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support the guide bushing provides isn't necessary since the workpiece is rigid enough to support itself without deflection. Non-guide bushing setups eliminate the need for purchasing a more expensive ground barstock, and it also results in shorter remnants. e ability to use a Swiss lathe in chucker mode is known as "convertibility," which takes no more than 15 minutes, allowing for rapid change-overs as needed. Most Tsugami Swiss lathes feature this capability. It allows for the machining of non-barstock such as headed blanks, cut-to- length blanks and pre-cut tubes. e introduction of a B-axis milling spindle is another improvement. is addition allows for cutting angle holes and improved contouring of features that might otherwise have to be machined separately, requiring moving the part to another machine. is ability enables machine shops to bid on parts with features that they couldn't have machined before, especially since the B-axis spindle can be mounted with dozens of different tools, Mr. Noake says. e additional axis allows the Swiss lathe to have five-axis CNC machining center capability. As any shop owner knows, one of the keys to successful production is to eliminate as many extra moves as possible, especially when it comes to secondary and even tertiary operations. e ability to machine a part complete in one setup is crucial to remaining competitive in today's manufacturing environment, which Tsugami/ Rem Sales has addressed with the addition of laser cutting to its Swiss-type lathes. Although the process is ideal for making medical components, more uses are being identified as operators become more familiar and comfortable with the concept of laser Swiss machining, according to Dale White, laser product manager at Innovative Machinery Group (IMG), a division of the Morris Group along with Tsugami distributor Rem Sales. IMG primarily handles systems integration. Applications are increasingly being found in markets including aerospace and automotive, where tight tolerances and the machining of intricate features are required. Six models in the LaserSwiss line are available with 250W and 400W fiber laser cutting systems by SPI Lasers UK. One of the Swiss line models carries up to 36 tools plus the laser, while a second model has seven axes and includes a B-axis tool block containing the laser. Seeking New Technologies As Swiss-type technology has evolved, with new features and capabilities constantly being employed in the machine tool's design, relationships with vendors have become increasingly important. Just as Tsugami/Rem Sales has chosen SPI as its laser supplier, it has also :: A robot loads a Tsugami B0325 CNC lathe. This is only one example of the variety of automation systems that are available for customized Swiss-type machining cells. formed longstanding relationships with other partners. When it comes to bar feeders, its vendor of choice is Edge Technologies—a Hydromat company—because of the breadth and flexibility of its product line. Edge offers short bar loaders that can handle 4-inch bars as long as 60 inches in length to 6- and 12-foot magazine loaders that can feed up to 2 inches in diameter. In the same way, the machine tool company relies on FANUC for both its automation and controls, and it works closely with a precision bearing manufacturer on the high- speed spindles it offers on its machines. As an example of the benefits associated with these longtime partnerships, the spindles mounted in the lathes have proprietary technologies and features developed at the company's request. A relationship with Caron Engineering has led to the development of machine monitoring systems for data- driven manufacturing. In short, data-driven manufac- turing is the collection via sensors and application of data describing the machine's operating conditions. Tsugami is making use of Caron's Tool Monitoring Adaptive Control (TMAC) system, which is only one package among the company's software suite. e tool monitoring aspect of the system monitors for excessive tool wear or even breakage, alarming out the machine and notifying the operator. is is especially helpful when conducting lights- out machining. e adaptive control function optimizes material removal and automatically adjusts feed rates in order to reduce cycle times by keeping the spindle motor power constant. Additional sensors enable the system to monitor coolant flow and pressure, machine vibration, CNC SWISS-T YPE 34 PRODUCTION MACHINING :: DECEMBER 2016