Tornos, represented in Australia by Power Machinery, has launched its MultiAlpha 8x20 multi-spindle turning machine.
With eight powered spindles and a five-tool counter spindle, the MultiAlpha is a high-precision bar-turning unit for complex work pieces that integrates a thread-whirling process.
Thread whirling, for example, allows bar-turners to respond quicker because for a large production run, all that needs to be done is the setup of one multi-spindle turning machine instead of several different single-spindle turning machines.
Moreover, on these machines the thread-whirling unit never leaves the machining area and thus the temperature levels on the material remain balanced throughout the entire production run, thereby assuring consistent precision.
The CNC-controlled limit stop enables bar turners to program various batches comprising shorter runs of different lengths but with the same diameter in one extended operation on a MultiAlpha machine.
This approach also makes it possible to machine series of work pieces of different lengths from a single stock of bars without having to stop the machine or reset it to change tools.
http://www.myfen.com.au/Article/Power-Machinery-unveils-the-Tornos-MultiAlpha/490342.aspx