4-SPINDLE CNC LATHE FROM KITAKO FEATURES ULTRA HIGH-SPEED AUTOMATIC PART LOADING SYSTEM FOR EXTREME PRODUCTIVITY

Kitako has added another new generation, four-spindle CNC lathe to its line - the HS4200i with ultra high-speed automated gantry loader. Available from SB Machine Tools, the Kitako HS4200i CNC Lathe boasts x-axis gantry loading feed rates of 6,700 ipm. Combined, the HS4200i’s four-spindle operation and gantry loading capability accomplish smooth, unattended operation with no idle time for part loading/unloading. Extremely fast rapid traverse rates, along with carrier indexing time of 1.5 seconds, 0.3 second turret indexing per station provide a quantum jump in productivity. Kitako’s unique four-spindle technology provides a seamless cycling of work from the loading zone to the machining zone and back again. Operating much like a pallet changer on a machining center, parts are transitioned in and out of the machining zone in as little as .8 seconds each. The HS4200i’s four spindles are mounted in a horizontal, square pattern in a large carrier drum. The drum’s positioning accuracy is ensured by a large diameter, precision-toothed, curvic coupling. Spindles are generally partnered as pairs so as the carrier is indexed 180 degrees; two spindles rotate to the machining area as two spindles move out for loading and unloading. The two spindles in the machining zone along with the respective slides and turrets work simultaneously as well as independently. This dual-slide flexibility offers a variety of part processing methods including: two one-sided parts can be machined in exactly the same time (referred to as an AA/AA operation); if the two sides of a part are of near equal cycle times, first and second operations can be done simultaneously (AB/AB); if the first and second cycles are significantly different, as in many applications, idle time can be eliminated by using an AA/BB approach. The main spindles of the HS4200i are hardened, precision ground and supported by accurate double row cylindrical roller bearings and angular contact bearings. The cartridge type spindles are sealed for life and require no maintenance. Box slide-ways on both the X-axis and the Z-axis can achieve high chip removal rates. The HS4200i’s maximum spindle speed is 4,500 rpm (5,000 rpm optional). Each slide on the HS4200i features a high-speed 8-station drum turret; chuck sizes are 8”.