Vertical Lathe Executes Heavy-Duty, Long and Continuous Cutting

The team at Okuma America Corp. announces a new addition to its vertical lathe product line — the VT1000EX. Okuma says VT1000EX provides new levels of productivity due to its highly rigid mechanical configuration, extreme thrust and torque. This vertical lathe is designed with industries looking to reduce cycle time for difficult-to-cut materials in mind.

The VT1000EX weighs in at 41,800 pounds and features a highly rigid construction and structural reinforcement. Okuma says this build enables it to execute stable operations for long operating periods. This vertical lathe includes wide guideway spacing, rigid and precise ball screws for both the X and Z axes and a heavily cross-ribbed casting. The casting is to provide stability during ultra-heavy cutting of large workpieces.

The VT1000EX spindle is capable of a maximum power output of 55 kW, maximum torque of 5,310 Nm and thrust of 30 kN on the X and Z axes, according to Okuma. Because of this noted power, the company says cycle times can be reduced by up to 51 percent.

VT1000EX was designed iwith this power and torque to excel at machining difficult-to-cut materials, even those with high strength, superior heat and corrosion resistance properties such as titanium, Inconel and stainless steel. VT1000EX also comes standard with a 36-tool magazine for continuous, long-run operation. Okuma says tool life is extended by a high-pressure coolant system, and chips are quickly removed with an enlarged chip evacuation system.

VT1000EX was also designed to minimize CO2 emissions by reducing power consumption through decreased machining cycle times, shorter automatic tool change exchange times and the inclusion of an energy-saving control system.