June 23, 2016 – Fives’ high-precision Universal Landis Twin Turret grinding machine was showcased at IMTS 2016. The newly configured design provides a common platform for multiple machine configurations and processes. It features thermal stability, and offers a compact machine footprint. The Landis Twin Turret (LTT) series machines are designed for superabrasives, and suited to process challenging materials and geometries common in various industries and markets such as aerospace, automotive, fuel systems as well as optics and precision components. This model provides a common platform for multiple machine configurations and processes, including OD, ID and profile grinding, milling, polishing, hard and diamond turning, dicing, and in-situ metrology.
Supplied in two sizes, the LTT-100 and LTT-400 are multifunctional machines that handle workpieces as large as 100 mm and 400 mm in diameter, respectively. The Universal Twin Turret grinder enables sub-micron position control. Two rotary axes are rigidly mounted on a fixed center distance and provide relative motion between the component and cutting tool, with the linear axis used to control the depth of cut and profile shape of the component being machined. Its combination of rotary and linear axes produce relative motion between tool and workpiece over a swept working area. This machine concept is different, as it coordinates the two rotary axes and a short linear axis in a Twin Turret design to provide stiffer results, as well as thermal stability.
The twin turret design also enables a non-contacting labyrinth seal, making the machine base resistant to distortions. The LTT was designed to use the minimum number of bearing interfaces in the machining loop, to maximize machine loop stiffness. Two damped hydrostatic bearings are employed and the machine’s turrets are bolted together via a granite base plate to resist machining forces and improve precision and repeatability. The configuration of the LTT also provides a compact machine footprint. This frees up more room on the job shop floor for other workpieces, additional work-flow margin, and/or space for inventory.
