Automation and machining technology take centre stage for XYZ Machine Tools

XYZ Machine Tools’ attendance at the Southern Manufacturing 2020 (Stand number J210) will focus on automation, five-axis machining and the latest development of the ProtoTRAK control system. XYZ Machine Tools’ robot-based automation cell ROBO-TEND will take centre stage. This modular and mobile robot automation system is designed for use with XYZ vertical machining and turning centres fitted with Siemens controls. For the exhibition the system will be demonstrated attached to an XYZ 750 LR vertical machining. ROBO-TEND brings automation within the reach of traditional sub-contract engineering businesses. The robot is equipped with a camera vision system and is fully compatible with the Siemens ShopMill and ShopTurn controls used on XYZ’s VMC’s and turning centres.

In line with XYZ Machine Tools’ philosophy of making machine control straightforward ROBO-TEND’s interface has been developed to make programming the automation process as easy as possible. The result is fast and efficient automation that is affordable for all, with payback possible in just a few months of operation calculated if purchased outright, or the option of finance from £2.00/hour is available.

For those looking for full, simultaneous five-axis machining the XYZ UMC-5X will be demonstrated. This cost-effective machine has as standard a Direct Drive 90 rpm table configuration, which when tilted 90 degrees towards the rear (component facing forward), there remains 500 mm of Y axis travel forward of the table surface, allowing larger workpieces to be machined.  Its gantry-type design adds greater rigidity and performance, while C-axis rotation via a direct drive, low maintenance, high torque motor, gives 90 revs/min rotational speed; with +/- 120 degrees on the tilting A-axis, while 600 mm axis travel in X and Y (500 mm in Z) maximise use of the 600 mm diameter table. Standard spindles are in-line direct drives with 35 kW of power and either 12,000/15,000 revs/min, an option to go to a 25 kW, 18,000/24,000 revs/min motorised spindle is also available.

The latest version of XYZ Machine Tools’ industry-leading ProtoTRAK control system will be shown on an XYZ RMX 3500 bed mill and an XYZ RLX 355 ProTURN lathe. The latest generation ProtoTRAK control, the RX retains all the features that make ProtoTRAK popular with 1000’s of customers, but with the addition of a host of new features and benefits. Central to the new control is its 15.6” touchscreen that puts all of the existing advantages, along with more machining information, at the users’ fingertips. Combining the touchscreen with DXF capability removes any requirement for a mouse to interact with editing of programs. The touchscreen also adds the familiar actions of pinch to zoom, twist to rotate making it far more intuitive and allows closer inspection of the part program prior to machining. The new control will be demonstrated live on the stand to highlight its ease-of-use and time saving benefits.