In a manufacturing facility that has fixed floor space, staff size, and running on multiple shifts increasing production is a puzzle that cannot be solved by adding multiple machines. A twin-spindle machine would be the right solution? Maintaining high productivity is the key to successfully utilizing your facility. Especially in setups where churning out high volumes investing in a twin-spindle machine can be a game-changer for your shop floor.
Productivity cost per part and quality all can be at stake positively affected with a machine tool having a second spindle to your shop floor.
What is it?
When there is a twin-spindle setup, both spindles usually are identical in specifications, capacities, and programming at present on the same CNC lathes. With a twin-spindle machine programmed with the same capabilities, operations run in parallel.
Also, with their part-transferring capabilities, these machines can produce a finished component machined on both faces with secondary operations like drilling and tapping on both faces [axially] or sides [radially].
This “done-in-one” style of machining is very common in two-spindle machines and comes in both turning and machining centers.
Operations that are usually done on two or three machines can be done on one, reducing the time it takes for a particular part to be machined completely. It allows for quicker out-the-door machined products.
Part quality and consistency also are improved by decreasing the number of times a part is handled.
Dual-spindle machines increase productivity by reducing part handling by automatically transferring parts from one chuck to another for secondary operations.
1. Cost
Cost per part can be reduced because the part no longer sits idle, waiting for a secondary operation to be performed. The ability to work on the backside of the part is due to the control that machinists have over the secondary spindle. Another important cost saver is manpower since one operator is enough instead of two.
Even though the cost to machine a part might not be reduced drastically, the machining process becomes much more controlled, and therefore the quality is increased, passing on the added value to the customer.
2. Productivity
Dual-spindle machines increase productivity by producing more parts per machine as well as more parts in a shorter time since there is simultaneous action. Meaning the cycle time for each part is drastically reduced.
This means lesser operator intervention and generally faster production speed.
3. High volume production
If you are a high-volume manufacturer then Twin spindle machines are perfectly suited for your shop floor. Twin spindle machines are heavy-duty machines that through their rigid structure and sturdy spindles, can achieve mass production easily. Since they take up lesser space than two machines and do twice the job.
4. Easy to automate
One of the advantages of a twin-spindle machine is how it is easier to automate than a regular single-spindle machine. Loading and unloading of a component happen through input and output chutes of the machines, gantry, robot, and more. For two machines this means two gantry automation systems need to be arranged meaning more expenses, but in a twin-spindle machine with the passing of components and finishing done in one, this requires a lesser need for additional or complex automation solutions.
Automation in high-volume production set-ups is essential to increase productivity. This allows for faster cycle times, safer operation, and minimum investment and involvement of labor.
5. Space
Just like how investing in a machine tool is expensive so does housing one. The machine footprint is a critical deciding factor in productivity. Since two spindles are put in one machine this takes up lesser floor space, allowing you to utilize your manufacturing facility effectively instead of having to increase it to accommodate another machine which is costs that are not conducive.
To upgrade your shopfloor’s productivity and based on your needs, you can select a range of twin-spindle machines from the AceMicromatic group.
Ace Micromatic group offers a wide range of versatile, compact, and effective twin spindle CNC lathes from Ace Designers, and CNC machining centers from Ace Manufacturing Systems who are the No.1 leaders in their respective industries in India.
From Ace Designers range we have the LCXT range of twin-spindle machines. Contact: salesmmt@acemicromatic.com
Ace Turning center models with two spindles:
1. SLC Series
Two spindles with a single cross slide and gang tooling. When one spindle is in action on another spindle loading / Unloading can be done. When the spindle is in action another one will be idle.
2. LT Series
Two spindles with one indexing turret, here addition spindle called as sub-spindle, this will help to transfer component from the main spindle to sub-spindle by synchronizing both spindles with orientation if required.
3. LCXT
Two lathes are coupled in a compact way with an independent tool indexing turret to keep both spindles in action simultaneously.
From Ace Manufacturing Systems we have the Twin-spindle VMC series, Gemini.
The Gemini Twin-Spindle series is curated specially to handle high volumes of production in a variety of different sizes. An additional difference in the world of twin-spindles machining centers is the presence of a w-axis. The twin spindle enables a vast reduction in the cost and cycle time per part. Additionally, you get twice the productivity with a machine footprint that is similar to a single spindle machine.
Also available with a rotary type pallet changer to mask component load-unload time Can be given with rotary tables on either pallet to further enhance productivity by reducing setup times.