A compact vertical turning machine that comprises high technology components, maximum flexibility and uncompromising precision is being offered at an attractive price.
On show at MACH for the first time on stand 5330 will be the new BlueTurn range of vertical turning centres from Cincinnati. At MACH 2006 will be the BlueTurn 250; a compact vertical turning machine that comprises high technology components, maximum flexibility and uncompromising precision at an attractive price that makes this vertical turning range an exceptional price and performance package. The BlueTurn range of machines is a machine tool concept that focuses upon productivity and change-over times, an important cost factor in small and medium-batch production.

With unlimited accessibility to the working area via a large protection door that opens over its full height and a large viewing window for optimum visibility; the BlueTurn 250 opitimises user friendliness.

Swarf management is optimised by the very nature of the vertical turning concept.

The part is held vertically and machined from underneath, to ensure the swarf falls away from the part and into the removal system below.

Air flushing in the work area is also supplied as standard for further enhanced swarf removal.

The smallest machine in the Cincinnati BlueTurn range, the BlueTurn 250 has a optional component conveyor system that can accommodate three frame sizes from 50-250mm part diameter.

In increments that range from 50-80mm, 80-130mm and 130-250mm with a 20kg maximum single component weight capacity, the BlueTurn is ideal for anything from small batches to longer production runs.

The component conveyor system provides a productivity advantage allowing unmanned running and minimal operator intervention.

The tool turret supports 12 tool positions with a safe and solid tool interface that is bi-directional and hydraulically sealed.

The tool positions can accommodate driven tooling and its electric rotation system guarantees extremely short indexing times to minimise tool to tool times.

The compact synchronous motorised spindle has an automatic loading and unloading function that guarantees exact positioning by means of the C-axis.

This works in harmony with a direct digital axis drive that has an X-axis rapid traverse of up to 60m/min and a Z-axis rapid traverse of 30m/min with an acceleration of 4-6m/s2 to further enhance productivity and maximise spindle utilisation.

With user friendliness and simplicity being key design elements of the BlueTurn range, the 'chuck change over assist' feature ensures the chuck can be taken out of the working area with minimum effort.

To assist changeovers the spindle is traversed to a spring loaded plate that makes crane access possible and problem-free.

To further enhance the user friendly experience, the optimised control and drive package is available with either the GE Fanuc 21i-TB or the Siemens Sinumerik 840D control system.

These innovative packages provide the user with shopfloor programming as standard for added flexibility.

All this is built on a machine bed that has extremely high rigidity guaranteed by an extensively ribbed, undivided casting design with high damping quality.

The bed has optimum support on vibration-damped levelling elements and a tub construction designed to avoid leaks.

This ensures a high level of rigidity that will deliver excellent surface finishes and minimised vibration when undertaking heavy cutting operations.

With productivity a main focal point, a chip conveyor is an optional extra.

The BlueTurn chip conveyor provides good accessibility to the level indicator plus a pump and cartridge filter that are simple to maintain.

The BlueTurn 250 on show at MACH is equipped with the Siemens Sinumerik 840D CNC control with Shopturn shop floor programming as standard.

Through the use of the optional parts conveyor and swarf conveyor it will demonstrate unmanned running and minimal operator intervention.

Also available from Cincinnati is the similarly designed but larger BlueTurn 450.

The CNC-controlled closed loop conveyor BlueTurn 450 also has three frame sizes like the BlueTurn 250.

The BlueTurn 450 can accommodate components from 130mm to 450mm diameter with its three frame sizes of 130-250mm, 250-350mm and 350-450mm.

With a 30kg maximum single component weight, the BlueTurn 450 is designed for larger components.