Multi-Spindle Machining
All engineering processes and methodologies are designed while keeping in view specific objectives such as minimum use of resources, maximum output, cost optimization, and time management. These factors help in deciding which process is best and most efficient.
Multi-Spindle machining is an example of one such process that conforms to the definition of process optimization and resource management. Technically, it is a screw machining process in which the material or workpiece is cut into small pieces simultaneously by using multiple tools. Multi-spindle machining is a cost-effective method for producing large quantities of small or medium-sized parts and components.
In machining, a spindle refers to the whole rotating unit of a lathe, which includes the shaft, bearings, and other integral pieces. Unlike single-spindle machining, the employment of many spindles in a machining system is referred to as multi-spindle machining.
Automatic screw machines are in the metal working lathe family. In the past automatic screw machines were used to literally make screws, hence the name. Today screws are more efficiently fabricated using a cold-heading process. Automatic screw machines have evolved to make custom designed precision component parts.
The Muti-Spindle Automatic lathe is ideal for precision parts with medium complexity from materials such as aluminum, brass, stainless steels, stress proof steel as well as alloy steels such as 8620 and 4140. Often, profile material most commonly in the shape of a hexagon are fed into the machine. This permits the final component to have wrench flats without the time and expense of milling each of the six surfaces found on a hexagon. Part complexity is facilitated by these machines having 6 or 8 stations which are also spindles hence Multi-Spindle Automatic machines. The relevance of this design exists to this day given that as many as 14 tools can machine the bars simultaneously. This over-lapping of machining processes often produces part cycle-times which are under 20 seconds per part.
