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Flexible machine combines four cutting zones

Nov. 1, 2004
Hardinge Inc. Elmira, N.Y. hardinge.com

Hardinge Inc.
Elmira, N.Y.
hardinge.com

Hardinge's Quest LMC42 lean manufacturing cell features four cutting zones that tackle a variety of machining operations — from one-offs to high-production work.

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.

Zone 1 (fixed head bar/chucking spindle) specifications:
Travels (X, Y, Z) - 7.45/3.00/8.75 in. Traverse rates (X, Y, Z) —1,260/787/1,260 ipm Spindle power — 10 hp/7.5 kW Spindle speed — 6,000 rpm

Zone 2 (3-axis spindle) specs:
Travels (X, Y, Z) - 8.00/40.25/17.00 in. Traverse rates (X, Y, Z) — 1,575/2,100/1,260 ipm Spindle power — 10 hp/7.5 kW Spindle speed — 6,000 rpm

Zone 3 (additional tooling) specs:
VDI 25 turret top plate — 16-station live tooling (6,000 rpm) (OR) High-density tool plate — 16 tool positions

Zone 4 (horizontal machining) specs:
Swing-arm automatic toolchanger — 24 positions Tool-to-tool change time — 2.5 sec Live spindle option — 5 hp/3.7 kW delivers 8,000 rpm