Multi-spindle lathes

The heart of the machine is the spindle drum with six spindles for simultaneous machining of several workpieces. The main spindles in the drum have a travel of up to 180 millimeters. The drum moves the workpieces very precisely and quickly to the tools. A trip for one of the six spindles to the next position takes only 0.65 seconds. In order to return to the starting position after processing in the six stations, the drum must be turned back by 300 degrees. The unit, which weighs over three tons, only needs a second to do this. The biggest challenge: safe energy supply for all six spindles.

Together with the motion plastics specialist igus, a unique energy supply system was created that takes part in the rotation of the drum and enables the linear movement of the spindle drums. A total of 8 energy chains, 64 cables and 73 hoses are used in the multi-spindle automatic lathe.