General

Since some time now, it is becoming more and more common to see lathes where two turrets perform machining operations simultaneously.

This type of machines can double their productivity by cutting machining time in half. The big drawback is programming the part managing the job of the two turrets separately. The user must bear in mind the positions of both tools at all times in order to prevent a collision between both turrets. The collision is a risk for the integrity of the machine and avoiding it takes considerable programming time.

Fagor Automation participates in the Organization and Sponsoring Committee of the 18th Conference on Machine-tools and Manufacturing technologies held in San Sebastian (Basque Country – Spain) from November 10th to 12th of 2010.

Machines for the aerospace sector demand automation systems with higher precision in their work pieces and machines. In this industry, complex 5-axis machines are used to machine large work pieces and their precision will depend on the tolerances used when manufacturing the machine and the effect of temperature while machining.

Two of the main factors when developing a new vehicle are higher efficiency and greater passenger safety. They both depend to a great extent on the body of the car or truck. Obtaining an efficient vehicle requires controlling its weight in order to reduce fuel consumption. And safety requires a very strong structure against collision, vibration or fatigue which could be achieved by increasing its weight.