The common platform launched in 2018 for the manufacture of two universal turning machines — the B400 from Index and the TNA400 from its subsidiary Traub — has been expanded by the addition of the B500 and TNA500.

Featuring larger and more-powerful spindles, these machines are available in the UK, Ireland and the Middle East from Gosport-based sales and service agent Kingsbury (www.kingsburyuk.com).

The four machines have much in common, as the mineral cast bed, slideways and covers are identical.

One difference is the control, the Index B400 and B500 being fitted with a Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl, while the TNA400 and TNA500 are fitted with Traub’s Mitsubishi-based TX8i-s V8 control.

Another distinction is that the main spindle and the counter-spindle on the new 500 series lathes are A11/A8 (one size up from the A8/A6 spindle on the 400 series) and deliver 40% more power and torque.

To support long workpieces, TNA lathes offer the possibility of using a tailstock mounted on roller guideways; and as an option the machines are available with a counter spindle for the complete machining of parts on the reverse end after part-off and synchronous pick-up.

The counter-spindle versions of all the machines are equipped with an Index radial turret. There is a new option of selecting VDI40 holders instead of VDI30, enabling a slightly larger turning diameter and providing the live tools with higher torque.

The 12 tool stations are equipped with the patented ‘W-serration’, which ensures that the holders can be aligned quickly and accurately.

Alternatively, a turret with axially driven VDI40 tools can be specified on the TNA 400/500, which is advantageous when using large solid drills or boring bars, as the forces are transmitted directly into the turret.

Options are also available for the economic machining of larger batch sizes; these include a package for adding a bar feed that includes a hollow clamping cylinder, a remnant removal unit and a workpiece-handling system with conveyor.