"Shrinking components and new smaller components present a particularly complex task for the mechanical engineering companies that manufacture them," said an EMAG spokesperson. "The VL 2 vertical turning machine is designed to provide automated, high-precision production processes and low component costs in the manufacture of small chucked components." The VL 2 may be utilized for small gearwheels, planetary gears, sliding sleeves, pump components, synchronizer rings, chain gears or flange components with a maximum diameter of 100 mm and a length of up to 150 mm. The machine design focuses on providing a variety of manufacturing technologies for soft and hard machining plus a complete automation system. According to the spokesperson, "This comparatively small, space-saving manufacturing solution also includes a number of details and high-tech components that offer fast processing: • The pick-up spindle ensures that the machine loads itself. It picks up the raw parts from the integral conveyor belt (which accommodates up to 24 workpieces) and later returns the finish machined component to it. • The 12-station tool turret features short indexing times. For drilling and milling operations, it can also be equipped with driven tools in all 12 stations. • All service units are quickly and freely accessible. The distance between operator and turret, for instance, does not exceed 400 mm. • The machine base of polymer concrete MINERALIT ensures stability and has enhanced damping qualities, a direct source for exceptional surface finishes." "We wanted to design a machine that guaranteed the highest possible degree of productivity in the manufacture of small components. The machine's compact construction ensures that the chip-to-chip times are kept low," said Guido Hegener, Managing Director of EMAG Salach Maschinenfabrik GmbH. "Productivity levels on the VL 2 are approximately 15% higher than those of comparable automated horizontal turning machines." Work spindle and workpiece are both located above the tools. This is intended to provide better flow of chips and prevent the formation of clusters for consistent process integrity—an important factor, according to EMAG, where a link-up of multiple VL 2 machines in a work center or transfer line is envisioned. The automation equipment is positioned to suit user requirements. "The VL 2 is designed for flexibility," said Hegener. "The technology— from automation to interfaces and control system—can be chosen to suit onsite conditions." It is, for instance, possible to include an optional Y-axis or measuring probe. Where, on the basic machine, the work spindle is mounted on a compound slide that moves in X and Z, the VL 2 can also be equipped with an optional Y-axis inside the turret. According to the company, this allows more efficient machining of highly complex geometries. VL2 capacities include: • Workpiece diameter: 100 mm • Chuck diameter: 160 mm • Travel in X: 700 mm • Travel in Z 400 mm • Travel in Y (optional): ± 50 mm • Turret tool stations (turning tools / driven tools): Qty 12. For more information contact: Peter Loetzner EMAG LLC 38800 Grand River Avenue Farmington Hills, MI 48335 248-477-7440 info@usa.emag.com www.emag.com IN, OH Kirk Stewart EMAG LLC 248-996-4703 ND, SD, NE, KS, MN, IA, MO, WI, IL Bill Konetski EMAG LLC 612-804-0857 KY Ken Pope EMAG LLC 615-308-7170 WI Rob Nash EMAG LLC 38800 Grand River Avenue Farmington Hills, MI 48335 248-755-4290 www.emag.com