SNK adds Fanuc robot to Prodigy GT-27 lathe
March 10th 2009 07:45 am By Web Development in India
The addition of an optional Fanuc robot has increased the productivity of SNK America’s Prodigy GT-27 gang tool lathe.
Engineered for exclusive use with the Prodigy GT-27, the full six-axis robot achieves five-second door-open-to-door-close times (part dependent).
For fast and accurate small parts turning, the Prodigy GT-27 features a C-axis spindle as standard, a super-polymer composite mineral base and precision components.
Being a gang tool lathe, the Prodigy GT-27 is turret-less and therefore requires no tool changes for shorter cycle times.
The Prodigy GT-27 lathe uses three axes of motion that can be commanded in absolute or incremental modes.
The C-axis spindle allows for indexing and positioning in 0.001-degree increments, as well as more advanced functions, including interpolation and polar coordinate milling.
Compared to traditional cast-iron or Meehanite casting, the super-polymer composite mineral base of the Prodigy GT-27 provides significant vibration reduction and improved surface finish, while extending tool life by up to 40 per cent.
The polymer is resistant to oxidants and thermal distortion.
The Prodigy GT-27, with its polymer base, weighs 3,840lb (1,742kg).
Its heavyweight construction is claimed to provide high rigidity and accuracy.
The Prodigy GT-27’s cross-slide design incorporates a high-performance positioning system, featuring high preload, angular-contact linear bearings using gothic arch configuration, low friction and a precision-ground ball screw in a super-precision thrust bearing set.
SNK’s Prodigy GT-27’s GE Fanuc 0i-Mate TC Control is said to contribute to ease of operation, as well as faster and more responsive performance (with the inclusion of brushless digital servo drives).
Some features of the controller include a manual pulse generator, cutter path graphics, an LCD colour display and a flash card.
The Fanuc Robot optional kit includes a LR Mate 200iC robot with six-axis brakes, a single-phase R30-iA Mate Controller and LR Handling Tool Software (compliant with new RIA R15.06 safety requirements).
Also included in the kit are a double gripper assembly mounted to the robot, two storage racks (each with pockets for 36 parts) and protective caging with access doors.
Also available as an option, a parts conveyor transports finished parts from the machining area without interrupting production.
A basket, configured to accommodate the geometry of the finished product, keeps machined parts separated from chips and cutting fluids.
The Prodigy GT-27’s X-axis travel is 12in and Z-axis travel is 6.5in.
Feed rate is 300in/min and the rapid traverse is 800in/min.
The spindle drive of the Prodigy GT-27 is 7.4HP and spindle speeds reach up to 6,000 revolutions per minute.
The Prodigy GT-27 can perform rigid tapping and can be bar-feed driven.
Maximum chuck size is 4in, while maximum production bar work is up to 1.1/16in in diameter.
The gang tool lathe is said to be suitable for both first and secondary machining operations in a variety of applications, including medical/dental, automotive, aerospace, screw machine, jewellery, commercial, small lot speciality, plastics, ceramics and fasteners.
The incorporation of the robot also makes the Prodigy GT-27 suitable for production shops, as well as job shops.