Flexible machine combines four cutting zones

Hardinge says its new Quest LMC42 turn-mill machine provides machining flexibility unlike traditional machine tools. That's because the selfcontained manufacturing cell boasts four distinct cutting zones — employing a total of 56 tools — that tackle numerous machining operations. Users can run one-piece lots, high-volume production, and/or transfer bars or slugs for single-setup work.

According to the builder, the LMC42's first zone is for traditional lathe machining. A fixed headstock supports bar work up to 15/8-in. diameter with collets and up to 4-in. diameter with step chucks. The headstock pairs with a 16-station vertical-turret top plate equipped with live tooling on all stations. C axis is standard; Y axis is optional.

Zone 2's chucking spindle handles primary or secondary operations. As a primary spindle, it provides 3-axis (X, Y, Z) movement for a variety of operations (in this case, machining takes place in Zones 3 and 4). When used as a secondary spindle, it finishes parts transferred from the Zone 1 spindle.

Zone 3 gives the user plenty of options: It can be fitted with a turret, a high-density tool plate, or a blank mounting surface for custom applications. The top plate is the same configuration as in Zone 1 and uses turning, milling, and/or drilling tools (live tooling is on all stations).

Zone 4's automatic toolchanger loads KM-40 quick-change modular tooling from the 24-tool carousel into either a static tool station (for turning, drilling, and boring) or an optional live spindle (which adds extensive milling capabilities to the mix).

The cell features a GE Fanuc 31ibased CNC with a PC front-end touchscreen. Its Harcrete polymer composite/cast iron base provides the thermal stability and dynamic stiffness needed for fine surface finishes and exacting part tolerances.