UK debut for tapping centres at MACH 2004
March 1st 2004

Two new Brother machines will be launched in the UK by Whitehouse Machine Tools on its stand at MACH 2004. One is of turret-type, moving-table design, designated TC-S2B/-0, while the other is a twin-pallet, moving column machine with toolchanger and is known as the TC-32B QT/FT Both are said to break the mould in their respective categories by increasing power and productivity to levels normally associated with larger machining centres. At the same time, they retain the classic tapping centre features of fast axis movements and cut-to-cut times. Tapping centres are generally thought of as nimble, high-speed machines with moderate cutting capacity. The new TC-S2B, however, is said to be capable of much heavier metalcutting than others on the market. It can deploy a 125mm dia mill to remove up to 1200cm3 of aluminium per minute. The TC-32B QT/FT are described as a step above the TC-32A QT model that has been superseded. There are now two models instead of one, as the manufacturer not only offers a larger and more rigid, twin-pallet change (QT) machine, but has introduced a fixed table (FT) version, Brothers first such machine. The machines are said to consume 30% less power and are aimed at sectors requiring large production volumes. Also being demonstrated for the first time in the UK is the VP600 bridge-type, vertical-spindle, five-axis machining centre from OKK. It is one of the new models resulting from the Japanese manufacturers revision of its machining centre range, and is aimed at the mould and die sector as well as at companies producing small to large batches of parts ranging from simple to complex. The 40-taper, high speed machine is capable of sub-micron lost motion in all axes, and full-stroke positioning accuracy and repeatability in X/Y/Z of 0.4/0.3/0.2 micron. Hall 5, Stand 5550