Following the introduction of the VL 2 P with pendular technology at EMO 2011, EMAG is now introducing their newly developed VT 2-4 for shaft machining,
at the AMB, Stuttgart, held from the 18th to the 22nd of September 2012.
The external dimensions of the VL 2 P and the VT 2-4 for small flange- and shaft-type components alone make it obvious that a very special machine concept is hitting the market. The machines are just 1,600 mm wide. There is a reason for that, of course: it allows the user to line up a number of these vertical turning machines close to each other – serially wired and not taking up a lot of floor space. Thoughts of a space-saving process chain have also been implemented in the design of the machines.
Operator access to the VL 2 P and the VT 2-4 takes all basic conditions into account: the user can operate all control units and access guards from the front, whilst the periphery can also be easily accessed from the rear – an important point where incorporation into production lines is desired.
The VL 2 P is a two-spindle pendular turning machine for the complete-machining of chucked components in two setups.
Productivity with a capital P
The machine design has clearly concentrated on productivity. The user needs to be allowed to choose the best solution from the list of offered features. For instance, flange-type components are best machined on the VL 2 P two-spindle vertical turning machine with pendular technology. On it, the tool turret swings from workspindle to workspindle (the letter „P“ stands for „Pendular“). Whilst one workpiece is being machined, the next raw-part is loaded. This greatly reduces idle times and – with cycle times of 20 s possible – achieves a productivity rating on par with that of multi-spindle machines. The new VT 2-4 from EMAG provides the user with a 4-axis vertical turning machine for shaft-type components.
Even the smallest components can be machined
Both machines feature a 160 mm chuck that allows for the machining of even very small components. The largest possible workpiece diameter is 100 mm, the maximum turning length for shafts 400 mm and the maximum length of chucked components 150 mm. Both machines also rely on the highly successful pick-up principle to quasi
load themselves. On the VL 2 P chucker this task is carried out by the main spindle, whilst on the VT 2-4 it is accomplished with the help of the two turrets.
Well equipped for all machining requirements
The turret with its twelve stations – used on both machines – is well equipped to handle all requirements. It should be pointed out that the VT 2-4 for 4-axis machining features two of these turrets, of course. All turret stations can be equipped with driven tools, which score heavily with their speeds of 6,000 rpm and a torque of 20 Nm.
The turret interface on both machines is a VDI 30. On request, the EMAG machine builders can also provide an alternative, the BMT 55 tooling system.
In other words, there are hardly any restrictions for the user, when it comes to tool selection. Similarly liberal and simple in design is the control system for the machines. Although the user is given a choice of CNCs for the VLxx and VTxx – the 31i/32i from Fanuc (with integrated PLC) or the Sinumerik 840D sl from Siemens (with integrated PLC S7-300) – the interface remains the same. This is the basis for the simplification of operator training and machine setup.
The VL 2 P scores primarily where short machining times are the order of the day, as in such cases
when idle times are of decisive importance for the economic viability of the overall process.
The advantages of the VL 2 P:
• Cycle time-concurrent loading of the main spindles
• Extremely fast chip-to-chip times
• The VL 2 P allows you to machine totally different workpieces and to carry out downstream operations (turning side 1 + side 2)
• Excellent damping and thermal stability is provided by the MINERALIT® polymer granite machine base
• Standardised automation modules ensure great flexibility
• Ideal chip flow, with chips falling unhindered to the bottom
• The compact design makes for a small footprint
• Machining times on the two spindles do not have to be the same
The advantages of the VT 2-4:
• Integrated workhandling
• Raw-part and finished component storage sectors form an integral part of the machine
• Useable as standalone machine or as part of a manufacturing system
• The vertical layout and the resulting unhindered chip flow prevent the formation of “birdsnest” chips.
• Short setting and resetting times, made possible by the ease of access and the operator-friendliness of the machine
• Direct driven machine axes and modern control system technology reduce the requirement for sensors
• The compact, vertical construction makes for a smaller footprint
Large doors guarantee operatorfriendly access to the machining area, allowing for a fast change of tools, clamping jaws and chucks.
Another improvement is the EMAG operator console, which is the same for all control systems. It makes setting the machine easier
and reduces the training effort.
EMAG at AMB in Stuttgart: Hall: 3 - Booth: D32
Editorial responsibility is held by: EMAG Holding GmbH
Germany 
