Turning Center Features Built-In Robot Cell

Traub, a brand of the Index Group, has introduced the Traub TNL20 sliding/fixed headstock automatic lathe adding improvements in productivity, precision and automation. The TNL20 is available in two versions. One equipment level is the TNL20-9, which has nine linear axes, two turrets (each with eight stations providing as much as 12,000 rpm and 2.0 kW), a backworking attachment (four stations), and an autonomous counter spindle. The TNL20-9 can deploy three tools simultaneously, resulting in increased productivity. A second version, the TNL20-11, is equipped with an additional front-working attachment (six stations, three of which are live, providing 12,500 rpm and 2.0 kW) on an autonomous X/Z slide. At this equipment level, it is also possible to produce with up to four tools simultaneously to reduce machining times.

The main and counter spindles of the TNL20 (providing 10,000 rpm, 5.5 kW and 17.2 Nm) are identical and feature liquid-cooled module motors. The work spindle includes a clearance in the draw tube of 29 mm, allowing the use of a standing reduction tube for barstock diameters ranging to 20 mm. The guide bushings used in the TNL20 in sliding headstock operation are identical to those of its predecessor machine, the TNL18. The lathe can be converted in just a few minutes from fixed headstock to sliding headstock turning, the company says.

In all, the TNL20-11 provides a total 26 tool stations. With the use of double and triple holders in the turrets, users can deploy as many as 58 tools. The large tool pool enables the machining of complex workpieces and machining of entire part families without tool changes or major setup effort.

The machine is prepared for a number of parts handling and automation options, including a small parts-flushing tube, an optional two-axis gantry unit for larger workpieces, and discharge through the counter spindle for workpieces as long as 700 mm. For unattended machining of blank shafts or preformed blanks, a robot cell is integrated standard into the front of the machine consisting of an articulating arm and 28-slot vertical pallet storage device.

The Index Xpanel allows access to the corporate IT network of customers via the control panel of the machine. With Xpanel, customer staff has all relevant information for efficient production right at the machine, the company says. Xpanel is included as standard in the Traub control and can be individually extended.