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Multispindle Automatic Lathe

The latest iteration of Index Corp.’s 6-axis MS32-6 automatic lathe is even more flexible. Twelve tool slides and patented toolholder locating system speed setups for off-center drilling, threading, contouring, hobbing, and polygonal turning as well as grooving and drilling.

Posted: November 30, 2020

Index Corp.’s MS32-6 automatic lathe includes a spindle drum containing six independent spindles, slides at each spindle station, and one or two synchronous spindles to enable cutting of the back side of the parts. To maximize flexibility, each spindle station features cross slides that can be equipped to perform a wide range of processes, including off-center drilling, threading, contouring, and polygonal turning.

Index Corp.’s 6-spindle MS32-6 is available with one or two synchronous spindles, allowing users to select the most appropriate option for the complexity of parts being produced. The automatic lathe’s iXpanel Industry 4.0-ready operating system features an 18.5-inch touchscreen and Siemens S840D sl CNC control.

Thanks to a flexible tool slide platform that greatly reduces changeover times, the latest version of Index Corp.’s (Noblesville, IN) 6-spindle automatic lathe brings the benefits of multispindle technology to a broader range of applications when machining 1.25-inch (32 mm) bar stock.

Equipped with 12 cross slides, with two v-shaped cross slides equipped with X and Z axes located at each spindle position, the MS32-6 easily handles a wide variety of complex parts. C and Y axes, together with live tools, can be implemented to allow for a broad range of machining processes including off-center drilling, threading, contouring, hobbing, and polygonal turning. All slides can also be configured for grooving or drilling.

Each cross slide incorporates a patented W-serration locating system that provides micron-accurate toolholder alignment. Coupled with the company’s quick-clamping device, tools can be set up off the machine and then quickly installed, reducing tool change times by 50%. The same system on the machine’s live units for drilling, milling, and polygonal turning reduces setup times by up to 92%.

Users can apply hydraulically controlled twin turrets, which alternate between tools in less than half a second, with rigid tools in up to five spindle positions. This enables the efficient use of separate tools for roughing and finishing in the same position. The turrets can also be used to reduce tool changes by incorporating duplicate tools, an especially attractive option when working with difficult-to-machine materials.

The fluid-cooled spindle drum features six spindles with speeds that are independently controlled to a maximum of 8,000 rpm. This allows optimum cutting data to be applied to each individual cutting process, resulting in superior metal removal rates, surface quality, and tool life. Additionally, the machine can be equipped with one or two synchronous spindles, each of which can apply up to six tools for machining the rear end of parts.

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