Compact Multi-Turret Turning Centers "NT-Flex" And "NT-Flex+" Redefining the Limits of Flexibility

Related Vendors

Walter Meier (Fertigungslösungen) AG

FAULHABER Drive Systems

Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

The Japanese machine tool manufacturer Nakamura-Tome is setting new standards in the field of compact and highly flexible turn-mill centers with its "NT-Flex" series. The "NT-Flex" and its performance-enhanced variant "NT-Flex+" are precisely tailored to the needs of the demanding Swiss manufacturing market—from the high-precision watchmaking industry to strict medical technology and agile contract manufacturers in general mechanical engineering.

Under the premise of "maximum performance in the smallest space", a machine concept was created that is second to none. With a remarkably small footprint of just 138 × 54 in, the "NT-Flex" easily fits into even the busiest production halls. But its compactness belies its enormous performance.

Designed for the demanding machining of bar material up to ø 1.25 in (optionally expandable to ø 1.5 in), it is suitable for the series production of complex components made of difficult-to-machine materials such as stainless steel or titanium. At the same time, it offers the necessary agility for flexible production of small to medium batch sizes, making it a strategic production tool for every modern manufacturing company.

Symbiosis of Compactness And Flexibility

The heart of the "NT-Flex" is its sophisticated kinematics. Two powerful, opposing spindles (left/right) and two robust tool turrets—one upper and one lower—form the basis for maximum productivity. Each turret has 24 driven tool stations, which enables simultaneous machining on the main and counter spindles and thus drastically reduces cycle times. The main spindles are each driven by a 10 / 7.5 hp built-in motor, which achieves speeds of up to 8000 min^-1 and thus ensures dynamic turning operations. The driven tools in the turrets are also designed to be powerful with a standard output of 9.5 / 3 hp (at 8000 min^-1). For particularly demanding milling operations, an optional version with 10,000 min^-1 is available, which ensures highly efficient and precise machining. The machine structure is designed for maximum rigidity and thermal stability, which guarantees consistently high production quality even in 24/7 operation. Features such as standard grease lubrication for all linear axes and an inverter-controlled hydraulic unit underline the focus on low-maintenance and energy-efficient operation.

Christian Meyer, Sales Manager for French-speaking Switzerland, knows the specific requirements of his customers inside out: "Precision and process reliability in the tightest of spaces are crucial, especially in the watchmaking and microtechnology industry in the Jura Arc. The 'NT-Flex' enables our customers to completely machine highly complex parts made of titanium or stainless steel in a single clamping operation. The stability of the machine and the ability to work with up to 96 tools minimize set-up times and guarantee the required perfection for intricate components."

Intuitive Operation With "NT SmartXs" And "Protona"

A decisive competitive advantage of the "NT-Flex" series is the state-of-the-art "NT SmartXs" control system, based on the tried-and-tested "Fanuc 0i-TF Plus". The real highlight, however, is the integration of the new dialog-guided programming software "Protona". This innovative software revolutionizes the way NC programs are created. "Protona" enables even operators without in-depth knowledge of G-code to generate complex machining programs quickly, reliably and error-free via an intuitive graphical interface. The software guides the user step-by-step through the entire process, from the blank definition to the finished component. Tool paths are visualized in real time and machining strategies are automatically optimized. According to the manufacturer, programming time can be reduced by over 40 percent compared to manual input. This not only reduces production costs, but also makes it easier to train new skilled workers and increases flexibility in production planning. Additional intelligent functions such as oscillating cutting for long-chipping materials or automatic tool measurement (AGS) are seamlessly integrated into the control system and maximize process reliability, especially in unmanned production.

Maximum Productivity Thanks to Extended Kinematics

Nakamura-Tome has developed the "NT-Flex+" for manufacturing companies that focus on maximum productivity and the shortest possible cycle times. Although it retains the same space-saving footprint as the standard "NT-Flex", its machine kinematics have been enhanced in key areas to further increase its performance potential:

• Double Y-axis for simultaneous milling: On the "NT-Flex+", both the upper and lower turrets have a fully-fledged Y-axis with a travel range of ±1 in. This configuration enables highly productive "pinch milling", in which two tools mill simultaneously and in a coordinated manner on the workpiece. This not only doubles the metal removal rate, but can also improve the surface quality and increase tool life thanks to the balanced cutting forces.
• X-axis on the counter spindle (X3-axis): A decisive upgrade of the "NT-Flex+" is the additional X-axis (X3) for the counter spindle with a travel distance of 4.3 in. This third X-axis creates significantly more free space in the working area and reduces the risk of interference, especially when machining simultaneously with both turrets. It enables a highly precise and stable transfer of the workpiece from the main spindle to the counter spindle through exact alignment. It also opens up the possibility of superimposed machining in which three tools are engaged simultaneously—for example, two turning tools on the main spindle and one milling tool on the counter spindle.
• Integrated and extendable NC tailstock: For stable machining of long, slim shaft parts, the "NT-Flex+" can be equipped with an optional NC tailstock integrated into the counter spindle. This is extended as required to support the workpiece securely. The big advantage: The lower turret remains free and can continue to be used for machining tasks while the tailstock is in use—a clear productivity gain compared to conventional solutions.
• These intelligent enhancements lead to significant reductions in cycle times. When machining a shaft made of S45C, for example, the time was reduced from 4 minutes and 41 seconds to an impressive 3 minutes and 30 seconds—a reduction of almost 25 percent.
• Mathias Zavratnik, Sales Manager for German-speaking Switzerland, explains: "Every second counts for our customers. The 'NT-Flex+' is a real game changer. Thanks to the additional X-axis on the counter spindle and the double Y-axis, we can run machining strategies that were previously unthinkable on such a compact machine. This means shorter delivery times and a higher margin per part. This machine is pure efficiency and gives our customers the decisive competitive advantage they need to succeed in a price-sensitive market."

Tailor-Made Solution for Switzerland

With the "NT-Flex" and the "NT-Flex+", Nakamura-Tome has created two machines that are tailored to the needs of the Swiss manufacturing industry like no other: high-precision, extremely fast, unsurpassed flexibility and extremely compact. They are not just machine tools, but integrated production solutions that raise efficiency, user-friendliness and process reliability to a new level. As a long-standing and experienced integration partner, Walter Meier (Fertigungslösungen) AG has the comprehensive know-how and engineering capacities to adapt these machines optimally to specific customer requirements and to implement turnkey automation solutions—from bar feeders to robot cells.

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