CNC Turning Center

Q : What is C axis?

A CNC lathe with C axis function can perform contouring, milling, drilling, tapping, and cam style milling. C axis is the general term to describe a polar coordinate spindle and a milling turret. The C axis spindle can rotate to 36,000 positions on the polar scale, or 0.01 degree resolution. The polar position of the spindle is controlled by optical-magnetic encoders mounted on the spindle motor and at the spindle. The optical-magnetic signal is fed back to the CNC via a high speed optical cable to continuously checking the polar position of the spindle. In addition, the C axis function also requires a special power turret that can perform milling operations. The power turret has 6 or 12 positions that can hold different types of VDI milling tool and tool holders. A built-in spindle motor inside the turret provides extensive power to drive the milling tools. A CNC lathe with C axis combines turning and milling operations into one, saving setup time and improving accuracy. 

Q : What is the difference between "C axis" and "Indexable" spindle?

A C axis spindle can rotate to 36,000 positions, with 0.01 degree resolution. An indexable spindle can only have 360 positions, with 1 degree resolution. C axis is suitable for complex milling, such as contouring. Indexable spindle is suitable for simple milling and drilling. C axis can rotate simultaneously with X and Z axis, but indexable spindle can only index to position while X and Z axis are stopped.   

Q : What is live tool? Power turret?  Live turret?

Live tool means rotating or milling tools. Power or Live turret has built-in spindle motor that can drive milling tools. Power turret is always used with C axis spindle.  

Q : Do I need both C axis and the power turret?

Yes, C axis and Power Turret must be used together. The C axis spindle with rotate the part to the proper polar position. And the power turret provides the milling functions.   

Q : Do I need both Indexable spindle and the power turret? 

Yes, Indexable spindle and Power Turret must be used together also. The indexable spindle with rotate the part to the proper polar position. And the power turret provides the milling functions.   

Q : What is a twin turret and twin spindle CNC lathe?

Turret has developed the advanced mechanical engineering and software control to manufacture the complex system of a twin spindle twin turret lathe. A twin turret and twin spindle lathe has two spindles and two turrets. It is designed for parts that requires large production quantity, excellent concentricity, and front/back side machining. The main spindle can work on part #1 while the sub spindle can work on part #2. Therefore the production time is cut by half, incredibly boosting the productivity.  

Q : What is a 7 axis turning center?

A 7 axis turning center is a twin spindle twin turret lathe with C axis functions built into the main and sub spindles. Turret developed the advanced control software that can simultaneously control 7 axis at the same time.  

Q : What is a sub spindle?

A subspindle is a second spindle located at where the tailstock normally is. The subspindle has a headstock, spindle, and a spindle motor. The position of the subspindle is controlled by the precision ball screw assembly and high speed servo motor. Turret has the exclusive advanced technology to achieve precision alignment between the main spindle and the sub spindle. The alignment of the two spindles will produce high quality parts with unmatched concentricity.  

Q : Do I need a sub spindle for my application?

If your applications requires machining on both sides of the parts, sub spindle is the answer to your cost reduction and productivity boosting. The sub spindle enables the customer to machine both sides of the parts in just one operation, improving concentricity, cutting set up time and labor cost for loading unloading, and reducing work in progress.   

Q : What other CNC controls are available?

Turret's experienced electrical engineering team can install a variety of controls: FANUC, Mitsubishi, Heidenhain, Siemens, Anilam, and Fagor controls.  

Q : What is robotic system?

The robotic system normally includes the gantry type robot and the loading table. The robot system can be designed to provide 24 hours mass production. The robot chucks and fingers can be changed manually or automatically to pick up different parts. The loading table can store 13 pallets.  Each pallet can store up to 24 small diameter parts (i.e. f30mm) or 3 large diameter parts( f120mm), holding maximum number of 312 parts. The operator can use the robot control software to teach the robot to pick up parts at different positions on the machine and loading table. 

The VDI is the standard that the European community adapted for turning tool holder specifications. The VDI turning tool holders has the advantage of quick changing, accurate repeatability, and durability. Almost all of the standard live tool holders (for C axis) are VDI standards. 

The 20TA is the teaching control. The 0TD is the basic standard control, similar to 0TC in functions, but use the BETA servo motors. The 0TC is the most popular control, uses the proven ALPHA servo motors. The Alpha servo motors have superior position accuracy than the Beta motors, because Alpha motors use double number of motor stators and higher resolution encoders.  

Q : What is FANUC conversational programming?

FANUC controls provides conversational programming as an option. The conversational programming provides graphical programming interface, help screens, and question based programming. The conversational programming is excellent for machining complicated components. The 0TF (not 0TC) model has the conversational programming. The SUPER CAP II also has conversational programming.   

Q : What is the difference between FANUC 0TC and FANUC 18T control?

The 18T is the new improved version of 0TC. The 18T models includes color LCD screen, faster processing time, and more friendly operation interface. The 0TC uses a mono color CRT screen but is the most popular model on the market, where service, maintenance are widely available, and with proven stability and ease of use.   

Q : What is FANUC 2 year warranty?

FANUC provides an optional 2 year warranty. With the purchased of the FANUC 2 year warranty, the customer can receive extensive technical support and discount on parts and service for the duration of two years.