EMAG launches VT 4-4 that delivers top efficiency levels
The market is growing and competition intensifying. According to a study by Roland-Berger, this is how future prospects of the suppliers to the automotive industry can be summarised. The study further concludes that a market growth rate of approximately 6 percent within the next two years is achievable. However, the supply industry is facing increased competition from new players on the emerging markets. To enable component production faster, deliver greater precision and show a greater degree of economic viability, EMAG has developed a vertical turning machine VT 4-4 which delivers top efficiency levels in large volume gearbox production.
The EMAG team created tailor-made, highly innovative manufacturing solutions for the production of shaft-type components. The vertical, 4-axis shaft turning machine VT 4-4 opens up new potentials in the machining of components of a maximum length of 1,050 mm and a maximum diameter of 200 mm. Machining is carried out in 4 axes at a maximum speed of 4,500 rpm. The process employs two turrets with 12 tool stations each, equipped with turning tools or driven tools (with one station reserved for the gripper).
The work piece grippers move raw-parts to the machining area and remove finished components, i.e. whilst one gripper inserts a new raw-part into the machine, the other gripper removes the finished component from it.
This principle offers a great step up in performance in the production of shafts – especially in an environment that deals with large component volumes. Owing to the fast work piece changeovers and the powerful machining in four axes cycle times are very short. In combination a simple automation system, this ensures that the unit costs are kept to a minimum. This is of great benefit to the user.
In its standard execution, the machine is equipped with two space-saving, recirculating conveyors that accommodate up to 28 raw-parts and 28 finished components respectively. Transfer and turnover units or robots ensure that a number of VT machines can be linked up cost-effectively and with great ease.