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Tectra Automation has recently upgraded
its old mechanical lathe for
substantially increased machining
capabilities at the company’s mechanical
workshop.
The company’s lathe, used for turning
pneumatic cylinder components, ball
screw ends and other general turning
functions, was upgraded to include a
Bosch Rexroth MTX Micro CNC control
system, servo motors, and an automatic
lubrication system for roller rail
guides and ball screw drives.
“We had to overhaul and upgrade our
lathe since, over many years of
continuous use, it had begun to lose
accuracy,” says Georg Venter, Electric
Drive and Control Divisional Manager,
Tectra Automation. “Now we can produce
top-quality machined products, such as
high-accuracy ball screw ends, at a
quicker pace than possible with a
mechanical lathe, improving quality and
reducing machining costs.”
Featuring full CNC capability and
IndraMotion MTX control platforms, Bosch
Rexroth components, incorporated into
the lathe, save on the time and costs
associated with building a new machine
or an upgrade. The IndraMotion MTX micro
incorporates a PLC (IEC 61131-3) and all
controller and drive hardware with a
wide range of software functions for
turning and milling machines in a very
compact unit. The upgraded lathe also
features CAD-CAM-capabilities.
Other changes include the replacement of
old Acme thread screws on the X-and
Z-axes with high-precision pre-loaded
ball screws from Bosch Rexroth. The ball
screw assemblies are supplied complete
with the thrust and support bearings
assemblies configured to mount the
IndraMotion servo motors without the
need for creating special adapters.
The gearbox regulating the chuck speed
has also been locked in a fixed ratio,
and the spindle motor has been replaced
with a Bosch Rexroth variable speed 10
kW spindle motor. Worn slideways were
also replaced with Bosch Rexroth
high-accuracy roller rail guides with a
high pre-load, guaranteeing minimal
vibration and maximum stiffness.
The upgrade began with lathe engineering
company, Efamatic, stripping it down to
its main block – removing mechanical and
electrical components. The company’s
lathe retrofitting experts then measured
and digitally sketched the lathe, using
3D software to ensure that the new
components would fit. To ensure safety
requirement are met, the lathe was also
fitted with safety covers, including a
linear system to position the control
panel.
Tectra Automation supplied, installed
and integrated all Bosch Rexroth
electrical components itself, and has
trained three operators to program the
machine for standard operation.
“Able to support the MTX Micro system
locally, our facilities are accredited
by Bosch Rexroth to service and repair
the full range of electrical components.
The upgrade of our lathe and continuous
overseas training demonstrates that we
are committed to constantly improving on
these capabilities,” concludes Venter. |
