Machining Center And Fixturing Solution suit automotive industry.
Share:
Press Release Summary:
Bobcat(TM) hybrid kinematic ballscrew-driven horizontal machining center offers 3- or 4-axes or transfer module, acceleration to 2.8 g, and transverse rates to 80 m/min. Mach 1 twin-spindle horizontal machining center offers on-floor tool changer accessibility, and is available as 500 x 500 mm pallet-size machine. Automated Intelligent Fixturing System incorporates self-adjusting capabilities. Its bed-of-nails clamping fixture conforms to individual parts.
Original Press Release:
New High-Productivity Machining Centers & Flexible Fixturing Solutions to be Introduced by Lamb Technicon at IMTS 2002
Warren, Michigan, June 6, 2002 - Lamb Technicon, a UNOVA Company, will present several new products from its range of production metalcutting machines and systems in Booth A-8101 at IMTS 2002, September 4-11, in Chicago, Illinois. New at IMTS will be the Bobcat "hybrid kinematic" machining center; a Mach 1 twin-spindle horizontal machining center; a flexible Intelligent Fixturing System; and a variety of other tooling and process innovations from one of the world's leading suppliers of automated machining and assembly production systems.
Shown for the first time at IMTS, the new Bobcat is a 3- or 4-axis horizontal machining center or transfer module specifically for the high-speed machining of aluminum and magnesium workpieces, such as automotive crankcases, cylinder heads and transmission cases, and other non-ferrous components. It uses a "hybrid kinematic" design with the Y-axis pivoting in an arc, in combination with X and Z linear axes. The ballscrew-driven Bobcat machine's unique design significantly reduces the mass of conventional travelling column machines, allowing faster positioning and increased throughput. With up to 2.8 g acceleration and 80m/min traverse rates, Bobcat provides acceleration, velocity and accuracy comparable to linear motor machines at less cost. The machine features a 24,000 rpm spindle for high metal removal rates.
Lamb's production-proven Mach 1 twin-spindle horizontal machining center now offers upgraded specifications including a high-torque spindle and on-floor tool changer accessibility, new features that make the high-productivity aluminum-cutting machine suitable for cast iron machining applications as well. Lamb will demonstrate its 500 x 500 mm pallet-size machine at IMTS. The Mach 1 is also available with a 630 x 630 mm pallet, as well as in a specialized design for crankshaft deep-hole drilling.
Lamb's new Intelligent Fixturing System (IFS) will also debut at IMTS 2002. This innovative flexible workholding system is designed to hold an entire family of parts with repeatable accuracy because of its self-adjusting capabilities. The IFS is based around a bed-of-nails clamping fixture that conforms to the individual part. The automated system is aimed at low- to mid-volume production of parts such as vehicle engine cylinder blocks and heads. The IFS eliminates the need for and expense of dedicated fixtures and non-functional datum features, fixture stops or clamping surfaces that are otherwise required for locating and holding parts for machining. It can also eliminate upstream qualifying operations.
Lamb Technicon will also present several new machining advancements including a process for machining compact graphite iron (CGI) components at speeds up to ten times faster than with conventional processes. Lamb's solution for high-speed CGI machining is a system comprised of rotary insert cutting tools, a rigid and powerful machine and appropriate fixturing, together with processing expertise developed through extensive testing and production process development.
Lamb Technicon is one of the world's largest designers and integrators of production metal-cutting and assembly solutions for manufacturers of prismatic parts.
Lamb Technicon is a division of UNOVA Industrial Automation Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of UNOVA, Inc. (NYSE:UNA). Headquartered in Woodland Hills, California, UNOVA specializes in the design and integration of manufacturing systems, primarily for the global automotive and aerospace industries. The company is also a leading supplier of automated data collection and mobile computing systems for industrial, distribution and government markets.
