Adding a Y-axis onto a range of vertical turning lathes has given them machining centre-type production capabilities for a wide range of prismatic components up to 50 tonnes.

The addition of a Y-axis for the new Toshulin Powerturn Y range of vertical turning lathes (VTLs) available exclusively in the UK from Ward CNC has transformed the Czech-manufactured high-precision vertical boring and turning workhorses. They now have machining centre-type production capabilities for a wide range of prismatic components weighing up to an incredible 50,000kg. Of similar highly-rigid build characteristics that have enabled Toshulin to supply Powerturns to users in 58 countries worldwide, the new Powerturn Y is available in six size variants with table diameters from 1250 mm to 4000mm.

The machine's Y-axis capability is courtesy of a high-accuracy sliding table system based on linear rolling profile guideways driven by servo drive and ballscrew.

The Y-axis provides a travel of +/-900mm on the smallest machine in the range up to 2700mm on the largest machine, to complement the machines' capability for processing workpieces from 1400 mm to 5000 mm diameter (for facing and peripheral turning) and within the Z axis stroke of 1280mm (optionally 1500mm).

Ram cross section across the range is 240mm by 240mm, and all machines feature a third CNC axis (C-axis) and a live spindle drive.

The machines can be equipped with various types of toolholders, from conventional 40 by 40-tool ATCs through to automatic tool exchange for Sandvik or Kennametal turning systems, as well as a rotary B-axis and milling head for drilling and milling, and horizontal milling with the turning tool drive, respectively.

In addition, a numerous number of standard/optional features further improve the flexibility of the Powerturn Y, including three-, four- and six-jaw hydraulic/mechanical chuck, a rotary grinding wheel dressing (for straight or profile grinding), high-/low-pressure tool coolant, in-process workpiece and tool checking, tool monitoring and identification systems, as well as workpiece exchange system.