This is what maximum productivity per unit area looks like

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This is what maximum productivity per unit area looks like

Starrag is presenting the brand new, multi-talented Heckert T45 for the first time at AMB 2018. The characteristics: a highly compact, yet robust machine construction and a rotary swivelling unit with 400 mm pallet specifically developed for turning operations; and to go with it, a rigid HSK-T100 spindle for high cutting performance. This makes the Heckert T45 the ideal solution for productive complete machining in a wide range of applications.

Up to 30 % reduction in footprint and around 15 % increase in productivity – these were the significant benefi ts of the new compact 4- and 5-axis horizontal machining centres heralded by Starrag one year ago. Now, the Heckert T45 – the powerful, high-end model specifically designed for turning and milling – is celebrating its world premiere at AMB 2018.

Dr Marcus Otto, Managing Director of the Starrag plant in Chemnitz, is excited by the possibilities: “The Heckert T45 is multi-functional. It is, in a sense, our Swiss army knife. The day-to-day work spectrum of this machining centre ranges seamlessly from milling and turning to complex procedures such as gear milling. We have developed it for complete machining of a wide variety of demanding components in drive technology, hydraulics and general mechanical engineering.”

The low space requirements are almost unbeatable. The compact design of the temperature-stable and vibration-resistant mineral cast machine bed, with its central swarf conveyor and integrated cooling unit, means that space requirements are significantly lower than comparable machining centres on the market. The additional peripheral devices were intelligently integrated into the machine room to ensure first-class accessibility and servicing, despite the compact design.

Stability: the basis for precision and process reliability

The key component in the Heckert T45 is the rotary swivelling unit. Here, the developers have impressed by managing to transfer the A-axis system, proven on the larger Heckert centres, into these compact machines. “The double symmetrical mounting gives the rocker the perfect stability to process the workpiece dynamically and with high precision,” notes Alexander Ludewig. In addition, the rotary table masters even high-quality turning operations with ease, thanks to a maximum speed of 900 rpm. In order to enable high cutting performance at such speeds, Starrag supplies the Heckert T45 with a HSK-T100 tool holder as standard.

This is because its large planar support provides the necessary rigid tool connection. In addition, the rotary table is available with freely-programmable hydraulic clamping systems. This enables the user to optimise the technology by adjusting clamping pressures during processing.

Flexibility: customer-specific configuration

The tool magazine offers the usual variety of options. The Heckert T45 can be combined with a classic chain magazine with 45 or 60 places, or with a linear chain magazine with up to 240 places. The tool stations allow a maximum length of 450 mm and the tool diameter can be up to 220 mm. The patented linear chain magazine, developed in Chemnitz, provides tools for use by the machine as dynamically as a simple chain does. This means the cut-to-cut time is mere seconds, even with the 240-place version.

Downtimes during workpiece change have also been further reduced in the Heckert. The new dual-pallet rotary changer now only requires a little under ten seconds. However, the customer also has the option to order this machine without workpiece changer and utilise direct loading on the machine table, or use it in linked production lines. In this case, the Heckert T45 is also available as a line module.

Flexibility also means that the Heckert T45 is prepared for various workpiece automation concepts – from a flexible manufacturing system up to large-scale production with directed workpiece flow. For entry into the world of fl exible automation, the Chemnitz staff have even developed their own space-saving system which contains six pallets and a setup station – enough for a small, flexible manufacturing cell.