Tornos has unveiled its new automatic lathe, the DECO 42 f. For the first time ever, the DECO 2000 concept has been applied to the world of the fixed headstock. The classical strengths of the DECO concept (combining the benefits of NC and cam-controlled turning machines) are now being combined with the power and strength of the fixed headstock unit, which means that diameters of up to 42mm can be machined.

Following the friendly takeover of Schaublin activities, the company is now unveiling the newest member of its DECO product family.

The DECO 42 f is the first representative of a new generation of products based on the combined expertise of Tornos with DECO and Schaublin with fixed headstock technology.

The official launch is scheduled for the month of September, when the machine will be exhibited at EMO in Hannover, although the company does not exclude the possibility of unveiling this new product at an earlier point in the course of this year.

To maximize the sales potential of this new automatic turning machine on the basis of adding expertise to the target markets, the company has been working hand in hand with the manufacturers of tools, jigs and fixtures, and cooling systems.

This approach has resulted in a high-precision turning machine suitable for components with diameters of up to 42mm.

The maximum length of these components is 100mm.

In global terms, the principal target markets for this new revolutionary system are the same business sectors that employ DECO and MultiDECO solutions.

All that has changed is the diameters to which these sectors are now able to operate.

Tornos is therefore targeting markets in the automotive, connector, pipework, hydraulics, medical and general sub-contracting sectors.

Following the acquisition of Schaublin, everything was then in place to create a turning machine with fixed headstock which would integrate seamlessly in the DECO 2000 concept.

The addition of flexible production to the company - which currently manufactures about 30 machines a week - and of investment in automated and robot production facilities are enabling the company to plan ahead and to maintain high rates of growth with this new range of products.

The first 30 of these machines will be supplied during the fourth quarter 2001.

General characteristics of the DECO 42 f : Bar capacity: 42mm max.

component length : 100mm max.

number of tools on main spindle: 15 max.

number of tools: 30 max.

number of simultaneous working tools: 4 max.

number of linear axes: 12 C axes : 2 Spindle 1 + 2 speed: 6000 rpm max.

spindle 1 + 2 power: 15KW