Published 11/1/2010

Vertical Turning Center for Large Part Processing

Chevalier’s vertical turning centers combine hard turning, milling, drilling, tapping and grinding capabilities in a single setup.

Edited by: MMS Editorial Team

Chevalier’s vertical turning centers combine hard turning, milling, drilling, tapping and grinding capabilities in a single setup. A programmable ±100-mm Y axis enables them to perform multitasking operations, which reduce cycle times and accuracy discrepancies that can occur when a part goes through multiple machines. The machines are designed for large part processing in aerospace, wind turbine, oilfield, mining, locomotive and heavy construction applications.

The spindle features a clutch-type tool clamping system and eight hydraulic locking pins that keep the tool in place during heavy stock removal. When in use, the turning toolholder holds a 0.5-mm space between spindle taper and tool taper, eliminating load stress on ram spindle bearings and prolonging spindle life. The driven gear of the spindle is made of SCM435 steel, which has been pre-tensioned and pre-hardened to HRC 58. The grinding accuracy of the gears is JIS top-rated, the company says.

The turning center features high-rigidity NN bearings, a 20-hp, high-torque spindle motor and a 2,500-rpm spindle. With 31.5" travel, the cross-rail elevation system is built with dual, large-diameter ballscrews and is designed to lock securely at virtually any position. This design enables the ram to be placed closer to the workpiece, which is said to be helpful when machining thin workpieces. The 240-mm square ram is made of SCM435 forged steel and is securely supported on all four slides. This keeps cutting capability and accuracy at optimum levels, which is useful when the cutting tool is very close to the rotary table surface, the company says. The rotary table is driven by a 37/45-kW spindle motor with optional ZF gearbox for fine finishing at high speeds or for low-speed machining with high torque.

The C axis runs with an independent servo motor control with hydraulic braking system. It turns at 3.33 rpm and provides a minimum of 0.001-degree indexing at a 0- to 1,200-degree feed rate. Added to the regular spindle, the CF axis can perform multiple tasks such as milling, tapping, drilling and profile machining. Three models are available based on the diameter of the rotary table: 1,200, 1,600 and 2,000 mm. The maximum swing/cutting diameter measures 1,600, 2,000 and 2,500 mm, while maximum turning height is 1,200, 1,350 and 1,600 mm.