Abstract: A multiple spindle bar machine is disclosed including a cylindrical spindle carrier assembly supporting a spaced apart array of spindle bearings. Workpiece holding spindles are rotatably journaled in the spindle bearings. A hollow spindle drive shaft extends through a central opening in the spindle carrier and includes a drive gear pinned to an end of the shaft. The drive gear intermeshes with spindle gears to drive the spindles at a uniform rotational speed. The spindle carrier assembly is rotatably supported by at least one set of tapered roller bearings bearing against an outer peripheral surface of a spindle carrier. The set of roller bearings are disposed in a notched annulus in an inner peripheral surface a headstock upright. Each roller bearing forms an acute included angle between the spindle carrier outer peripheral surface and a surface of the tapered bearing facing the spindle carrier. The set of tapered roller bearing is mechanically preloaded before machining operations commence.

Abstract: A machine tool which can avoid interference between a tool post body and a second headstock without increasing the size of a fixed bed or decreasing the structural support rigidity is disclosed. Specifically, a combined-machining lathe comprises a first headstock fixed on a fixed bed; at least one of a tailstock and a second headstock is movably disposed on the fixed bed so as to be movable along the fixed bed; and a tool post body for rotationally supporting a turret having a plurality of tools set thereon. The tool post body is movably disposed between the first headstock and the at least one of a tailstock and a second headstock. The turret is placed on one side of the tool post body that is closer to the at least one of a tailstock and a second headstock, and the first headstock has a recessed portion that is dimensioned to accommodate the tool post body therein.

Abstract: A number of annular or short tubular elements are obtained from an elongate tube having a length calculated as a multiple of the length of the elements. A tube is automatically transferred into a chuck of a twin-spindle lathe to turn the inner bore of an end portion of the tube. The end portion is then cut off the tube, thereby obtaining an annular element. The element is automatically reversed and fitted to a mandrel for turning its outer surface and its end where the cutting was performed. The so finished or partly-finished element is then automatically delivered to an outfeed conveyor. Such a sequence is repeated cyclically until the last portion of the tube is processed, leaving no waste tips of the tube. A numerically controlled lathe for performing the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: In order to improve a machine tool comprising

Abstract: A machine tool has a cam shaft and indexing drive mechanism which is driven by a servomotor and is therefore adapted for operation within a wide range of operational parameters. An encoder mechanism provides feedback to the servo drive mechanism to effect operational control. The machine tool further comprises a variable frequency drive motor which operates the spindles of the machine tool independently of the cam shaft and indexing drive. A servo-operated threading mechanism is operable at one or more workstations of the machine tool to provide threading of parts manufactured thereby. A computer control system controls and monitors the entire operation of the machine tool.

Abstract: 054637723 The invention relates to a machine tool comprising a machine frame and at least one workpiece spindle. A workpiece can be clamped in the workpiece spindle and driven for rotation about a workpiece spindle axis into defined rotary positions by means of a numerically controlled C-axis. A support is provided on which the workpiece spindle is arranged and with which the workpiece spindle can be moved relative to the machine frame and transversely to the workpiece spindle axis into at least two spindle stations stationarily arranged with respect to the machine frame. At least one tool carrier associated with a selected one of the spindle stations is provided, which comprises a transverse-slide carrier mounted on the machine frame and having a transverse slide for a tool movable in an X direction relative to the workpiece spindle located in the selected spindle station.

Abstract: A multi-spindle CNC lathe comprises a frame assembly mounted on a base and including spaced apart, rigidly interconnected subframes defining spaced, parallel alignment surfaces. A plurality of spindles each includes a collet for rotating a stock about a spindle axis. An indexing mechanism positions the spindles in alignment worth with stations located at equally spaced intervals about a central axis. Internal tool slides mounted on the alignment surface of one of the subframes each comprise a servo mechanism for advancing and retracting a cutting tool along a work station axis. External tool slides mounted on the alignment surface of the other subframe each comprise a first servo mechanism for advancing and retracting a cutting tool toward and away from the work station axis and a second servo mechanism for selectively moving the cutting tool back and forth along a path extending parallel to the work station axis.

Abstract: In order to improve a machine tool comprising a machine frame, at least one workpiece receiving means which can be rotated about an axis and fixed in a defined rotary position, a tool carrier arrangement, with a rotatingly driven tool which can be moved by means of a control and aligned such that the tool spindle axis is located in planes intersecting the axis and forming with this axis an angle in the range of approximately 0° to approximately 90°, in such a manner that the distances to be traveled can be reduced it is suggested that the tool carrier arrangement comprise a tool spindle carrier which can be pivoted about a pivot axis in relation to a bearing housing, can be fixed on the bearing housing in at least one machining position and extends only on one side of the pivot axis in an angular range of less than 180° around the pivot axis and away from it and that the tool spindle be arranged on the tool spindle carrier such that its tool spindle axis is in a position non-coaxial to the pivot a

Abstract: A machine tool (1) has at least one but preferably two machining units (13, 14), which are assigned to two workpiece receptacles (8, 9). The machining units (13, 14) are adjustable in three axes (X, Y, Z), and they can each reach both workpiece receptacles (8, 9). The machining units (13, 14) are oriented such that their work spindles (11, 12) are in a preferably right space angle to one another. As a result, they can be moved past one another without colliding. Moreover, they can also work on the same workpiece at the same time. The workpiece receptacles are positionable independently of one another about a preferably but not necessarily common pivot axis (S). The workpieces are also rotatable about an axis (V) perpendicular to the pivot axis. This arrangement enables flexible machining of the workpieces from arbitrary directions in space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-spindle machine tool, in particular a multi-spindle automatic lathe with several workpiece spindle units. These are arranged around a central axis, can be driven rotationally and can be advanced from one machining position to the next. In order to provide the greatest possible flexibility in the machining of workpieces in a machine of this type, the invention envisages that the workpiece spindle units can be moved independently of one another along a movement path running around the central axis. The machining positions are designed in the form of machining segments within whose limits the respective workpiece spindles or workpiece spindle units can move along the movement path during a machining process.

Abstract: A multi-spindle CNC lathe comprises a frame assembly mounted on a base and including spaced apart, rigidly interconnected subframes defining spaced, parallel alignment surfaces. A plurality of spindles each includes a collet for rotating a stock about a spindle axis. An indexing mechanism positions the spindles in alignment with stations located at equally spaced intervals about a central axis. Internal tool slides mounted on the alignment surface of one of the subframes each comprise a servo mechanism for advancing and retracting a cutting tool along a work station axis. External tool slides mounted on the alignment surface of the other subframe each comprise a first servo mechanism for advancing and retracting a cutting tool toward and away from the work station axis and a second servo mechanism for selectively moving the cutting tool back and forth along a path extending parallel to the work station axis.

Abstract: A device for machining a part by metal cutting comprising a massive block in a bore of which is located a sliding column guided in a front bearing and a rear bearing, at least the front bearing and the section of the column sliding therein being continuously convex in cross-section with three lobes distributed at 120° about a central axis. The front and rear bearings are hydrostatic journal bearings. The column supports a sliding block on which is mounted a slide in which is incorporated a turret head for dispensing cutting tools.

Abstract: A machine tool has a cam shaft and indexing drive mechanism which is driven by a servomotor and is therefore adapted for operation within a wide range of operational parameters. An encoder mechanism provides feedback to the servo drive mechanism to effect operational control. The machine tool further comprises a variable frequency drive motor which operates the spindles of the machine tool independently of the cam shaft and indexing drive. A servo-operated threading mechanism is operable at one or more workstations of the machine tool to provide threading of parts manufactured thereby. A computer control system controls and monitors the entire operation of the machine tool.

Abstract: A multi-head machine tool for machining a workpiece into an article has a head that holds a workpiece and that rotates the workpiece. A multi-head tool attachment is capable of machining a plurality of working sites on the workpiece during rotation of the workpiece simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for machining workpieces (W1 to W4) by stock removal, in particular the main (a1 to a5) and/or connecting rod bearing journals (b1 to b4) of crankshafts. For this purpose the apparatus is equipped with at least two guideways (7, 8) which are distanced from one another and are arranged parallel with respect to one another and on which at least one workpiece fixture (9, 10) holding a workpiece (W1to W4) each can be moved from a transfer position (P1, P2) to a working position (A1 to A6), and with two discoid cutters (17, 18, 21) of which each can be moved on a cutter guideway (13, 14, 19), which is arranged between the guideways (7, 8), from a first working position (A1, A2, A5) in which it works on the workpiece (W1, W3) held by the first workpiece fixture (9) to a second working position (A3, A4) in which it works on the workpiece (W2, W4) held by the second workpiece fixture (10).

Abstract: A machine tool has a cam shaft and indexing drive mechanism which is driven by a servomotor and is therefore adapted for operation within a wide range of operational parameters. An encoder mechanism provides feedback to the servo drive mechanism to effect operational control. The machine tool further comprises a variable frequency drive motor which operates the spindles of the machine tool independently of the cam shaft and indexing drive. A servo-operated threading mechanism is operable at one or more workstations of the machine tool to provide threading of parts manufactured thereby. A computer control system controls and monitors the entire operation of the machine tool.

Abstract: Loader and unloader mechanism (10) for a machine tool having a workpart-holding spindle (14) wherein a workpart load tube (32) and unload tube (34) and associated workpart loading fluid cylinders (40, 42) are arranged relative to a tool-carrying turret (20) in a manner that workparts (W) are fed to the spindle (14) through the load tube (32) and removed from the spindle after machining to a workpart holder (33) on the tool-carrying turret (20), which then positions the workpart holder between an unloading tube (34) and a workpart unloading fluid cylinder (76) where the workpart is ejected from the workpart holder into the unload tube.

Abstract: A working machine for machining a workpiece includes a base having a first track and a second track mounted therein and arranged in parallel with each other, at least one clamping device slidably mounted in the first track for clamping the workpiece, and at least one cutter device slidably mounted in the second track to mate with the at least one clamping device for machining the workpiece. In such a manner, the at least one cutter device is movable relative to the at least one clamping, device to machine the two ends of the workpiece.

Abstract: A multi-spindle CNC lathe comprises a frame assembly mounted on a base and including spaced apart, rigidly interconnected subframes defining spaced, parallel alignment surfaces. A plurality of spindles each includes a collet for rotating a stock about a spindle axis. An indexing mechanism positions the spindles in alignment with stations located at equally spaced intervals about a central axis. Internal tool slides mounted on the alignment surface of one of the subframes each comprise a servo mechanism for advancing and retracting a cutting tool along a work station axis. External tool slides mounted on the alignment surface of the other subframe each comprise a first servo mechanism for advancing and retracting a cutting tool toward and away from the work station axis and a second servo mechanism for selectively moving the cutting tool back and forth along a path extending parallel to the work station axis.

Abstract: A machine tool, such a lathe, is described that includes a machine base and four base columns supporting a horizontal roof-shaped upper section. Horizontally guided Y-carriages and Z-carriages are suspended from an underside of the upper section. A horizontal working spindle is suspended from the Z-carriages. An X-carriage is arranged and vertically guided on the lower section of the machine stand.

Abstract: In order to improve a machine tool comprising a machine frame, a drum arranged for rotation about a drum axis within a maximum angular range in relation to the machine frame and having a plurality of machining devices held on it and drives rotatable with the drum and associated with the machining devices, a stationary control and supply device for the drives and a rotary supply unit which has line systems connected, on the one hand, to the rotatable drum as well as, on the other hand, held so as to be stationary in relation to the machine frame, these line systems being free from interruptions, deformable as a result of rotation of the drum and extending in the direction of the drum axis, in such a manner that the spatial requirements for the twistable line systems in the direction of the drum axis are as small as possible it is suggested that the line systems extend into a passage in the drum close to the drum axis.

Abstract: A machine tool for machining crankshafts (200), including, arranged in the same horizontal plane on a frame extending along the transfer axis (arrow A) of a machining line (C), a machining station (P1) with two tool holder discs (110, 120) for machining the crankshafts (200), and two parallel work stations (S1, S2) arranged upstream and downstream from the machining station (P1) for rotating the two crankshafts, whereby the tool holder disc (110, 120) of the machining station, movably mounted (arrow X) along the transfer axis (arrow A) can move back and forth between one work station (S1 or S2) and the other (S2 or S1) and machine a crankshaft (200) at a work station (S1 or S2) during the auxiliary operations needed to position a new crankshaft (200) in the other work station (S2 or S1), and vice versa. An operating method and a machining line comprising such a machine tool are also disclosed. Said machine tool is useful for turning/shaving crankshafts for engines with four in-line cylinders.

Abstract: In order to improve a machine tool comprising a machine frame with an underframe and a machine column seated on this and having a support ring, a support mounted on the support ring for rotation about an essentially vertical axis, several workpiece receiving chucks for workpieces to be machined arranged on the support, an operating area extending around the vertical axis, and a plurality of stations arranged on the machine frame in the region of the operating area, the workpiece receiving chucks being positionable in these stations during a machining cycle, such that the machine frame has as great a rigidity as possible with as expedient a construction as possible it is suggested that the machine column have a reinforcement casing fixing the support ring in relation to the underframe, this casing extending outside the operating area and surrounding it at least partially, that the reinforcement casing comprise casing supporting structure elements which are located in a casing surface extending around the verti

Abstract: An apparatus for machining both inside and outside of a hollow workpiece (16) to impart thereto inner and outer curved surfaces that are contoured to be non-circular is disclosed. It includes workpiece supports (10, 11) that clamp the workpiece oriented substantially vertically from its opposite upper and lower sides to support it rotatably about its axis extending substantially vertically. A C-axis drive (18) acts on the workpiece supports to rotate the workpiece about that workpiece axis. The workpiece supports are driven by a Z-axis drive to move the workpiece in a direction of that workpiece axis. Also included are an exterior machining unit (24) having a cutting tool (26) arranged to be movable in a direction of X-axis that is orthogonal to the workpiece axis, and an interior machining unit (25) having a cutting tool (33) arranged to be movable in a direction of U-axis that is parallel to the X-axis.

Abstract: A retrofit system for a multi-spindle machine which includes a brake clutch (72), a feed clutch (70), and a high speed clutch (68) which are incorporated into the drive train gear layout of the multi-spindle machine. All three clutches are controlled by an electrical control circuit which includes a timer (80). When the multi-spindle machine shifts from high speed to low speed the control system activates the brake clutch for a short time period set in the timer, which causes the drive train gears to quickly slow down, allowing synchronous meshing with the low speed drive train of the multi-spindle machine and enabling a reduction in machine cycle time.

Abstract: A tube machining apparatus is described which comprises a support frame (2), an intermediate body (6) arranged to carry tools (7), a clamp (8) for locking at least one tube (4) at a predetermined processing or machining station (9), and at least one gripper (16) for acting by grasping on each tube. Gripper (16) and tools (7) are carried by the intermediate body (6) and movement means (17) is provided which is interposed between the intermediate body (6) and the support frame (2) and is capable of simultaneously moving both the gripper and the different tools between respective rest and work positions.

Abstract: A method is provided for turning a first work and a second work held on a first spindle and a second spindle, respectively. The first spindle and the second spindle are positioned on the same axis and confronting each other, so that the first work and the second work are rotated about the same axis. A tool rest is provided with a first tool and a second tool and is moved for turning the first work by the first tool. The second spindle is moved in synchronism with the movement of the tool rest for turning the second work by the second tool.

Abstract: In order to improve a multiple-spindle turning machine comprising a machine frame, a spindle drum arranged to rotate relative to the machine frame around a drum axis having a number of work piece spindles movable in the direction of rotation, said work piece spindles being respectively provided with a work piece receiving means for a work piece, and a number of stations, comprising at least one machining station, arranged consecutively on the machine frame in the direction of rotation of the work pieces corresponding to the number of work piece spindles, in such a way that the number of tools which may be used can be increased at low expense, it is proposed that for machining the work pieces, the at least one machining station has a first and a second spindle position, which are arranged at an angular distance from one another relative to the drum axis; that the spindle drum is rotatable in such a manner that a work piece spindle with a work piece may be positioned in each of the spindle positions; and that e

Abstract: A machine tool for machining crankshafts for four cylinder engines. A machining station and two parallel workstations are arranged in the same horizontal plane on a frame extending along the transfer axis of a machining line. The machining station has two tool holder disks for machining the crankshafts. The two parallel work stations are arranged upstream and downstream from the machining station for rotating the two crankshafts. The tool holder disk of the machining station is movably mounted along the transfer axis and can move back and forth between one workstation and the other. A crankshaft can be machined at a workstation during the auxiliary operations needed to position a new crankshaft in the other workstation.

Abstract: The bar feeder provides bars (2') of material to a machine tool such as an automatic lathe. It includes a revolving barrel guide or an opening guide (4) in which the bar (2) to be machined is moved axially by a feed device including a pusher (20) driven by a chain (25). A first digital angular sensor (30) is associated with a pinion of this chain. A longitudinal camshaft (12) associated with a second digital angular sensor (35) actuates all the other operational mechanisms of the bar feeder. An automatic control electronic unit (31) can thus control in a reliable and precise manner all the bar feeder's operation, from signals originating from the machine tool and the two single sensors (30, 35) of the bar feeder.

Abstract: A retrofit for an electronically programmable, servo-controlled power feed and spindle drive system for controlling the spindle and cam shaft drive of an automatic screw machine. The automatic screw machine originally provides rotational power to the spindles of the cam shaft drive through a complex series of gears, shafts and clutch systems. The gears, shafts and clutch systems also provide synchronization between the rotation of the spindles and the rotation of the cam shaft drive. A retrofit of the automatic screw machine includes replacement of the complex series of gears, shafts and clutch systems with a variable speed drive motor, a chain drive system, an electronic encoder for monitoring the rotational speed of the spindle shaft, an electric servo motor for providing rotational power to the cam shaft drive and a central processing unit to synchronize the speeds of the variable speed motor and electric servo motor.

Abstract: In order to improve a lathe, in particular, a multiple-spindle lathe, comprising at least one workpiece spindle arranged on a machine frame and rotatable about a spindle axis, this workpiece spindle projecting with its front end into an operating area, and a tool slide with a longitudinal slide element guided for displacement in Z-direction parallel to the spindle axis in a longitudinal guide means located outside the operating area and arranged on a slide stand of the machine frame and with a cross slide arranged in the operating area and displaceable in X-direction transversely to the spindle axis in relation to the longitudinal slide element, this cross slide being guided on a cross slide guide means arranged at a front end of the longitudinal slide element and movable by means of a cross feed gear, such that the tool slide as a whole is constructed in as space-saving a manner as possible and, in particular, requires little space in the operating area in order to create the possibility of using several too

Abstract: A multi-spindle CNC lathe (50) comprises a frame assembly (104) mounted on a base (52) and including spaced apart, rigidly interconnected subframes (106, 108) defining spaced, parallel alignment surfaces (120, 122, 124, 126). A plurality of spindles (430) each includes a collet (450) for rotating a stock about a spindle axis. An indexing mechanism (640) positions the spindles (430) in alignment with work stations located at equally spaced intervals about a central axis. Identical internal ram tool slides (220) mounted on the alignment surface (110) of one of the subframes (106) each comprises a servo mechanism (224) for advancing and retracting a cutting tool along a work station axis.

Abstract: The spindle supporting head of a multiple spindle screw machine is intermittently rotated to place its spindles into successively different angular positions about the axis of a spindle drive shaft which extends coaxially into the center of the head. When each spindle is rotatably indexed into a particular angular position, a piece of bar stock is fed through the spindle and projects beyond one end thereof. Each of a plurality of tool slides, which are mounted adjacent the end of the head from which the spindle projects, carries a tool which registers with the stock projecting from an adjacent spindle. The slides are connected to servo motors which are operable by an associated computer to move their tools toward and away from the stock projecting from the associated spindles. Normally the head is secured against rotation by a hirth ring which intermittently is moved from its locking position to release the head so that it can be rotatably indexed.

Abstract: In order to improve a multiple-spindle turning machine, comprising a machine frame, a cylinder rotatable around an essentially horizontal rotational axis relative to the machine frame, work piece spindles arranged on the cylinder in respective individual positions with spindle axes, which are aligned essentially parallel to the rotational axis and which during the machining of a work piece are movable relative to the cylinder by means of linear drives in the direction of their spindle axis and independently of one another, and tools arranged on tool supports for machining the work pieces held in the work piece spindles, in such a way as to allow the respective work piece spindle to be positioned as precisely as possible in the direction of its spindle axis, it is proposed that each of the work piece spindles is allocated its own linear drive disposed on the cylinder to move it in the direction of the spindle axis, and that the work piece spindle is constantly coupled to the linear drive.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding and engaging bar stock into an automatic screw machine having at least one clamp, at least one linear actuator, an apparatus for feeding material into the clamps, and a mechanism for facilitating opening and closing the clamps. The clamps include a base portion, pivotally mounted first and second clamping members, and a cam member extending through the base portion which engages the first and second clamping members. The clamps are mounted to a tubular support which rotates in conjunction with the spindle carrier of the automatic screw machine. The mechanism for facilitating opening and closing of the clamps engages an end portion of the at least one linear actuator to displace the cam member. The cam member disengages the clamping members causing the clamping members to open such that the bar stock can be fed into the clamping members and closed thereafter in a positive locking arrangement.

Abstract: In order to improve a machine tool comprising a machine frame, a drum arranged on the machine frame for rotation about a drum axis and having a plurality of machining devices for tools held on it and drives associated with the machining devices and rotatable with the drum, a stationary control and supply unit for the drives and a line system connected, on the one hand, to the drives rotatable with the drum and, on the other hand, to the control and supply unit, this line system being free from interruptions and rotary connections and deformable as a result of rotation of the spindle drum, such that the line system can be guided in as space-saving a manner as possible it is suggested that the line system have a long line system section extending along a system axis and rotatable about the system axis.

Abstract: To machine coarse base material and to finish-turn the preturned blank, first the coarse base material is held in spindle (1) of stationary headstock (2). Then the coarse base material is preturned with first tool slide (3). The work preturned in this way is thereupon picked off by pick-off spindle (7) and the work now sitting in pick-off spindle (7) is cut off with a cropper on first tool slide (3). The back of the preturned work and inside diameter are machined by second tool slide (9), and for finishing of the work in the outer area and on the end face it is picked up by another spindle (10).

Abstract: A system for performing machining operations on different portions of workpieces comprising a plurality of workstations including a lathe disposed along a predetermined path, in the present instance, a circular path. A turntable supports a plurality of workpiece chucking devices equi-spaced circumferentially around the turntable. The turntable rotates relative to the workstations to position a workpiece chucking device at each workstation permitting different machining operations to be performed on workpieces simultaneously. The chucking devices are moveable on the turntable in a radial direction to present the workpieces to the various tools at the workstations. The workpiece chucking devices include spindle motors and means for synchronizing the speeds of the spindle motors of the chucking devices with the lathe motor.

Abstract: The rotary transfer machine for machining a workpiece using fixed-cycle control has a centrally disposed rotary indexing table which is driven according to a fixed cycle, can rotate about a vertical axis and at the outer circumference of which a plurality of clamping means for holding a workpiece are disposed radially at a spacing from one another, and a plurality of machining units for machining the workpieces, which units are disposed around the outer circumference of the rotary table such that they lie substantially opposite corresponding clamping means in an indexed position of the rotary indexing table.

Abstract: A numerically controlled lathe with a stationary headstock and a work spindle, mounted rotatably in the headstock, for holding a work in a first clamping includes a counter spindle for holding rotatably the workpiece in a second clamping. The lathe also has a tool turret, which can be indexed around an axis and which is mounted on a first slide, movable in two directions that are perpendicular to each other. This first slide also supports the counter spindle. A second tool holder is mounted next to the work spindle. The counter spindle and the tool turret are mounted on the first slide in mutually variable configuration; and the second tool holder is mounted on a second slide, which can be moved at least in a direction perpendicular to the work spindle axis. This second tool holder holds two groups of tools, one of which is mounted and designed for machining the work at the work spindle and the other is mounted and designed for machining the work at the counter spindle.

Abstract: An automatic lathe includes a pair of gang tool posts disposed on opposite sides of a headstock. The headstock has a main spindle and is movable axially of the main spindle, and the pair of gang tool posts are independently movable in respective two directions perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the axial direction. Pitches between work tools on one of the gang tool posts differ from pitches between work tools on the other gang tool post such that when a free-end position of an arbitrary work tool of a first gang tool post is aligned with that of an arbitrary work tool of a second gang tool post, free-end positions of the other work tools of the first gang tool post mutually differ from those of the other work tools of the second gang tool post.

Abstract: In order to improve a multiple-spindle turning machine comprising a machine frame, two cylinders arranged on opposite sides of an operating area and mounted on the machine frame to be respectively rotatable around an essentially horizontal rotational axis, machining means arranged on the cylinders in respective individual positions with central axes aligned essentially parallel to the rotational axis, and tools for machining work pieces held in at least one portion of the machining means, in such a way that it may also be used as universally as possible for other work pieces, it is proposed that the cylinders are rotatable around their rotational axis independently of one another relative to the machine frame.

Abstract: A machine tool for machining a workpiece having a long shaft section. The machine tool includes a frame, a tool holder on the frame for holding the cutting tool to machine a workpiece, a first slide assembly and a first servo motor on the frame for translating the tool holder along a first axis relative to the frame, a second slide assembly on the frame for mounting the tool holder for translation along a second axis relative to the frame, a first workpiece holder on the frame for holding the workpiece to be machined by a cutting tool held in the tool holder, a second workpiece holder on the frame for holding a workpiece to be machined by a cutting tool held in the tool holder, a third slide assembly and a second servo motor for translating the second workpiece holder along the second axis, and structure for selectively connecting the tool holder to the second workpiece holder for translation of the tool holder by the third slide assembly and the second servo motor along the second axis.

Abstract: The machine control system for a multi-spindle machine (10) includes a controller (42). The controller is operative to avoid machine down time by shutting down operation of the main drive motor (12) of the multi-spindle machine responsive to malfunctions as detected by a plurality of sensors. A controller is also readily programmable to modify the high and low shift points to optimize cycle times. The controller is further connectable to an administrative workstation (188) which includes a database (190) for producing a variety of analytical reports related to performance of the machine.

Abstract: The multiple-spindle lathe described has at least two parallel-acting workpiece spindle units mounted to move in the X and Z directions. The spindle units operate in conjunction with fixed workpiece carriers and themselves convey the workpieces to and from a workpiece-turning means so that there is no need for an automatic conveyor to feed the workpieces between the two spindle units.

Abstract: The machine tool bas a combined slide which is formed of partial slides and is movable in the X direction on two linear guides by means of guide carriages. The two partial slides are supported directly relative to one another by support guides and can be moved in the X direction relative to one another in order to carry out a correcting adjustment or a feed movement. Each partial slide supports a vertical spindle which is movable in the Z direction. A joint multiple turret is associated with the vertical spindles, this multiple turret being outfitted with tools associated with the two tool spindles. The vertical spindles and the partial slides have separate driving units which can be controlled by corresponding control devices in such a way that the vertical spindles and the partial slides are displaceable jointly and synchronously or asynchronously on the one hand and are displaceable relative to one another on the other hand in order to carry out a correcting adjustment or a feed movement.

Abstract: A compact multiple-spindle machine tool has a spindle support which is rotatably mounted on a machine frame. Several work piece spindles are carried by the spindle support and may be positioned in various rotational positions when the spindle support is rotated about a rotational axis. A work piece is clamped to a spindle and can be machined by a tool in a work area. The machine frame has a bottom part which stands on a base. A stand extends upwards from the base to carry the spindle support. The work piece spindles are arranged in spindle positions around the stand. The working area for machining the work pieces which are held by the work piece spindles are also arranged around the stand.

Abstract: A multi-spindle CNC lathe comprises a frame assembly mounted on a base and including spaced apart, rigidly interconnected subframes defining spaced, parallel alignment surfaces. A plurality of spindles each includes a collet for rotating a stock about a spindle axis. An indexing mechanism positions the spindles in alignment with work stations located at equally spaced intervals about a central axis. Internal tool slides mounted on the alignment surface of one of the subframes each comprise a servo mechanism for advancing and retracting a cutting tool along a work station axis. External tool slides mounted on the alignment surface of the other subframe each comprise a first servo mechanism for advancing and retracting a cutting tool toward and away from the work station axis and a second servo mechanism for selectively moving the cutting tool back and forth along a path extending parallel to the work station axis.

Abstract: Automatic apparatus for the feeding of bar-shaped stock to a machine tool, comprising an elongated receiving box which extends in feed direction, has a guide passage open at both ends for receiving a new stock bar and is formed by two receiving channels, an actuating device for the opening and closing of the receiving box as well as a pushing-in device for pushing a new stock bar in feed direction into the machine tool, wherein for simplifying the construction a clamping device is associated with the receiving box for securing a new stock bar in place in the receiving box and the latter is guided for displacement in feed direction and is displaceable back and forth in feed direction by the pushing-in device.