CNC Machine offers single-clamp, flex-dial operation.

Press Release Summary:



Four-station Rotoflex 4 incorporates single-point load/unload station for manual or robotic load operations. Servo-driven 6-position turret heads or tool change option, at each of 3 machining stations, performs fully programmable CNC machining. Each of 3-axis slide units is extendable within operating envelope of 300 mm per axis at rapid traverse speeds to 24 m/min. Machine includes fully-enclosed steel guarding and tempered safety-glass windows.



Original Press Release:



ATS Introduces the Rotoflex 4, Single-Clamp, Flexible-Dial Machining with an Affordable Price Tag



CAMBRIDGE, ON - The ATS Rotoflex 4 from ATS Machine Tool Division delivers the throughput and flexibility of multi-process rotary transfer machining, in an economical 4-station design that makes it possible to minimize the up front capital cost often associated with flex dial machining systems.

"The Rotoflex 4 is ideal for job shops that typically use standalone CNC machines but would like to have the throughput capability of a multi-station transfer dial. This smaller flex dial offers an economical way to achieve the faster cycle times and single-clamp repeatability of more costly 6-, 8- and 10-station rotary transfer machines, but with a key workflow advantage," explains Jeff Palser, Director of Sales & Marketing, ATS Machine Tool Division. "As an alternative to an 8-station dial, two Rotoflex 4 machines can be operated in tandem to minimize the production impact of taking one machine down for maintenance or service."

The Rotoflex flex dial family incorporates a single-point load/unload station for manual or robotic load operations. Servo-driven 6-position turret heads or a tool change option at each of three machining stations perform fully programmable CNC machining. Rigid index tables with precision Hirth-coupling lockup deliver absolute feature-to-feature accuracy and excellcnt repeatability.

In addition, each of the Rotoflex 4's three-axis slide units is extendable within an operating envelope of 300 mm per axis at rapid traverse speeds of up to 24 m/min. Each unit provides accuracy to 0.005 mm and repeatability to 0.002 mm. Operating at up to 10,000 RPM with 60-degree indexing in 1.4 seconds, the machine's 6-spindle tool turrets are accurate to ±6 arc seconds and offer repeatability to ±2 seconds of arc.

The Rotoflex 4 is built onto a heavy-duty one-piece modular base, fully enclosed by steel machine guarding with tempered safety-glass windows for "dry floor" operation. A central lubrication system, central mist collector and high-capacity coolant system with drag-chain-style chip conveyor minimize machine maintenance. All slide axes are on high-precision linear roller rails, with pneumatically counterbalanced vertical axes.

With its modular base construction, a variety of CNC slide unit options and a host of fixture, spindle and tooling configurations, the Rotoflex 4 offers a high degree of flexibility for multi-process CNC machining. Flexibility is further enhanced with a wide range of custom options, including, motorized servo spindles, through-spindle coolant and Heidenhain linear scales. A full CNC controls package includes tool monitoring and tool life management options, user-friendly
multi-screen graphics and operator-friendly online training manuals. Fully integrated automated assembly and test systems are also available from ATS for those projects requiring a "turnkey" machining and manufacturing solution.

ATS Machine Tool Division offers leading capability in the design, manufacture, service and support of medium- to high-volume automated machining equipment. As a division of ATS
Automation Tooling Systems, a world leader in turnkey factory automation, we also offer unmatched expertise in the integration of machining, assembly and test systems, should our customers require a total manufacturing solution.

The ATS Rotoflex 4 Rotary Transfer Machining System

Features:
o Extremely rigid, single-clamp workpiece fixturing combined with
high-precision slide unit and spindle operation.
o Fully programmable, incorporating a wide range of fixture, spindle and tooling options.
o Multiple machining operations performed concurrently.
o Fully-enclosed steel machine guarding, tempered safety-glass windows and heavy-duty, one-piece base.
o Central lubrication system, central mist collector, high-capacity coolant system with drag-chain-style chip collector.

Benefits:
o Superior feature-to-feature accuracy over standalone CNC machines which require reclamping the workpiece.
o Enhanced flexibility for 5-sided machining operations, easily reconfigured to accommodate change orders and new applications.
o High throughput.
o Allows for quieter, safer "dry floor" operation.
o Greater overall reliability and maintenance for reduced downtime.

Jeff Palser
Director of Sales & Marketing
ATS Machine Tool Division
Box 32100 Preston Center
Cambridge, ON
Canada N3H 5M2
Phone: 519-653-6500
Fax: 519-650-6677
e-mail: machinetool@atsautomation.com

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