Methods Machine Tools Inc. is introducing a line of high-performance milling lathes and turning centers by Feeler — adding that these machines exhibit its own “extensive design and engineering.” Methods Machine Tools supplies precision machine tools, automation and accessories, as well as applications engineering support, installation service, parts, service, and training throughout North America. Feeler machines are line of vertical machining centers, turning centers, bridge mills, and boring mills manufactured by Taiwan’s Fair Friend Group, which has operations in Taiwan, China, Japan, and the U.S.
In addition to the design and engineering input, the new Feeler lathes and turning centers are backed by Methods’ application expertise, support, and \ network of technology centers.
The Feeler HT-Series high-performance milling lathes are offered in three configurations, including the HT-30MC power milling turret machine; HT-30Y model with a power milling turret and Y-axis; and HT-30SY machine that features a power milling turret, Y-axis, and a sub-spindle.
Each HT-Series lathe features a 3,500-rpm, 30-HP spindle with chuck diameter of 10 in. (254 mm) and bar capacity of 3 in. (78 mm). The HT-30SY also offers a 6,000 rpm, 15 HP sub-spindle with a 6-in. (170-mm) chuck diameter and a bar capacity of 1.7 in. (44 mm). X-axis travel is 7 in. + 3.2 in. (178 mm + 82 mm) and Z-axis travel is 31.3 in. (795 mm) in each of the HT-Series machines.
The HT-30Y and HR-30SY machines also offer a Y-axis travel of 3.9 in. ±2 in. (100 ± 50 mm). The HT-Series features a 30¯ slant bed with “hand scraped” slideway surfaces. Maximum turning diameter is 14 in. (356 mm) and maximum turning length is 27.75 in. (705 mm). A 12-position power turret with milling capability and FANUC 18i-TB control are standard.
The FTC-Series turning centers include the FTC-150 and FTC-200L models that have linear guideways on the X and Z-axis. These new machines feature 30¯ slant bed construction and a FANUC 0i-TD control is standard. The FTC-150 machine offers a 6,000-rpm, 15-HP spindle with a hydraulic chuck diameter of 6 in. (170 mm) and a bar capacity of 2 in. (52 mm). X-axis travel is 5.9 in. +0.8 in. (150 mm + 20 mm) and Z-axis travel is 13.8 in. (350 mm) on the FTC-150. The FTC-150 turning center includes a 10-station turret and offers a maximum turning diameter of 11.8 in. (300 mm) and a maximum turning length of 12.6 in. (320 mm).
The FTC-200L lathe features a 4,500-rpm, 25-HP spindle with an 8-in. (210-mm) hydraulic chuck diameter and 2.6-in. (65-mm) bar capacity. The FTC-200L machine offers an X-axis travel of 6.9 in. + 1 in. (175 mm + 25 mm) and Z-axis travel of 27.6 in. (700 mm). The FTC-200L includes a 12-station turret and offers a maximum turning diameter of 13.8 in. (350 mm) and a maximum turning length of 26 in. (660 mm).
FT-Series turning centers offer slant bed / boxway construction and include a FANUC 0i-TD control and 12-station turret. The FT-Series covers six models – FT-200A, FT250A, FT-350L, FT-350AL, FT-500 and FT-500XL. Spindles range from 5,000 rpm, 20 HP to 1,500 rpm, with 50-HP motors and chuck diameter sizes from 8 in. (210 mm) up to 18 in. (450 mm). Bar capacity ranges from 2.6 in. (65 mm) to 6.4 in. (162 mm). Maximum turning diameter is offered from 12.6 in. (320 mm) to 31.5 in. (800 mm) and maximum turning length ranges from 19.7 in. (500 mm) to 118.3 in. (3,006 mm). The new FT-Series features X-axis travel from 6.3 in. +0.4 in. (160 mm + 10 mm) through 15.7 in. + 1 in. (400 mm + 25 mm) and Z-axis travels from 21.3 in. (540 mm) to 122 in. (3,100 mm).
