Available in the UK early this year, the DT 13 (13mm-diameter bar capacity) from Tornos UK Ltd, Coalville (www.tornos.com), is manufactured in the same factory as the company’s other entry-level machines, such as the CT20; and like most Tornos machines, the DT 13 is equipped with a main spindle and a counter-spindle offering the same power ratings — in this case 4.0/8.7kW and a maximum speed of 15,000rev/min, allowing the lathe to machine difficult materials as well as it does brass.

The DT 13 features a new motorised guide bush that synchronises with the main spindle throughout the entire speed range, improving machining accuracy and surface finish while also minimising cycle times by allowing the spindle to accelerate and decelerate rapidly.

Furthermore, the motorised guide bush can be easily removed in less than 15min, thereby allowing the machine to run shorter parts and the length of remnant bar to be minimised.The maximum feed rate is 35m/min.

The DT 13 is equipped with 21 tools, of which seven can be driven, allowing the machine to produce particularly complex parts. As standard, it has three driven tools in the main gang tool-post; these offer a maximum speed of 10,000rev/min.

If necessary, high-frequency spindle units can be mounted for micro machining applications. Moreover, the end-working tool-post of the DT 13 can be equipped with four front tool-holders for simultaneous main and back machining.

The machine is available with Tornos’s new SBF213 bar feeder. Control is via a Fanuc system, which is programmed using the Tornos Machine Interface.