The new VDF 800 DUS Big Bore CNC lathe from MAG Industrial Automation Systems is engineered for energy-industry work with 365-mm (14 inch) spindle diameter; 820 mm (32 inch) swing over the bed; 8,000 kg (17,600 lb) part capacity; and 20 kN (4,500 lb) Z-axis cutting force. MAG calls it “ideal for drill string parts, drive shafts and pipes.”
The new machine has a main drive rated at 37 kW (50 hp) continuous, 55 kW (74 hp) maximum, with 7,200 Nm (5,300 ft lb) maximum torque. A 900-rpm top speed (nearly twice as fast as comparable lathes) gives the machine “job shop flexibility” for handling a range of smaller diameter parts by maintaining the tool surface speeds needed to produce required finishes. The two-speed automatic transmission is mounted behind the headstock to eliminate thermal effects caused by the gearing, with a backlash-free overload coupling to protect the gearbox. The machine's A20 spindle is supported with a thermally optimized arrangement of lifetime-lubricated bearings that includes a 460 mm (18 inch) diameter front bearing to comfortably withstand maximum loads and speeds.
The VDF 800 DUS is available with a Siemens or Heidenhain CNC, which is supplemented with an operator panel and ergonomically designed handwheels for setup or teach-type programming. For highest job-shop flexibility in running small lots of different parts, the CNC can be taught a cutting routine using the handwheels, with the CNC replicating that routine on subsequent parts.
The new machine rests on a torsionally stiff, box-type Meehanite cast iron bed, 560 mm (22 in.) wide, that retains its core sand to enhance vibration damping for longest tool life and smooth part finishes. Hardened double-V guideways and an oversized cross slide provide high stability for the tool carrier and distribute high axial cutting forces to prevent skewing.
Large chip chutes in the bed ensure smooth flow of swarf to the chip pan at the rear, preventing heating of the bed, while sliding doors on the rear of the machine allow easy access for chip disposal. The machine's power supply, electric cables, power tracks and coolant pump are all located outside the workzone to simplify maintenance and protect them from coolant and chips.The VDF 800 DUS Big Bore is available with standard turning lengths of 1, 2, 3 and 4 meters (3.3, 6.6, 9.8, 13.1 ft) as standard, and up to 20 meters (65.6 ft) as an option.
