Quick Job Changeover

August 7, 2009

The Hardinge Group has released the Super-Precision Quest CHNC turning center, a machine that comes with either a 27-mm, 5C collet-ready spindle or a 42-mm, 16C collet-ready spindle.

According to the company, this machine allows quick job changeover to meet the demands of the medical, aerospace, defense, and computer/electronics industries. The setup also allows the use of top plates and tooling used on previous-generation CHNC machines.

While this lathe is built on the same platform as Quest GT-series gang tool lathes, complete with the Harcrete® base, a 10-HP drive system offers 30 percent more torque, says Hardinge. This machine is also equipped with a Fanuc motor and drive system.

Eight-position or four-position, gang tool-style, preset tooled top plates can be interchanged in minutes, which makes the machine well-suited for running repeat jobs by reducing overall set up time. Once a job has been setup and proved out the first time, the tooled top plate, program, workshift, and tool offsets can be removed from the machine and stored until needed for the next batch of similar parts.

The machine’s Fanuc 21i-T CNC includes a 0.000010-in., programmable resolution/tool offset capability; Ethernet capability; custom macro B programming; extended part program edit; and a run time and parts counter.

For more information, visit www.hardingeus.com.