Published 3/27/2024

Absolute Machine Tools Turning Center Provides Improved Chip Removal

Johnford SL-300L-II slant-bed turning centers are constructed with a one-piece Meehanite cast iron base for strength and rigidity, as well as to dissipate heat away from the part.

Edited by: Chris Pasion

Managing Editor, Modern Machine Shop | Production Machining

Source: Absolute Machine Tools

Absolute Machine Tools’ Johnford SL-300L-II slant-bed turning center features an extended 40" turn length for longer part turning. Johnford SL Series lathes are constructed with a one-piece Meehanite cast iron base for strength and rigidity, as well as to dissipate heat away from the part, improving dimensional accuracy.

Johnford lathes feature hand-scraped box ways and coats all mating surfaces with Turcite-B for exceptional fit, mobility and precision. The SL-300L-II ballscrews are double-nut type and pretensioned to eliminate thermal growth. The 30-degree slant-bed design enables improved chip removal away from the work envelope and workpiece, a compact footprint, improved operator ergonomics, better part visibility and accessibility to cutting tools.

The lathes feature 22.8" swing-over bed design; 17.7" swing-over cross slide; 2" bar capacity; 40" turn length; 20 hp; 8" three-jaw hydraulic chuck; 12" tool turret; 787 ipm rapid traverse; fully programmable tailstock; and dual hydraulic steady rests.

Also included in the new SL-300L-II is a 12-station bi-directional servo turret or optional BMT-55 servo live turret with a 7.5 hp milling motor, providing 0.2-second indexing as well as coolant through the toolholders. In addition to the live-tooling option, a true linear Y axis is also available for off-center milling operations. FANUC OiT-F Plus CNC control with 10.4" color LCD, full MDI keypad, Manual Guide i Conversational are all standard accessories.

The precision spindle structure is mounted using precision double row roller bearings in conjunction with angular contact ball bearings for high rigidity and accuracy. The spindle quill inner and outer linings are precision ground for fine fitting with the spindle, thus ensuring extreme concentricity and accuracy. Three spindle configurations are available to suit any machining requirement: 1.7" bar capacity with a 6,000-rpm spindle; 2" bar capacity with a 4,500-rpm spindle; and 3" bar capacity with a 4,000-rpm spindle.

Optional accessories include an automatic tool presetter, radial and axial live tool heads, contouring C axis with live tools and more. The C-axis accuracy is 0.001 degrees, and the live tooling used for the C axis is backed by a 7.5 hp spindle motor.