DS Technology, Birmingham, has through a France-based group member, Berthiez, unveiled a vertical turning lathe (VTL) in its St. Etienne factory.

The VTL is dedicated to produce large work pieces by being programmed to milling and grinding capability, automatic pallet change, robotic tool exchange, among other cutting-edge features. The lathe is a welcome innovation in the aerospace industry as it can be used for turning jet-engine components as well as in the manufacture of wind turbines plus valve-production in the oil industry.

A thermo-symmetrical cast-iron structure that is compact and stiff is the basis of the turning-milling-grinding centre, which is fitted with integral temperature compensation. There are two configurations available; one is high-speed and can support 3.5-tonne work pieces at a 630-800 rpm table while the other is heavy-load and at 220-550 rpm, caters for loads up to 20 tons.

The lathe is also equipped with a highly capable ram section which is a solid 250 x 250mm and has an adjustable cross rail; ensuring it is in the most rigid and convenient position for machining, regardless of the height of the load.

In addition to a storage rack equipped to hold up to 200 tools and 20 tool-holders, the VTL has a six-axis robot, which contains therein, a bespoke manipulator, ideal for alternating static and live tools. Tools stored can be cleaned within a robotic tool-change cycle.

To decrease involvement of the operator, control is provided by the Siemens 840D CNC system which not only facilitates different pallet-changing alternatives, but also provides for automatic clamping of machine pallets.

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