The turning specialists at EMAG have developed the 4-axis VT 4-4 vertical shaft turning machine. It features a maximum length of 41 inches and a maximum diameter of 8 inches.
Machining is carried out in 4 axes at a maximum speed of 4,500 rpm. The process employs two turrets with twelve tool stations each, equipped with turning tools or driven tools, with one station reserved for the gripper.
Workpiece grippers move the raw-parts to the machining area and remove the finished components, i.e. one gripper inserts a new raw-part into the machine while the other gripper removes the finished component from it.
Guarantee reduction in unit costs
“This principle offers a great step up in performance in the production of shafts, especially in an environment that deals with large component volumes,“ explains Dr. Guido Hegener, Managing Director of EMAG Maschinenfabrik GmbH. “Due to the fast workpiece changeovers and powerful machining with four axes, cycle times are very short. Together with the integrated automation system, the process ensures that unit costs are kept to a minimum.” In its standard model, the machine is equipped with two space-saving, recirculating conveyors that accommodate up to 28 raw-parts and 28 finished components respectively. Transfer and turnover units or robots ensure that a number of VT machines can be linked up both cost-effectively and with great ease.
Focusing on component quality
The machine base is made of the polymer concrete MINERALIT. It carries all technology modules: the powerful workspindle, turrets and the tailstock. Its rigid, vibration resistant construction guarantees an equally vibration resistant turning process which ensures high-quality surfaces and highly accurate geometries. EMAG’s typical vertical alignment of the workpiece also guarantees constant process integrity, as the unhindered chip flow it offers prevents the accumulation of chips in the machining area.
A wide range of possibilities
The VT 4-4 opens up a wide range of possibilities for the production planner in gearbox manufacturing. Use of the machine is made even more economical by its compact design, with the vertical alignment taking up very little space. There is also no necessity for additional automation, as this is already an integrated part of the machine.
Short cycle times, a high degree of flexibility and a small footprint summarize EMAG’s new Modular Standard machine concept. Hegener concludes, “With a very attractive price-performance ratio, the VT4-4 ingeniously complements our vertical shaft turning program. It is the reason why we believe our chances in the marketplace are excellent.”
Technical Data
| Capacity | Unit | VT 4-4 |
| Chuck diameter | inch | 10 |
| Workpiece diameter, max. | inch | 8 |
| Workpiece length, max. | inch | 41 |
| Travel in X | inch | 15.5 |
| Travel in Z | inch | 48.5 |
| Power rating main spindleat 40% / 100% duty cycle | hp | 51 / 39 |
| Torqueat 40% / 100% duty cycle | ft-lb | 184 / 148 |
| Speed, max. | rpm | 4,500 |
| Turret – tool positions | Qty | 2 x 12 |
| Rapid traverse speed in X/Z | in/min | 1,181 / 1,181 |
| Speed of driven tools | rpm | 9,600 |
For more information, visit www.emag.com
