Swiss-Style Machines Simplified
 

Swiss-Style Machines Simplified



Add to this list advanced capabilities like laser machining, thread whirling, oscillation cutting, and the option to switch between fixed and sliding headstocks, and it’s clear that these efficient, capable machine tools can complete most parts in less time than all but the less-flexible, far more expensive alternatives—rotary transfer equipment and multi-spindle screw machines.Get more news about Swiss-type Lathe Machining,you can vist our website!

There is a catch. With these awesome capabilities comes complexity. Each of the slides, spindles, and cutting tools just mentioned must be programmed separately, then synchronized using special G-codes. To avoid damaging the workpiece and machine, there must be perfect alignment of the main and sub-spindle during part transfer. The compact work zone that helps give Swiss machining its short cycle times can make tool changes a bit troublesome, with operators using tiny wrenches to turn tiny screws while reaching past, around, and under other cutting tools. Worse, all those tools in tight quarters tend to catch long, stringy chips, which, if left unattended, can spell disaster.

The good news is that Swiss-style machine tool builders recognize these challenges, and ever since the invention of the sliding headstock lathe in 1872 have been working to make their wares easier to operate. One of these is Absolute Machine Tools Inc., Lorain, Ohio, where Greg Knight, vice president of sales for production turning products, suggests that ease of use begins with a capable CAM system.

“Aside from our Nexturn line of CNC Swiss lathes, we offer a broad line of milling, turning, and EDM equipment, and wanted a programming system that works well with all of them,” he said. “After extensive evaluation, our applications department recommended we go with ESPRIT [developed by DP Technology]. It provides the graphical collision detection needed to avoid crashing an expensive machine tool, and because we work very closely with them on post-processor development, our customers can be assured they’ll get quality G-code. And, like I said, it’s quite easy to use, especially for novice programmers.”

Yet even the best programming software does little for inexperienced employees who lack a grasp of machine functionality, which is why Absolute Applications Engineer Scott Petrisko stresses the importance of operator training. “There’s definitely room for improvement out there,” he said. “Too many shops limp by, relying on their machinists’ ability to read the machine manual and pick things up on their own. If they were to spend some time and money on regular training, they could get so much more out of their machine tools. It pays for itself very quickly.”

Petrisko suggested that a more complex Swiss-style lathe, one with plenty of available tool stations and generous spindle capacity, is in many situations a better choice than one that just meets the minimum requirements for a part or family of parts. Having additional stations means there’s a greater likelihood that whatever cutting tool is needed for any given job will be resident in the machine, reducing changeover time, just as a larger spindle opens the door to additional work.

For the tools that do need to be changed—and there are always a few with every setup—Petrisko is a big fan of quick-change tooling, suggesting that these systems help maximize machine uptime. John Kollenbroich, head of product management for Horn USA Inc., Franklin, Tenn., agrees. He noted that quick-change helps reduce setup times, and speeds in-process tool replacement as well, which can be a leading contributor to machine downtime. In addition, it makes offline tool presetting a possibility, further increasing productivity and reducing the chance of operator error during tool touch-off.