Benzinger shows precision turning center at the EMO

Commenting on the range of applications and the outstanding benefits of the turn-mill centers, Sales Manager Dieter Wentz says: "The GOFuture B6X machine combines the features of our GOFuture B6 turning centers and the Take5 turn-mill centers. It is particularly suitable for highly productive and economical machining of complex precision parts from bar stock in medium and large series completely in one process."

In addition to the main and counter spindles and lower turret with twelve driven stations (optionally with y-axis), the turn-mill center is equipped with a milling unit on a Y-axis (instead of an upper turret) that swivels from -3 to + 93 degrees. The milling spindle with holder for HSK-T40 tool clamping cone rotates at up to 30,000 revolutions per minute. It machines workpieces clamped in the main spindle at any angle from zero to 90 degrees axially to radially and, thanks to the Y-axis, also off-center and in five axes. It can automatically change up to 100 tools up to 50 millimetres in diameter from a chain magazine.

Simultaneous tool engagement shortens machining time

In addition to the usual turning operations, the GOFuture B6X turn-mill center can handle complex turning and milling operations on the front and rear of workpieces clamped in the main and counter spindles. For particularly short machining times and maximum productivity, the milling unit and the tool turret can machine workpieces in the main and counter spindles simultaneously. This significantly shortens the machining time. GOFuture B6X turn-mill centers are therefore ideal for the productive and economical production of complex precision parts in small, medium and large series.

Individually configurable thanks to modular design

The GOFuture B6X turn-mill center currently on show (like all lathes in the Benzinger range) has a modular design. This allows the specialists in Pforzheim to create variants with different main and counter spindles with a spindle clearance of 26 to 42 millimetres, with speeds of up to 8,000 revolutions per minute and with radial and axial run-outs of up to less than 0.5 micrometres. Different clamping systems for workpieces can also be integrated into the spindles. For fully automated production, the turning-milling centers can be equipped with bar loading magazines or with comprehensive automation for loading and unloading individual blanks and machined workpieces. Dieter Wentz explains the automation: "Our specialists implement loading and unloading systems that are carefully tailored to individual requirements. In doing so, they take into account the series and order batches to be produced as well as the specific conditions resulting from the materials to be processed and the workpiece geometries." Universal robot cells can also be used as an option. The turning and milling centers are programmed and controlled via Sinumerik One CNC controls with a modern touchscreen user interface and powerful programming cycles for multi-axis machining.

Simultaneous machining increases productivity

Another innovation that Benzinger is presenting at the EMO in Hanover is its recently implemented B6 variant of the DOLittle turning centers. Dieter Wentz explains the concept: "The very compact design guarantees the precision of plus/minus two micrometers for which this series is known. We have integrated two separate slide units into the working area of the DOLittle turning centers. The upper and lower tool turrets are located on these. The twelve tools of both VDI25 tool turrets can machine simultaneously on workpieces in the main and counter spindles. Optional Y-axes make it possible to position the turning tools with high precision at center height. This determines the surface quality of the components and the service life of the tools, particularly when hard machining small workpieces.