Unattended precision machining

Designed to handle precise turning requirements, especially in the medical device market, the automated QUEST GT27SP Gang Tool CNC Lathe delivers surface finishes that meet or exceed 8 micro-inches on tough-to-machine materials, while maintaining continuous machining accuracies in the 0.0002-in. range.

We have applied our knowledge of super-precision applications into the design and manufacturing of this machine that holds the tight tolerances required by medical device manufacturers, says Douglas Rich, vice president and general manager, U.S. Machine Operations, Hardinge Inc.

Patented interchangeable gang-tool top plates are standard and can be interchanged in less than a minute for a new part or family of parts within 0.0002-in. repeatability. According to Hardinge, when using the top plates, repeat jobs can typically save 50% to 80% on setup time over other gang-type machines. Plus, cutting tools can be changed without disturbing any other tools on the top plate.

The GT27SP CNC lathe features linear guideways for optimum stiffness and less friction for greater positioning accuracy. The 1-in. hardened and ground, double-nut ballscrews and guide-trucks used for the X and Z axes are grease lubricated. Fast traverse rates of 708 ipm on the X-axis and 945 ipm on the Z-axis help reduce overall cycle times.

For unattended machining, an optional Fanuc 200iB Robotics System mounts on the top of the machine and enters the work area through a window opening at the top of the main guard door. The robot features six axes of motion with a dual gripper assembly and blank gripper fingers for precision pick-and-place of raw and finished workpieces. Parts can be machined complete in a single setup using the robot.