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CNC lathes will off 12 drivel tool stations - at up to 7kW and 5,000 rev/min - in its VDI turrets for milling operations and off-centre drilling on turned parts

Hurco Europe will be launching its TMM8 and TMM10 CNC turning centres at the UK's MACH 2008 machine tool exhibition. Hurco will show its TMM10 on its stand. The machine has, in addition to its standard 2-axis turning capability, live cutters in each of 12 VDI tool positions. Driven tool power and speed are up to 7kW (peak) and 5,000 rev/min respectively to enable milling operations and off-centre drilling on turned parts.

* Easy to program - Hurco said that both machines are well specified, but the main feature is the easy-to-program WinMax lathe control.

It allows simple conversational commands to be used, which together with the clear graphical display of the component and toolpath as it is programmed, makes the machines attractive propositions for small-volume and even one-off manufacture.

The Hurco lathe range has proved popular with employers since its introduction, said Hurco to manufacturingtalk.com.

Although the control can handle the company's ISNC code and macro programming as standard, there is no need to employ people with old-fashioned G-code skills.

Anyone with a little turning knowledge quickly and easily becomes a competent operator.

Hurco will also show its smaller capacity TM6 lathe without driven tooling.

* prismatic machining - new to the UK will be the Hurco VM1P vertical machining centre.

It is a high-speed version of the 'entry-level' VM1, which will also be shown together with the larger VM3, VMX30 and VMX50.

The VM1P has a compact footprint, 12,000 rev/min spindle, 660 x 357 x 357mm axis travels, fast rapid feed rates and a toolchange time of under 1s.

Hurco believed it will appeal to manufacturers who need a fast production machine for medium to high volumes, but still want all the benefits of the WinMax conversational control.

* Five-axis machining - also to be shown for the first time at a major UK exhibition will be the VMX42SR.

It is a new configuration of 5-axis vertical machining centre (VMC).

It is based on the manufacturer's 3-axis machine of the same frame size and incorporates a thermally stabilised head with motor spindle that swivels about the B-axis.

The fifth CNC axis is provided by a horizontal rotary table.

The configuration keeps the footprint as compact as possible for a 5-axis machine at 3.55m x 2.18m.

Typical applications are machining of moulds and dies, aerospace components, medical components and impellers.

The 24kW spindle has a maximum speed of 12,000 rev/min.

Component weight is up to 500kg and rapid traverse is 35m/min in the X- and Y-axis and 30m/min in Z-axis.

Repeatability is +/-4 micron.

The machine is shipped with a special version of Hurco's new WinMax control software and graphics that supports 5-axis simultaneous interpolation and simplifies programming for 5-sided machining.

For example, tool centre point management allows a user to cut the same part anywhere on the 610mm diameter table without having to repost the program.

A high level of shop floor versatility and productivity is afforded by both G-Code and conversational programming.

* Roeders 5-axis machining cntre - the latest RXP 500 DS machining centre from Roeders will complete Hurco's machining centre line-up.

It is a high-speed, 5-axis machine model from the German manufacturer, for which Hurco Europe acts as sole agent in the UK and Ireland.

* About the WinMax control system - to be demonstrated for the first time at a major UK exhibition, the WinMax control has been designed to cut set-up times when programming Hurco machines on the shop floor.

WinMax is also claimed to improve the surface finish of components.

The control software has a new, Windows-based interface and is now standard on the controls fitted to the company's machining centres and lathes.

Hurco said that existing users will notice the sharp, colour rendered graphics, but this upgrade is far more than a 'face-lift'.

The software has more than 25 new and patented features to maximise efficiency and productivity in job shops.

Swept Surface benefits mouldmakers in particular, as it offers a simplified approach to programming and machining complex 3-D parts.

NC/Conversational Merge enables G-code programs to be called up in the middle of a conversational routine.

A further feature is Advanced Verification Graphics with Solid 3D Rendering.

With the Select Surface Finish Quality feature, the machinist controls component quality and run time by adjusting an on-screen slider bar, automatically adjusting the program to meet surface finish quality requirements.

Big advances have been made in contouring speeds and data smoothing, meaning that parts can be cut in shorter cycle times and with improved surface finish, said Hurco.

Additionally, Hurco WinMax includes an upgrade to the flat panel screens on machining centres fitted with dual-screen controls, both supporting touch-screen navigation.

* Hurco Europe at MACH 2008, NEC, Birmingham, UK, April 21-25, Hall 5, Stand 5378.