Multiple spindle automatic lathes

MULTIPLE SPINDLE AUTOMATIC LATHES

Multiple spindle automatic lathes are machines which can produce larger workpieces than single spindle automats. The principle advantage of the multi-spindle automat is that it has a tool slide working simultaneously on the jobs on all spindles and hence, the time for producing a piece is the time for the longest cut.

General description:

Figure 2.105 shows the arrangement of spindles, cross slides and tool stations of a 6- spindle automatic lathe. The headstock carries spindle carrier. The spindle carrier is indexed so that the workpiece on each spindle can be machined by a particular tool on the end tool slide. The turret only moves back and forth to provide the feed movement. The spindle carrier is indexed by a Geneva mechanism.

The main tool slide moves longitudinally on an extension of the spindle which provides accurate alignment with the spindle. The end tool slide is advanced and retracted by a drum cam. Each spindle position has a separate cross slide which is operated by independent cams. Cross slides are directly mounted on the headstock. One of the spindle positions is used for stock loading in the case of magazine feeding or feeding of bar stock.