June 20, 2008 - The addition of an optional FANUC robot makes SNK America's Prodigy GT-27 gang tool lathe even more productive. Engineered for exclusive use with the Prodigy GT-27, the full 6-axis robot achieves five-second door open-to-door close times (part dependent). For fast and accurate small parts turning, the Prodigy GT-27 features a C-Axis spindle as standard, a super polymer composite mineral base and precision components. Being a gang tool lathe, the Prodigy GT-27 is turret-less, and therefore requires no tool changes for shorter cycle times. The Prodigy GT-27 lathe uses three axes of motion that can be commanded in absolute or incremental modes.
The Prodigy’s C-Axis spindle allows for indexing and positioning in .001 degree increments, as well as more advanced functions including interpolation and polar coordinate milling. Compared to traditional cast-iron or Meehanite casting, the super polymer composite mineral base of the Prodigy GT-27 provides significant vibration reduction and improved surface finish, while extending tool life by up to 40%. The polymer is resistant to oxidants and thermal distortion. The Prodigy GT-27, with its polymer base, weighs in at 3840 lbs.
This heavyweight construction provides unmatched rigidity and superior accuracy.The Prodigy GT-27’s cross slide design incorporates a high performance positioning system featuring high preload, angular contact linear bearings using gothic arch configuration, low friction and a precision ground ball screw in a super precision thrust bearing set.SNK’s Prodigy GT-27’s GE Fanuc 0i-Mate TC Control contributes to ease of operation, as well as faster and more responsive performance (with the inclusion of brushless digital servo drives).
Some features of the controller include a manual pulse generator, cutter path graphics, an LCD color display and a flash card.The FANUC Robot optional kit includes a LR Mate 200iC Robot with 6-axis brakes, a single-phase R30-iA Mate Controller and LR Handling Tool Software (compliant with new RIA R15.06 safety requirements). Also included in the kit are a double gripper assembly mounted to the robot, two storage racks (each with pockets for 36 parts), protective caging with access doors and more. Also available as an option, a parts conveyor transports finished parts from the machining area without interrupting production.
A basket, configured to accommodate the geometry of the finished product, keeps machined parts separated from chips and cutting fluids.The Prodigy GT-27’s X-Axis travel is 12” and Z-Axis travel is 6.5”. Feed rate is 300 ipm and the rapid traverse is 800 ipm.
The spindle drive of the Prodigy GT-27 is 7.4 hp, and spindle speeds reach up to 6,000 rpm. The Prodigy GT-27 can perform rigid tapping and can be bar-feed driven. Maximum chuck size is 4”, and maximum production bar work is up to 1 1/16” diameter. The Prodigy GT-27 is ideal for both first and secondary machining operations in a variety of applications, including medical/dental, automotive, aerospace, screw machine, jewelry, commercial, small lot specialty, plastics, ceramics and fasteners.
The incorporation of the robot makes the Prodigy GT-27 ideal for production shops, as well as job shops.