Originally Published MPMN November 2004

HOTLINE

Sliding and Fixed Headstocks Both in One Machine Design

Machines can be configured to specific requirements

Analee Zelaya

By combining the advantages of sliding and fixed headstocks into one machine design, Index Corp. (Nobleville, IN) may have transformed turning centers for the medical components industry.

Available in two sizes, the Traub TNL, featuring a sliding headstock and Swiss-type turning, and the TNL-K, with a fixed headstock, allow users to configure a machine to specific requirements. “In the past, there were not many cost-effective machines for small parts,” says Klaus Voos, vice president of marketing. “This is an alternative to Swiss machines.”

One of the benefits of these machines is the high capacity of the turret tool carrier. For example, with the TNL12 model, which has two six-station turrets with a y-axis on one turret, the maximum number of fixed tools is approximately 26, of which 18 can be live. The TNL26 offers two 12-station turrets with an optional y-axis on both turrets for 58 fixed tools and a possible 32 live tools. The turrets also feature a high-speed indexing system that throws chips away from the tools, which is an important concern when manufacturing materials that produce long, stringy chips.

The most efficient process for machining high-quality medical threads, such as bone screws, requires more than one thread-whirling attachment to be mounted, which the turrets enable. Additionally, up to four tools, one from each turret and from a front- and a back-working tool, can be simultaneously in cut. On the TNL12, the front and back have four stations, while the TNL26 has five stations on each.

The high power of the live tool drive is critical to machining medical parts. The live tool drive power goes up to 1.5 kW or 2 hp on the TNL12 and 5.5 kW or 8.0 hp on the TNL26.The main and counter spindles offer the same horsepower, up to 4 kW or 5.2 hp on the TNL12 and 10.7 kW or 14.6 hp on the TNL26.

The TNL12 and TNL12K are suitable for 16-mm and 5¼8-in. bar capacity, and the TNL26 and TNL26K accommodate 32 mm and 1 1¼4 in.

These machines allow full interchangeability of tooling and workplace-related accessories of the same model size. Programming and operating are also the same.

Index Corp.
14700 North Point Blvd.
Noblesville IN 46060
317/770-6300 (P)
317/770-3166 (F)
www.index-usa.com

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