SOLUTIONS FOR AUTOMATING A MULTI-SPINDLE LATHE WITH COUNTER-COLLETS
Automating the bar loading process on a multi-spindle lathe with counter-collets offers numerous advantages, including:
Reduction of downtime. The need for manual intervention by the operator to load new bars into the tube bundle and insert them into the counter-collet is eliminated. Interruptions during the work cycle are significantly reduced.
Reduction in overall costs. The introduction of a solution to automate a multi-spindle lathe can lead to a reduction in labor and production costs.
Increased safety. Operator safety risks are reduced and the ergonomics of the overall application are improved.
Ultimately, implementing automation solutions for multi-spindle lathes with feed collets can significantly increase the efficiency and productivity of the production process.
You can automate bar loading on a multi-spindle lathe with collets using two solutions:
1. Install a bar feeder for the tube bundle.
2. Use of an integrated bar feeder to directly feed the multi-spindle lathe.
Both types of machines can be installed on all multi-spindle lathe models with counter-collets, both old and new, whether or not they are designed for use.
The choice between the two options depends on the specific characteristics of the application, including the type of multi-spindle lathe, the organization of the production process, space management in the workshop, and the level of financial investment you are willing to make.
The use of a bar feeder - such as the IEMCA PRA solution - allows for automating the loading of the tube bundle alongside the multi-spindle lathe with counter-collets, eliminating the need for manual intervention by the operator.
The bar feeder is equipped with a single guide channel to feed the tube bundle. It is available with a bundled or tiered bar magazine, ensuring high bar capacity on the machine.
Adding a bar feeder represents the first step towards automating the feeding process of a multi-spindle lathe with counter-collets, and ensures benefits in terms of cost reduction and increased productivity.
An integrated bar loader like the IEMCA NEXT allows you to take a further step towards process automation: it replaces the bar feeder and tube bundle.
The integrated loader significantly reduces the space occupied in the workshop: its footprint is smaller than that of a solution that includes the bar feeder and tube bundle, freeing up space to increase the overall machine fleet.
The integrated loader has as many guide channels as there are Lathe spindles: internal lubrication and damping material allow for extremely high rotation speeds.
The guide channels are also circular in cross-section, completely closed, and perfectly sized for the machined diameter. Combined with the use of equally optimized spindle reductions, they guarantee an extremely precise bar guidance, with significant reduction in vibrations during machining.
Automating the bar loading process on a multi-spindle lathe with bar feeders can be achieved by using a bar feeder alongside the tube bundle, or by installing an integrated bar feeder instead of both.
The two solutions offer some distinct advantages: a bar feeder like the IEMCA PRA is equipped with relatively simpler technology and guarantees high bar capacity on the machine.
An integrated bar feeder, like the models in the IEMCA NEXT range, offers a higher level of automation. The multi-spindle lathe with bar feed system is fed directly, without the use of a tube bundle: the small and compact footprint of the integrated bar feeder saves valuable workshop space.
It is also equipped with guide channels and spindle reductions designed to best adapt to the bar being machined and achieve maximum production performance from the multi-spindle lathe, through high rotation speeds, reduced vibration, and precise bar handling.
Whatever the choice, automating the bar feed process of a multi-spindle lathe with counter-collets ensures an immediate increase in productivity. Contact us now to discuss the best solution for your production needs.
IEMCA offers automated solutions for all types of multi-spindle lathes.
If your multi-spindle lathe is not equipped with an autonomous bar feed system, and therefore does not require the use of counter-collets, the range of integrated bar feeders IEMCA SIR is the ideal solution for your mechanical workshop.
IEMCA SIR allows you to automate bar loading on a multi-spindle lathe without counter-collets and can manage the recovery of the bar remnant at the end of the machining operation.
Contact us now to define together the best solution to automate your multi-spindle lathe.