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08.03.2008
The new generation, 100% British designed and manufactured Colchester-Harrison Tornado TT6 turn-mill centre, is the ideal platform for high performance turning and Y-axis milling operations
The Tornado TT6 turn-mill centre offers eight-axes, twin 12 station turrets, two identical 15 kW integrated spindle units and a totally redesigned three-tonne heavy duty bed casting. Due for its global launch at MACH 2008 at the NEC, the first twin turret machine in the latest Tornado family was simultaneously developed from the ground up over six months in conjunction with re-organisation of the manufacturing and assembly facility at Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire to maximise the advantage of cell-build technology.
The Tornado TT6 to be exhibited will be the highest specification unit, from which other variants will be progressively introduced throughout 2008-09.
A key element is the totally modular design which defines the new machine as 'Future Proof'.
This not only makes expansion of the range cost-effective and simpler, it will also enable future upgrading by end users, such as the addition of automation as needs change, and the introduction of a cost-effective refurbishment capability in the longer term creating a higher residual value.
The new Tornado is a true, twin upper and lower driven tool turret machine, giving the added flexibility of two totally independent but simultaneous toolpaths with the higher productivity capability of providing overlapped or twin turning tool sequences.
Indeed, this level of multi-tasking capability is pronounced with the ability for the three-axis upper turret and two-axis lower turret to service either 15 kW, 6,000 revs/min full C-axis 'kissing spindles' with balanced cutting sequences or dedicated machining cycles.
To ensure maximum stability and absorb the pronounced cutting forces and vibration generated by interrupted cut milling cycles at different areas of the bed, a single three tonne, 45 slant bed casting has been adopted and uses a wedge-angle configuration for the Y-axis slide.
As part of the build specification, only leading European and Japanese suppliers are used for cartridge spindles, all-driven turrets, linear guide roller bearings and hydraulic systems.
The top of the range drives are supplied by Fanuc-GE that also supplies the 31i-TA control which features 15 inch LCD screen, high levels of operability and PC-like file editing functions.
Available with 175mm chuck or 52mm bar capacity, spindle bore is 65mm and the 30 VDI tool turrets have a maximum driven tool speed of 5,000revs/min from 3.7kW high torque motors.
The Y-axis stroke is +/-40mm and the right hand spindle can be used as a tailstock for long shaft work.
Rapid traverse rates are 30m/min in each axis.
Guarding reflects the recognised Tornado branding giving excellent visibility and access while the control console, now mounted on the right, pivots 90 degrees for ergonomic operation.
The self-contained hydraulics cabinet is compact and incorporates the spindle chiller unit.
The swarf conveyor is also integrated within the coolant tank which makes cleaning easy.
The development by Colchester-Harrison of an HMI screen, with its own menu structure incorporates lights-out production and production planning software.
It also includes simple graphics for tool setting with options for cut/measure or auto-probing.
There is also online help, enhanced diagnostics with identifiable service intervals reminder and auto switch-off when the programmed batch cycle is completed.
COLCAM, the Colchester-Harrison off-line programming package is offered as part of the machine specification.
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