SW BA 322 Horizontal Machining Center

Twin-spindle machine features monobloc bed.

The BA 322 horizontal machining center is a compact, twin-spindle horizontal machining center targeted for 4- or 5-axis machining of small to medium-sized steel, cast iron, and light metal workpieces.

Typical examples include brake calipers, hydraulic valves, and turbocharger components including compressor wheels. The double swivel table design allows workpieces to be loaded/unloaded in cycle. The BA 322 name represents the 300mm distance between the two spindles and two tables. It is the smallest frame size of SW’s heavy-duty machining centers.

BA 322 is equipped with two spindles, a specially developed twin swivel trunnion, and twin or quadruple 5-axis modules to suit the actual machining requirement. Five-axis machining takes up about 50% of SW’s applications because today’s components are more complex and intricate in design.

To ensure precise machining and a rigid framework, the BA 322 incorporates a patented SW monobloc machine bed. This stiff cube carries the 3-axis unit equipped with a maximum four spindles. The simultaneously machining of four spindles provides great efficiency and maximizes workpiece throughput. This spindle arrangement provides optimum chip flow.

The machining center was designed to be highly productive. In lieu of synthetics, SW relies on lost-wax-cast collets in high-alloyed steel, controlled by a cylinder and monitored to confirm the tool is correctly locked. A choice of three different magazine sizes, with up to 128 tools per machine, can be chosen. Tools are changed using the pick-up system. The un-tensioned chain of the magazine reaches speeds of up to 80m/min and runs in a link rail. Retightening is not necessary.

A hydraulic pack is required because SW not only offers the clamping fixtures with its components, but also provides the elements necessary to control them. Each of the two work holding units on the twin swivel trunnion of the BA 322 is controlled by up to eight hydraulic pipes and an additional five pneumatic ones, all featuring rotary distributors.