Vertical Turning Center Display Highlights Multi-Tasking Capabilities
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Chicago, IL, September 6, 2006 - At IMTS 2006 Giddings & Lewis features the G&L designed tooling system and heads that add multi-tasking capabilities to the vertical turning center product line, the VTC Series.
Large capacity and easy access
The VTC Series product line now consists of 6 models with table sizes ranging from 1250 mm (49.2 in) to the new 3500-mm (137.8 in) version which has a maximum swing of 3700 mm (145.7 in). Height under the rail for the series ranges from 1000 to 2500 mm (39.4 to 98.4 in), accommodating an extensive variety of parts. Operators appreciate the open workzone and easy access, which facilitates part loading and unloading. Maintenance personnel benefit from the centralized service panels of the VTC Series that put fluid levels, gauges and maintenance functions on one floor-level panel.
Rigid design for heavy-duty, accurate machining
The high dynamic stiffness and superior damping of the Z-axis headstock and hydrostatic ram enable the machine to take precise, heavy cuts. The one-piece headstock casting is thermally symmetric which improves machining accuracy over a wide operating range. The large 250-mm (9.8 in) square ram is capable of 75 kW (100 hp) cuts and is able to reach into 324-mm (12.8 in) minimum bore diameters. The hydrostatic ram-guide is a non-contact, adjustment-free system that adds to the machine reliability.
Cross Slide elevation and clamping is hydraulically actuated and mechanically secured with 1000 kN (225,000 lb.) of force per side. The system is simple, safe and accurate. The cross slide has an infinite number of positions and standard precision linear scales insuring accurate positioning and parallelism between the cross slide and table.
The bearing capacity of the table is a substantial 82,000 to 199,500 kg (181,200 to 250,000 lb.), depending on VTC model. The combination angular and roller thrust bearing design provides optimal cutting performance and part quality throughout the work envelope.
Proven Designs and Technology Improvements
The X-axis heavy-duty roller bearing carriages ride on hardened and ground guide ways. A system that is both rigid and low-friction, the roller guideways support high loads and produce fast traverse speeds. The rapid traverse of 20 m/min (787 ipm) in both X and Z-axes reduces cycle times. Standard on all G&L VTCs, the absolute linear feedback system provides immediate machine referencing and eliminates troublesome reference and travel limit switches.
A popular cutting capability is the full X-axis travel right and left of center. This feature allows probing of part diameters for improved part accuracy. In addition, the number of cutting edges is increased with the ability to cut from both sides of center.
WedgeLock Tooling System
The WedgeLock Tooling Concept, designed by Giddings & Lewis, is a stiff, versatile and cost-effective tooling system. With 150 kN (33,000 lb.) of clamping force, the WedgeLock system produces a rigid connection between holder and ram for heavy-duty metal removal. The large gauge line permits the use of boring tools up to 700 mm long for deep-part bores. Capable of accepting 50- or 60-taper tools and modular tooling, the WedgeLock design lets manufacturers use standard tooling, thereby reducing tooling costs. The system accommodates performance-enhancing attachments including live tooling for added machining capabilities. A floor-mounted, 26-position toolchanger puts tool loading and servicing at a comfortable height.
Productive choices
Competitively priced, the modular design of the VTC series lets manufacturers configure a machine to match their applications. A wide range of options from probing to live tooling and pallet systems adds to the productivity level.
SIEMENS SINUMERIK 840D or GE FANUC 160I, manufacturers may choose the control that best fits their shop and manufacturing needs. The most popular controls worldwide, both offer high-performance standard features and productive options that optimize machining operations.
Maintenance-friendly, ergonomic design
The hydraulic and pneumatic services area was designed using Visual Uptime Management principles which are intended to improve and simplify maintenance and maximize machine and control availability. All services are centralized, easily accessible from floor level and clearly marked.
IMTS
Giddings & Lewis features the VTC capabilities at the IMTS Show. The tooling system and heads displays in the MAG Industrial Automation Systems booth, A-8218, South Hall, along with products and services from other MAG companies including: Cincinnati Machine, CL Automation, Fadal, Cross Hüller Ex-Cell-O Lamb, Hessapp, Hüller Hille and Witzig & Frank.
About Giddings & Lewis Machine Tools
Giddings & Lewis Machine Tools' headquarters and manufacturing facility is located in
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The company supplies a worldwide customer base with products and services designed to improve manufacturing productivity. Giddings & Lewis builds a broad range of horizontal machining centers, horizontal boring mills and vertical turning centers for manufacturers in a variety of industries, from small job shops to large OEMs in the automotive, construction, aerospace and oilfield equipment industries.
Giddings & Lewis, together with Cincinnati Machine and Cincinnati Automation & Test, makes up Cincinnati Technologies, a unit of MAG Industrial Automation Systems. For more information about Giddings & Lewis, please visit www.giddings.com
About MAG Industrial Automation Systems
MAG Industrial Automation Systems (MAG-IAS), Sterling Heights, MI, is a group of leading machine tool and systems companies serving the durable-goods industry, worldwide, with a large portfolio of highly-recognized and well-respected brands. With manufacturing operations on five continents, MAG-IAS ranks as a leader in the global metalworking capital equipment market.
For more information about MAG Industrial Automation Systems or its companies visit mag ias.com
