A new generation of CNC sliding head automatic lathes developed by Traub includes 60m/min rapid traverse rates via linear motors, and a simultaneous machining capability with up to four tools.
A totally new generation of CNC sliding head automatic lathes has been developed by Traub that includes 60 m/min rapid traverse rates via linear motors, a simultaneous machining capability with up to four tools due to a patented tool slide arrangement and water cooled motor spindles for main and counter spindles to ensure high thermal stability and accuracy. With a capacity of 26 mm by 250 mm maximum headstock stroke, the Traub TNL 26 is now available from Traub Heckert UK of Brackley. It combines high productivity with 0.55 sec chip to chip turret indexing and, due to the adoption of linear motor technology, rapid traverse over 100 mm takes just 0.26 secs.

Up to 34 tools can be carried on its four tool slides giving ample facilities for 'one-hit' machining techniques.

And, due to the modular construction, the machine can be specified as a basic four-axis unit including Y-axis to the turret and twin-spindles to a high specification mill-turning sliding head bar lathe with 13 axes.

The TNL 26 is compact, with a 30o cast iron slant bed giving high torsional stiffness and optimised chip flow.

An important setting aspect is the access to the tooling area from both sides of the machine.

Motor spindles for main and counter spindle are 10.7 kW developing up to 32 Nm of torque and 8,000 revs/min maximum speed.

Each turret has 12 stations that accept normal and double direction tools.

Each of these tools may be driven from a 6,000 revs/min, 4.5 kW AC digital motor that provides a true milling interpolation capability.

The back attachment ensures higher flexibility with an extensive back working capability accepting either axial or radial milling, drilling and tapping tools while the front attachment takes five axial tools as standard.

However, if the counter spindle is not specified a further two tools can be accommodated.

Drive motors for the two carriers have identical specifications to the rotary tool drives used in the turret.

The layout of the carriers and spindles, for which a patent has been filed, is optimised to generate minimal tool interference and provide higher operational machining flexibility.

The Traub TX8i control incorporates a high speed 64-bit RISC processor, capable of 90 mips and is fundamental to the fast cycling capability of the TNL 26 when performing complex multi-process operations.

Absolute measuring systems increase accuracy and special Traub software enhances CNC functions.

These include overtaking and undertaking cycles, tapping without pull-out, which shortens cycle times and very simple synchronisation and program optimisation procedures.

Programming may be performed either on the machine through the Traub WinFlex IPS graphical object-orientated system or via an external PC loaded with the Traub WinCNC software.