Lean Manufacturing Cell has 4 cutting zones.

Hardinge Inc. Jan 04, 2005

Press Release Summary:

Quest LMC42 self-contained manufacturing cell features 4 cutting zones that perform various machining operations. Tooling and spindle configurations cover full range of manufacturing solutions, enabling users to run one-piece lots, high-volume production, and transference of bars or slugs for completing parts in one setup. Zone 1 has fixed headstock, supporting bar work up to 1 5/8 in. dia with collets and up to 4 in. dia with step chucks.

Original Press Release:

New Lean Manufacturing Cell

After lengthy conceptual development, numerous focus group meetings with customers and distributors, and after combining their own experience with Lean Manufacturing, Hardinge proudly introduces at IMTS 2004 their unique and revolutionary machine tool...the Quest LMC42 Lean Manufacturing Cell.

The QUEST LMC42 is unlike any other machine tool. It is a self-contained manufacturing cell with four distinct cutting zones that perform a multitude of machining operations. There is an abundance of tooling and spindle configurations all aimed at providing basic and demanding manufacturing solutions. Selecting the desired configurations will allow the user to run one-piece lots, high-volume production, transference of bars or slugs for completing parts in one setup. The LMC provides a unique, revolutionary combination of machining alternatives with speed and power for an unlimited variety of part configurations. Intended for both job shops and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) alike, the LMC allows the user to reduce operating expenses, minimize job setup, minimize crash potential, reduce human intervention and waste, resulting in improved flexibility and throughput. Simply put, the LMC makes significant advancements in the implementation of Lean principles in the manufacturing process, enabling the operator to run only what is required-when it is required-in the most economical fashion possible.

The self-contained Quest LMC Lean Manufacturing Cell features four distinct zones that provide a multitude of machining operations. Zone 1 includes a fixed headstock, supporting bar work up to 1-5/8" (42mm) in diameter with collets and up to 4" (101.6mm) in diameter with step chucks for traditional lathe machining. The headstock comes paired with a 16-station VDI 25mm vertical turret top plate that is equipped with live tooling on all stations. C-axis is standard; Y-axis is available as an option.

The Zone 2 chucking spindle can be used for primary or secondary operations. As a primary spindle, with its unique 3-axis (X, Y, Z) movement, it can perform a wide variety of machining operations. Customized automation can provide load/unload capabilities. When used as a secondary spindle, the part is transferred from the Zone 1 spindle for finishing operations. Machining with the 3-axis spindle takes place in Zones 3 and 4. The Zone 2 spindle uses B-42 stationary Dead-length collets with gripping capacity up to 1-5/8" (42mm) in diameter and includes C-axis as standard equipment.