Modular Systems for Custom Profile Machining

Large-volume workpieces or long sections that are processed by machining from multiple sides often fit poorly, or not at all, in standard machines. If high output is also required, the construction of a special machine makes economic sense. For such workpiece scenarios, the usual fixtures are no longer sufficient and extraordinary systems are necessary. To safely and accurately fix a long profile or bulky workpiece over its entire length without deforming, every application is a challenge for the designer. To address this challenge, a modular system from Suhner Industrial Products, LLC (Rome, GA) can create a special machine for various applications of profile machining. For example, the illustrated machine in Figure 1 was built by Suhner to produce precision rail guides. Its machining operations are done simultaneously from two sides.

The rapid transfer of the parts being machined was as important as their precise and rapid loading, unloading and fixturing. The geometry of the fixture device allows simultaneous drilling in steps on the holes in tool steel. The high pressure internal cooling of the carbide tools allows an excellent drilling performance. This installation consists of two spindles that perform 140 drilling operations in less than three minutes, including loading and unloading. The positioning of the spindle and the actual drilling operation takes place in about two seconds. Adapted individually to the workpieces, the automatic loading and unloading system allows predictable autonomy, stacking and checking the position and feeding of bulky workpieces. Assembly profiles, profiles for windows and doors, plus steel profiles of any kind are often cut for further cost optimization from bar stock. In such projects, additional considerations for the optimal utilization of the raw material and the handling of the remaining piece in the machine cycle are necessary.

Suhner Industrial Products, LLC, 43 Anderson Road, PO Box 1234, Rome, GA 30162-1234, 706-235-8046, Fax: 706-235-8045, i[email protected], www.suhner.com/en.