Inverted Spindle Vertical Lathe

Modern Machine Shop, Oct, 2000 by Elizabeth M. McPhail

The company introduces the EMAG VL3 inverted-spindle vertical CNC lathe. This universal machine is said to be fast and easily programmable and re-toolable, which makes it useful to produce a wide variety of part groups in large, medium and small batch production.

The built-in automation design incorporates a closed-loop parts conveyor that encircles the machine to position workpieces at the pickup station for loading and unloading by the vertical spindle. Fast spindle traverse rates allow the spindle to move both vertically and horizontally to pick the workpiece from the conveyor and traverse into machining position, returning the finished workpiece to the conveyor to complete the cycle. Spindle Z-axis traverse rate is 1,181 ipm and X-axis rate is 2,362 ipm. Part-to-part time is 4.5 to 6.5 seconds.

The rigid disc-type, 12-station VDI 40 turret features shortest-path, bidirectional indexing. Live tooling is offered as an option on all stations of the turret, as well as C axis on the spindle. The spindle motor, turret and switch gear cabinet are maintained at a constant temperature by a refrigerated fluid supply system for consistent machining. Slide guideways include enclosed linear scales.

Main features of the machine include 21-hp "wraparound-design" spindle with 7,500-rpm/147 foot-pound torque rating; storage capacity for twenty 3.1" or fourteen 5.1" workpieces; and 6" jaw chuck capacity. The integral "wrap around" spindle configuration eliminates the need for pulleys, spindle belts and mounting plates. This in turn is said to allow optimum power for heavy/deep cuts, better acceleration/deceleration, and minimized vibration for improved part finishes and close tolerances.