Phone: 800-843-8801 Fax: 607-734-8819 E-mail: info@hardinge.com"> Enhanced Hardinge Elite II Turning Center to Be on Display at IMTS '06

Enhanced Hardinge Elite II Turning Center to Be on Display at IMTS '06


ELMIRA, NEW YORK: The Hardinge Elite Series II turning centers (built in Elmira New York), already packed with features not found on competitive machines, has been re-engineered to enhance the machines' flexibility and work envelope. Designed for either small parts machining (1.625" or 2" bar) in a single set-up, or quick changeover to 6-inch or 8-inch chuck, Elite II machines feature superior flexibility and reduced setup time with the standard live tooling, C-axis contouring, robust tailstock, rigid tapping...plus an array of optional features, including sub-spindle. And, as only Hardinge offers, Elite II turning centers feature a unique jaw chuck/collet-ready spindle as standard.

Enhancements
According to Jeff Ervay, Hardinge Turning Product Manager, one of the most important changes Hardinge has made to both models of the Elite II Series, the 6/42 and its larger companion the 8/51, is incorporating a new turret design that offsets the top plate in the Z-axis, increasing tool length by 2" on the backside for live tool machining operations on the optional sub spindle. "This has allowed us to provide more clearance for the machine's turret," Ervay says, "so that when you're performing milling, drilling, tapping, etc., on the sub spindle there's minimal tool interference.

Ervay notes that the "way cover" redesign has provided enhanced chip flow and the parts catcher has changed, again for improved chip flow and chip management.

The door on the Elite turning centers features a new design that now mounts internally instead of externally. The robust tailstock redesign provides greater stability when machining components between centers. Tailstock motions are now accomplished on linear guideways and uses grease lubrication rather than oil, offering ergonomic and environmental advantages.

Finally, the base weight was significantly increased by more than 1,000 pounds (454 kg) by adding HARCRETE polymer composite into strategically located cavities in the cast iron base. This greatly adds to the machine's overall stability and damping characteristics for optimum tolerances and surface finishes.

The Hardinge Inc. family also includes Kellenberger, Hauser, Tripet, Tschudin and Bridgeport brands. Founded more than 100 years ago, Hardinge is a global leader in providing turning, milling, grinding and workholding solutions to meet a wide array of market needs. The company's common stock trades on NASDAQ under the symbol HDNG, and is headquartered in Elmira, New York.

Hardinge Inc.,
One Hardinge Drive,
PO Box 1507, Elmira,
New York 14902-1507
USA.BR>
Phone: 800-843-8801
Fax: 607-734-8819
E-mail: info@hardinge.com

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