INDEX Unveils New Turn Mill Center

The new G160 series Mill-Turn centers from INDEX Corporation, part of the INDEX RatioLine, include an optional motorized milling spindle with speeds up to 24000 rpm (oil/air lubrication) and also high rapid traverse rates to provide the user high productivity with flexible production of complex parts in a single set-up. The G160 is a versatile machine for complex bar, chuck, and shaft work up to 60mm (2.37 in.), chuck size to 150mm (6 in.), and 800mm (31 in.) part length.

The INDEX RatioLine of CNC mill-turn machines offer users and unlimited number of different configurations: from the easy-to-operate production turning machine to the highly equipped turn-mill center for large and complex workpieces.

The most prominent feature of the G160 is the motorized milling spindle which is designed as a swiveling unit. This means that, in addition to the standard tool carriers with X-, Y- and 360°- B-axis, the G160 is now also equipped with an A-axis. Thus, Y-machining could be measurably extended with the G160. Even off-center drilling outside the Y-travel of the machine can now be achieved due to the inclination of the motor milling spindle (A-axis).

With the modular machine design, INDEX allows the user to choose from a wide range of variants. Two quill turrets can be moved variably in Z- and X-direction. So, combining the milling spindle and the 360°-B-axis, it is possible to operate three tools in the cut simultaneously.

Two 32-tool capacity magazines serve the motorized milling spindle from above the main spindle and above the counter-spindle. This is in addition to 12 fixed and driven tools in each of the four turrets. All tools are easily accessible from the front of the G160.

Functional principle
The working spindle is an air-cooled hollow shaft motor. The counter-spindle, which is identical to the main spindle and of equal power, moves on the lower guide. It is also possible to add a compound slide or a slide unit with steady to the same guide. This unit can then be moved on the Z-guide or on a separate drive in the X-direction. Of course, it is also possible to use an NC tailstock instead of the counter-spindle.

Workpiece handling
A 4 x 90° pivoted gripping arm has been developed for the workpiece handling of chuck parts and shafts. As a standard, this workpiece handling can be controlled via the CNC program. Thus it is possible to load/unload workpieces with diameters of 150 mm max. and weights of 2 x 10 kg.

Key features of the INDEX G160 for flexible production:

• Main and counter spindle with the same design and power
• 5-axis interpolation for the machining of the most complex contours
• Off-center cross drilling and machining of big work pieces possible due to extended Y-travel/inclination of the motor milling spindle (A-axis)
• 3 tools in the cut simultaneously
• Milling spindle with 360°-B-axis.
• Flexibility and short set-up times due to the multi-functionality
• Reduced cycle times due to short toolchange travels and chip-to-chip times.

SOURCE: INDEX Corporation