Reengineered Bar Feeder Connects Directly to Lathe Control

Haas’s reengineered bar feeder is designed to provide a simpler and more affordable way to automate part production on the company’s compact turning centers. Designed and built for use on the ST-10 through ST-35, as well as DS series of CNC turning centers, the bar feeder connects directly to the Haas control and is powered by the turning center itself.

The bar feeder is designed for fast setup and quick change-overs. A rollaway design eases access to the rear of the lathe spindle for quick liner adapter and liner changes. The user presses the foot pedal release, and the bar feeder rolls out of the way for access. When pulled back into position, the bar feeder locks into place, virtually eliminating accidental bumps or alignment issues. A single handwheel is used to make visual bar height adjustments where needed. Quick-change pushrods snap into place without tools, and both sizes store in the bar feeder’s cover. Built-in racks on both ends of the bar feeder provide storage for and access to all extruded spindle liners so that there is no need to walk around the machine.

To reduce cycle times, the bar feeder uses a belt-driven bar shuttle system that is said to be seven times faster than the previous version, with very fast retract speeds. Optical sensors accurately determine bar position, even on bars with chamfers and ragged ends, and stainless steel runners on the charging tray help cylindrical, square and hexagonal barstock roll down to the feeder tray.

Because the feeder is integrated with the Haas control, all bar-feeder parameters are set directly at the lathe. On-screen icons indicate if the bar feeder is out of position, if its lid is open or if it needs to be latched back into place.