Multi-Spindle Lathes

 Lathes are highly versatile machine tools, used for manufacturing, repairing and finishing parts, adjusting two movements for this purpose: the rotation of the fixed part and the advancement of the tool over the part surface. The multi-spindle lathe, as the name indicates, is an equipment comprised of multiple spindles inserted into a drum that feeds the bars and changes positions to execute simultaneous operations in the product in a fractioned manner – that is, each position the spindle takes executes an operation and its cycle time becomes no longer the times from each operation executed, but the time of the bottleneck operation.

Automatic lathes were invented in the late 19th century with mechanical machines driven by cams (a mechanism with the function of conducting or imposing a certain movement to another element), improving the issue of productivity, combined with precision and stability thanks to the developments that occurred with time. Currently, there is equipment in this category that has one or more CNC carts, or completely driven by CNC. 

Do you know what are the advantages of multi-spindle lathes controlled by CNC?

• Possibility of executing more complex operations, without the need for further operations: Cam Multi-Spindle Lathes work over a single axle, and most of them have 5 front operation positions and 6 cross operation positions, which limits the number of possible operations;

• Shorter setup time: Cam Multi-Spindle Lathes need to change several mechanical components during the setup, such as curves, carts, scales, etc. On the lathes controlled by CNC, only the cutting tools and the CNC program are replaced;

• Possibility to use Standard tools: Cam Multi-Spindle Lathes need special tools that copy the final shape of the part to conduct the operation. Since lathes controlled by CNC have the ability to copy the product profile through the CNC program, they can use commercial tools and, thus, reduce the tool cost;

• Operator training: Cam multi-spindle lathes need a more specific labor force for setup and even during the operation, in the case of needing to correct the product dimensions. On lathes controlled by CNC, such items are simpler to be executed, and a more common labor force, such as the one for a conventional CNC lathe, can be used.

SAMOT has in its manufacturing facilities a series of multi-spindle equipment, including cam-driven machines, with one or more CNC carts, and multi-spindle lathes with CNC drive in large amounts. Thus, we are prepared for high demands and diversities from the market that require complex operations with lower processing time and more flexibility of processes, ensuring precision, quality and productivity.