Manufacturing technology- back to Basics - Machining 3
Posted : September 2, 2004 at 7:11 pm [IST]
Multi-tasking Machine Tools
NC/CNC (Numerical Control/ Computerised Numerical control) in machine tools is the order of the day. It has made the revolutionary transformation in providing flexibility in manufacturing technology. Individual machine tools have changed from single function to multiple function equipment with capability to do a wide range of tasks such as milling, drilling, reaming, boring, turning etc. Turning centers and machining centers can cover major machining tasks for any part. Parts requiring machining are generally rotationally symmetrical- disc type or shaft type, prismatic ones, or combination of the two mentioned earlier.
While turning centers are the choice for rotationally symmetrical parts, machining centers are universal preference for flexible machining of prismatic parts. The number of machining processes as well as the number of machine tools required to finish the component completely have significantly reduced. A larger variety of parts can be machined requiring lesser number of machine tools. It has also reduced the throughput time for a part drastically.
Parts are getting more and more complex as designers try to combine components that were formerly an assembly into a single piece for better built-in quality. Some part configurations tend to combine rotationally symmetrical and prismatic surfaces. On some new turning centers, round and prismatic surfaces requiring both radial and axial machining can be processed with one work holding, and can be completed without requiring other machine. In addition to the traditional X- and Z- axes, the turning centers today may incorporate a rotary C-axis, an Y-axis (which allows the cross-slide to come in and do off-center work), and recently a B-axis which permits tilting the turret or the tool to the work. Some manufacturers have come out with lathes having ATC (automatic tool changer) that carry more than 100 tools. The main objective is to bring a complete part off the machine rather than going through multiple setups and multiple operations on multiple machine tools.
Next entry- Multi-tasking turning centers
- Indra
Category: Machining |
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