Accurate lathe loading
May 1st 2006

Harmonic Drive's HFUC gearboxes are playing a vital role in a new Automated Part Loader (APL), developed and manufactured by Colchester Lathes for use with its range of Tornado lathes. These lathes are designed for high precision matching of cylindrical and other turned components.

In particular, the gearboxes are providing high levels of accuracy and repeatability, with zero backlash and high torsional stiffness, to ensure raw materials are automatically rotated to exactly the correct position prior to machining.

The Tornado T6MS is a five-axis lathe capable of main spindle speeds of 6000 rpm and with a 6000 rpm sub spindle timed for on fly component exchange. the system is fitted with the latest GE Fanuc controller and is available with an optional APL unit, which has been developed to eliminate manual feed of raw materials. It also incorporates a gripper arrangement that can handle a range of bar and rod sizes and diameters.

The ability to rotate and position work pieces precisely and to be able to maintain repeatable levels of accuracy at high operating speeds was crucial to the functionality of the APL. The HFUC gear unit provides accuracy to within 1 minute of arc, with repeatability of a few seconds of arc, plus a high torque capacity, torsional stiffness, zero backlash combined with a suitable torque/volume weight relationship.

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