Hurco engineered its TM8 slant-bed lathe to be both fast and flexible for small to medium part runs. It features a fast turret for short cycle times and a Max CNC control that accepts conversational and NC programming.
The TM8's 3-jaw, 8-in. chuck easily handles turning work at Rayco Machine and Lanese Tool.
Hurco, a well-known builder of machining centers, entered the lathe market last fall with the launch of its TM series of slant-bed lathes. The defining feature of these machines is Hurco's Max CNC control, which lets them accept both conversational and NC programming — a first in the industry, according to the company. End users can program at the machine, convert CAD part data with DXF file transfer software, or download programs generated offline. These capabilities ensure production flexibility and generally speed part programming.
The company's TM8 (with a three-jaw, 8-in. chuck) has been in production since October at Rayco Machine, Indianapolis. Rayco's Greg Cox verifies the power of the Max CNC: "The conversational programming allows you to program quickly and accurately on the shop floor. But you can also do G-code, offline CAM programming, and DXF imports from CAD."
Mark Lanese, owner of Lanese Tool Co., Centerville, Ohio, points to the control's ease of use as another benefit of conversational control. After installing the TM8 in his facility, he says the shop spent one day training on the machine and was running parts the next. In addition, he found the machine particularly suited to small and medium part runs, where programming flexibility is essential.
The control reportedly has the power to do all the 2-axis I.D. and O.D. work typically demanded of a production CNC lathe. The machine control uses pop-up menus and simple graphics to foolproof tool setup and simplify selection of turning processes.
The TM8 is one of three machines offered in the TM series. The others are the TM 6 and 10, with a 6 and 10-in. chucks, respectively. The slant-bed lathes feature 10 and 12-station turrets and deliver spindle speeds up to 6,000 rpm on the TM6, 4,800 on the TM8, and 3,000 on the TM10. Options include tailstocks, chip conveyors, tool presetters, part catchers, and barfeeders. Hurco can deliver these as part of a complete option package, or shops can upgrade their machines as the need arises.
Hurco Companies Inc.
Indianapolis
hurco.com
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