Updated Turning Centers Are Heavier, More Rigid

Tsugami/Rem Sales has announced the release of four next-generation Tsugami CNC machines. Representing the third generation of Tsugami’s opposed gang-tool CNC lathes, these are designated by a “III” after their base model numbers: the B0125-III, B0126-III, B0205-III and B0206-III.

The B0125-III and B0126-III are 12-mm machines with five and six axes, respectively. The B0205-III and B0206-III are 20-mm machines with five and six axes, respectively.

The company says that these turning centers are designed to be even heavier and more rigid than the previous generation, enabling more aggressive cuts along with better finishes and longer tool life. To increase overall rigidity, Tsugami moved the electrical control cabinet from inside the machines to an external position behind the machines; two additional support ribs occupy the space that previously held the control cabinet. The turning centers are said to provide improved cutting ability in addition to improvements in part runout and straightness, particularly after parts have been transferred from the main spindle to the subspindle.

Other machine enhancements include an increase in the main spindle cross tool speeds from 5,000 to 8,000 rpm; a longer back spindle slide stroke on the X2 and Z2 axes; increased ballscrew diameters; expanded tool area; and expedited chip flow and removal.

Tsugami also updated the machines’ programming software. One new feature, “part program checking,” analyzes the part program code and provides the operator with suggested code optimizations to increase the operating speed of the program and subsequently reduce part cycle time. The thermal displacement compensation function has also been enhanced and can now be used on every linear axis. Other software changes include improvements to the rapid feed override process and automatic back toolpost interference protection.

All four machines are convertible, meaning they can be run as traditional Swiss-type lathes using a guide bushing or operated with an optional chucker kit.