Europe’s automotive supply industry is facing increased competition from new players in the emerging markets, which means that component production needs to be faster while at the same time delivering greater precision — requirements that prompted the development of the VT 4-4 by Emag Holding GmbH, which has a UK subsidiary in Wolverhampton (www.emag.com).

Designed for machining components with a maximum length of 1,050mm and a maximum diameter of 200mm, the VT 4-4 undertakes machining with four axes at a maximum speed of 4,500rev/min.

There are two 12-station turrets that can be equipped with turning tools or driven tools; one station is reserved for the gripper (while one gripper inserts a new blank-part into the machine, the other gripper removes the finished component from it).

A recirculating conveyor accommodates up to 28 blank-parts and 28 finished components respectively, while transfer and turnover units — or robots — ensure that a number of VT machines can be linked up cost-effectively and with ease.

Furthermore, to ensure the production of high-quality components, the machine base is made of the polymer concrete Mineralit; this carries the main modules — work spindle, turrets and the tailstock — and ensures a vibration-resistant turning process that guarantees high-quality surfaces and highly accurate geometries.

Moreover, the vertical alignment of the workpiece provides an unhindered chip flow and prevents the accumulation of chips in the machining area.

Emag has also designed the machine to be as simple as possible for the operator, with all relevant components — from electrics to hydraulics and including the cooling system — very easy to access. Furthermore, the user interface is particularly intuitive and clearly laid out.