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New High-Speed MTM Center for Turning

Sept. 22, 2011
Methods introduces eight-axis Nakamura WT-150 II

The Nakamura-Tome WT-150 II has a 19-in. touch-screen LCD panel. FANUC 31i-B CNC and a PC-based controls allow a high-speed programming. Standard functions include a spindle speed override switch, a program number search, C-axis synchronization, and helical interpolation (for Y-axis models.)

Methods Machine Tools Inc. is introducing the Nakamura-Tome WT-150 II eight-axis, multitasking turning center. According to the supplier, the WT-150 II features numerous upgrades from the basic WT-150 design, and it has an opposed twin-spindle, two-turret construction that achieves high-speed and high rigidity in a compact machine.

Methods Machine Tools imports Nakamura-Tome machines for exclusive distribution in the U.S. and Mexico.

“With the introduction of the WT-150 II, we are able to offer simplified operations and greater efficiency and speed on a powerful multitasking Nakamura machine,” according to Richard Parenteau, director of application development at Methods Machine Tools.

For ease-of-operation, the WT-150 II features a 19-in., high-resolution touch-screen LCD panel. A FANUC 31i-B CNC and a PC-based control (NT-IPS) provide a high-speed programmable machine controller for faster processing and several features for increased efficiency and maintainability. New standard functions include a spindle speed override switch, a program number search, C-axis synchronization, and helical interpolation (for Y-axis models.)

In addition, the distance between the spindles has been increased to 31.5 in. (800 mm) while still providing the same compact machine footprint of 67.8 ft2×6.2 ft (6.3 m2×1.9 m). Also, with a maximum tool swing of 23 in. (570 mm) on the upper and lower turrets, users can drill through a 2-in. (51-mm) diameter bar, from one side on the Nakamura WT-150 II.

The spindle motor has increased torque for greater speed, and the S3 rate is available now for high torque. Faster feed is provided via a rapid traverse of 787 ipm on the X-axis, and cutting feeds of 314 ipm on the X, Z, and B axes.

With simultaneous 4+4 axis control, the WT-150 II offers 8-axis machining capability. The system includes 12-station upper and lower turrets with a half-index capability, to hold a total of 48 tools for multiple processes. A left and right spindle with speeds up to 5,000 RPM at 20 / 15 HP, and a 6-in. (150-mm) chuck and 2-in. (51-mm) bar capacity are provided. The WT-150 II is capable of 7.5-HP milling capacity on the C-axis.

The WT-150 II features the Nakamura’s cover design with a large window, LED work light for maximum visibility, and a lightweight door with maintenance equipment arranged at the front of the machine. CAMplete TruePath Turn / Mill software — an integrated suite of G-Code editing, optimization, analysis and verification tools, enabling a full range of turn/ mill functions — is standard.