologies for turning centers, such as turning, drilling, milling, multi-edge turning, hobbing, tooth milling, deep-hole drilling or slotting.
INDEX-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Michael Czudaj Sales Manager Germany and Austria Phone +49 711 3191-570 michael.czudaj@index-werke.de www.index-werke.de
In Switzerland SPRINGMANN SA Machines-Outils Route des Falaises 110 CH-2008 Neuchâtel Tel 032 729 11 22 Fax 032 725 01 01 neuchatel@springmann.ch www.springmann.ch
