CNC Lathe Turns Long-Shaft Workpieces

Mazak’s heavy-duty Slant Turn Nexus 550 turning center is capable of turning large workpieces such as oilfield pipes, pipeline control valves and power-generating components for the aerospace, oil and gas, coal, and nuclear industries. The machine offers a maximum swing of 40.94" and is available with beds measuring 80", 120" and 160" in length for cutting workpieces as long as 158.8". An NC-programmable tailstock and optional automatic steady rest provide controlled support for short and long workpieces, the company says.

The solid headstock features a 10.8"-diameter (274.3-mm-diamater) bore and a 1,000-rpm, 60-hp spindle that generates as much as 5,163 foot-pounds of torque. The spindle accommodates a 21" chuck size. The tailstocks retract to a known position through the part program and its center makes contact with the workpiece for consistent holding pressure. The tailstock is also capable of drilling holes on a shaft centerline due to its positive independent drive system, providing process versatility. The 12-position non-lift drum turret with rapid tool indexing is designed for minimal interference with boring bars during turning. The turret enables quickly loading and unloading VDI-type toolholders by turning one bolt for faster tool setups.

The turning center is equipped with Mazak’s Matrix Nexus 2 CNC with both conversational programming and EIA/ISO formatted programming. According to the company, the control provides realistic 3D cycle simulation to verify the machining cycle and check for machine interferences, reducing the need for test cuts.