Reduce Cutting Time by 50% with A-B Turret Synchronous Function (Video)
07.26.2017
There are several builders that offer 4-axis twin turret machining and Okuma does too, however our approach to this is quite different. We incorporate technologies that make this process easier for the operator, and easier to program. When you have a twin saddle machine tool you’re dealing with a lot more complexity, having two turrets moving at the same time. You also have a higher chance of having a collision. Okuma offers an option called A-B Turret Synchronous Function (demonstrated in this quick video) which helps operators and programmers manage this complexity simply and easily.
Watch the video: A-B Turret Synchronous Function
Reduce Cutting Time by 50%
With this option you have the upper turret and lower turret running through the program simultaneously. Let’s say you have a part that has a lot of symmetry to it, such as multiple grooves. If you have 2, 4, 6 or 8 grooves, A-B Turret Synchronous Function allows you to program the upper turret to make its moves and the lower turret will mirror those moves. This allows you to reduce your cutting time by 50%. (Please note this does not mean that cycle time is reduced by 50%, just the cutting time.) To use this function you’ll need to program the upper turret using incremental mode. Then position the upper groove tool for one groove, and the lower groove tool for a second groove, and turn on the function. Now your machine tool is cutting two grooves at the same time.
Increased Efficiency
This is especially helpful when you have a situation where you write a program and it’s not doing exactly what you wanted, so you make some modifications. The difficult thing with two saddle machines is you need to make that modification twice, for the upper and the lower. But Okuma allows you to make that adjustment just once, and the lower turret just follows along with the same correction. A-B Turret Synchronous Function simplifies your job and saves some time too. To take it even further, let’s say you have hundreds more programs that use this function one way or another, you can simplify the management of your programs as well. Overall, A-B Synchronous Function creates great efficiencies when machining two turrets on one spindle. It also simplifies processes and makes it easier for operators who are making the transition from a one turret machine to a twin turret machine.
If you’d like more information about this function, please contact your local distributor or send us your request.
David Fischer is Lathe Product Specialist, Okuma America Corporation.
Other blog posts by David:
IMTS Sneak Peek: Automation Cell for a High Mix of Parts
Threading Oil Patch Pipe Made Easy
