The last few months have seen Swiss machine-tool manufacturer Tornos launching a number of new products, such as the new Swiss DT13 and Swiss DT26 turning machines. These new innovations constitute a full product line-up that Tornos believes will inspire users with their performance.
The entry-level segment of Tornos’ machine tool range comprises two product lines, namely the CT20 (the second version of the machine recently introduced), and the Swiss DT machine. Both model variants are subject to constant evolution to remain at the forefront of technology with a cost-effective and competitive platform. Against this backdrop, the Swiss DT13 and Swiss DT26 models have undergone significant modifications that are aimed at improving their rigidity and their axis feed rates. Moreover, the TISIS programming software has been enhanced to enable maximum performance and productivity.
CT20: For a rapid return on investment
The CT20 is a small and sturdy machine that is easy to use with its five linear axes and two C-axes. In its basic configuration, the CT20 machine comes equipped with drive motors for driven tools for main and back machining operations. Next to the counter-spindle, the machine can accommodate two driven tools for work in main operations and can be equipped with 11 driven tools, with a total of 27 tools across the two machining areas. Such flexibility is simply unique for this machine class. All the more, the machine can be optionally fitted with a thread-whirling cutter, a polygon cutter, a triple drilling/milling unit as well as a slotting device for back machining.
“Our CT 20 is the most affordable machine of the entire Tornos product line-up and has proved to be highly successful in the market,” explains Philippe Charles, Product Manager at Tornos. “Thanks to its appealing price, it can easily replace aged machines in a workshop. It is a machine that allows a rapid return on investment. Its modular tooling system and its stable and rigid cast-iron frame make the machine an excellent partner for all situations.”
The CT20’s power is more limited compared to the Swiss DT13 and Swiss DT26 variants, the latter also being an entry-level machine that has been designed taking a minimum number of requirements into account. The machines of the Swiss DT range use the same optional equipment as the machines of the Swiss GT range, which ensures optimised investment with flexible tool holder systems.
Swiss DT13: Vast productivity possibilities
The Swiss DT13 has been conceived for bar capacities of 13mm (10mm without bar preparation). In addition, it is provided with five linear axes and two C-axes and its kinematic system has been developed for high productivity applications. Thanks to its maximum feed rates that can reach 35mm/min and its L-type kinematics, the Swiss DT13 is extremely fast and its chip-to-chip times are ultra-short. The spindles can be operated with a maximum speed of 15,000rpm – a speed that is normally reserved for higher-class machines.
The machine is equipped with a motorised synchronous guide bush that can reach the maximum spindle speed. This guide bush improves machining accuracy and surface finish of the workpieces. Moreover, it can spare valuable seconds when machining long parts. The machine can be converted for guide bush-less operation and adapted to the specific workpiece requirements. It therefore boasts a flexibility that Tornos believes is unique in this machine class.
With its extensive tooling, it is very easy for the Swiss DT13 to produce complex parts. The machine can be equipped with 21 tools including seven driven tools. Three driven tools are located in the main gang tool post. They can reach maximum speeds of 10,000rpm.
The Swiss DT13 can be optionally provided with a modular position, so a gear hobbing unit can also be mounted. For a long time now, this function has been used on the SwissNano and EvoDECO machines as well. It has proved its merits and has played its part in the recent success of the Tornos brand in the micro mechanics industry
Swiss DT 26: power and modular concept
The proven kinematics of the Swiss DT26 features five linear axes. Given the bar capacity and the performance of the machine, the Tornos engineers have prioritised good chip removal by arranging the gang tool post above the guide bush and the spindle. With its spindles having power of more than 10.5kW for both main and counter operations machining and a bar capacity of 25.4mm, the Swiss DT26 actually enables large cutting depths. Against this backdrop, excellent chip removal is required to be able to tap into the full potential of the machine. Just like the Swiss DT13 model, the machine is equipped with a motorised guide bush, and in less than 15 minutes, it can be converted to enable the operation with a collet.
The machine comes equipped with four radial drills for front machining operations. This equipment grants the user high flexibility. To improve this flexibility, the machine can be provided with a thread-whirling cutter or a polygon cutter. Consequently, it would be very easy for the Swiss DT26 to produce medical screws or to perform face milling tasks with these two attachments.
The thread-whirling cutter can be inclined by +/-15° and it can rotate with a maximum speed of 5,000rpm and machine diameters of up to 10mm. On the other hand, the polygon cutter can also reach a maximum speed of 5,000rpm while the diameter of the polygon cutting tool is 80mm. The back machining positions can be equipped with both stationary tools and driven tools. These positions can also accommodate advanced tooling such as a high-frequency spindles specifically designed to machine Torx patterns or even a slotting device.
The CT20, Swiss DT13 and Swiss DT26 machine models are efficient solutions that are designed to permit a rapid return on investment. The Tornos machine line-up enables all users to find the appropriate solution for their specific requirements. Like any Tornos machine, the Swiss DT and CT20 machines can be equipped with a lot of options such as long workpieces ejection up to 600mm, high-pressure coolant, and many others.
Standardised programming via TISIS
Any Tornos machine can be programmed with the TISIS programming software – and this equally applies to the Swiss DT and CT20 machines. Moreover, they can be equipped with the Connectivity Pack that enables remote monitoring of the status of the machines.
TISIS has a database that contains the data of all tool carriers, from simple tool holder plates to polygon cutters, milling units and thread whirling cutters. Each of these devices has its own features that are taken into account by TISIS. So, when a device is selected, only the positions that can be accommodated will be enabled.
Furthermore, TISIS manages any incompatibilities between various devices. It provides intuitive user guidance through the operation of the machine. Each tool carrier has its own illustration and therefore can be identified with ease. It should also be noted that the standard geometries are automatically displayed as soon as a workpiece is selected.