Published 2/1/2011

CNC Multispindle Production Center

ZPS America’s ZPS 642 CNC multispindle production center features a double Siemens 840 D CNC and as many as 72 CNC axes, which can perform a variety of operations on precision parts either as bar-fed or chucker operation.

Edited by: MMS Editorial Team

To increase flexibility, the machine is equipped with six independent, AC-driven, CNC horizontal spindles; six independent, compound slides (X and Z); six independent tool carriers with driven tools; five backworking tools (three driven); and a range of standard, presettable VDI tooling for quick change-over. The cutoff slide is an additional, separate slide designed to reduce backworking cycle time. As many as five Y axes provide 185-mm travel for 15 driven tools. Because the drive is already part of the slide, both driven or static quick-change toolholders can be preset and changed within minutes.

Each of the machine’s six spindles is linked by a composite shaft to its own motor into the spindle drum, which employs a Hirth coupling. According to the company, this eliminates the need to reverse-index the drum at the end of each 360- degree cycle; connect and disconnect the motors to the spindles with each indexing; cool the drum to dissipate the heat generated by the spindles; and to supply power to the spindles through rotating, slip-ring connectors. The system enables strong and adjustable clamping power. Users can set their spindle drives to the part or needed rpm. According to the company, only the standard drives need changing, a process that takes a single day.

The machine’s spindle drive system provides precision, thermal stability and built-in mechanical compensation to further enhance machine accuracy, the company says. Uptime and efficiency are also increased because the spindle drum does not require hydraulics or refrigeration. The machine enables independent control of each spindle’s speed as well as the power of each AC spindle motor according to the requirements of specific machining operations.

Other features include quick change-over; simple, intuitive programming; single-point presettable driven tooling; quick-change tooling in all positions; teaching software; and standard CAM programming software. A range of additional equipment includes a CNC pick-up spindle with as many as five tools (three driven) for backworking; attachments for radial and axial drilling and milling operations from cut-off slide; a parts conveyor; barstock feeding; and a high-pressure tool coolant system.