Precision Machining Technology Review: February 2025

Every month, we’re putting together a Technology Showcase to highlight new product information that PM has received from supplier companies. For the latest new products across the broad spectrum of precision machining, check out Production Machining’s New Products online.

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Read PM’s Precision Machining Technology Review January 2025.

Marubeni Citizen-Cincom Lathe Enables Continuous Operation

Marubeni Citizen-Cincom Inc. showcases the BNA-42SY5 lathe, which was designed with automation in mind. There is mounting built into the machine casting for robot integration on top of the machine. The BNA-42SY5 also includes a 12-station turret with a Y-axis.

The advanced part tray stacker enables the robot to operate in a lights-out environment, efficiently managing up to four trays. The system automatically changes trays when one is full, enabling up to three additional trays to be swapped in without manual intervention. This setup enables continuous operation and reduces the need for operator supervision, the company says.

Murata Machinery Turning Machine Features Twin Spindles

Murata Machinery USA (Muratec) debuts the MT1065EX, an advanced twin-spindle CNC turning machine designed for high-speed bar-fed machining applications. The MT1065EX is said to combine precision, efficiency and versatility in a compact footprint.

This high-performance turning machine features two spindles and two live-tool turrets, with Y-axis functionality in the upper turret, enabling intricate operations such as pinch turning and simultaneous first- and second-operation machining. With robust motors powering its 6" or 8" chucks — an 18.5-kW motor on the left spindle and a 15-kW motor on the right — the MT1065EX is well suited for demanding applications.

Mazak Turning Machine Enables High-Volume Production of Small Parts

Mazak spotlights its Syncrex 38/9 Swiss-type turning machine for high-volume production of small, precise parts. The Syncrex 38/9 demonstrates cutting an automotive guide plug.

The Syncrex 38/9 is designed to handle high-speed production of parts from up to 1.5" (38-mm) diameter bar stock, with a nine-axis configuration that includes five spindle motors. Shops can run full bar capacity with no special bar-end preparation, and a removable guide bushing adapter enables operators to preset the guide bushing outside the machine. The machine’s one-piece, high-damping composite casting (HDCC) base, which is said to be 10% more rigid than cast iron, lowers thermal distortion and provides vibration damping for 30% longer tool life, according to Mazak.

Star CNC Swiss-Type Lathe Features Twin-Thread Whirling Unit

Star CNC Machine Tool Corp. presents its SD-26 Type S Swiss-type automatic lathe designed to machine complex components up to 1" diameter (26 mm). SD-26 Type S employs a gate-shaped gang-style tool post including two B-axis stations, which are capable of programmable simultaneous five-axis control. The first station features a dedicated four-spindle milling unit, supported from both top and bottom ends, providing rigidity during swivel machining. The cartridge-type second station offers a range of tool units, including what the company says is the industry’s first twin-thread whirling unit.

In addition, the SD-26 Type S offers a guide bush/non-guide bush switching capability to flexibly support diverse machining needs. The guide bush unit prevents deflection of material, enabling high accuracy machining of long and narrow parts, such as motor shafts. The non-guide bush mode enables machining of short parts, such as nuts, right out of the main chuck, reducing the material remnant length.

Grob Universal Machining Center Provides Highly Flexible Machining

Grob Systems Inc.’s G550T five-axis mill-turn universal machining center provides high productivity, stability and maintainability, as well as power skiving capabilities. Its flexible applications join a specialized machine concept that includes a large swivel range in the axes and the horizontal spindle position with tunnel concept.

The horizontal spindle position permits the longest possible Z-travel path and optimum chip fall, according to Grob. The arrangement of the three linear axes minimizes the distance between the guides and the machining point, providing stability in part production. The tunnel concept enables the largest possible component — even with extremely long tools — to be swiveled and machined within the work area without collision.

Schütte Grinding Machine Minimizes Cycle Times

Schütte Corp. demonstrates its five-axis all-linear precision universal grinding machine and software designed for high-precision tool and cutter grinding. Structural rigidity, rapid wheel change — five, 12 or 24-wheel magazine — and a high-torque, high-speed grinding spindle — up to 24,000 rpm — minimize cycle times while producing high-quality tools and parts.

The Schutte 335Linear offers a large work area with X-axis of 8.9", Y-axis of 9.84" and Z-axis of 10.24". Resolution in Y-, and Z-axis is less than 0.000004". Maximum feed in the X and Z axes is 945 ipm. Accelerations up to 1 g, and speeds up to 48 m/min.