Taking a ‘turn for the better’ with a Starrag Dörries VT 28

The Starrag Dörries product range is recognised as a leader in the heavy-duty machine tool sector and the latest innovation, the new Dörries VT 28 vertical turning lathe in no exception. Developed for ‘one hit’ machining of large components in the aerospace, power generation and offshore sectors, the Dörries VT 28 is the epitome of performance, accuracy and long-term stability, combining the proven technology from the Dörries Contumat VCE series, with a raft of innovative solutions and technologies to enhance machining performance and productivity.

Capable of efficiently machining heavy components up to 17 tonnes with a maximum diameter of 2.8m and a height of 2.65m, the Dörries VT 28 has been developed as a multi-functional, high-precision, and flexible vertical turning centre for everything from rough to finish machining in a single operation. To achieve this, the compact single-column vertical turning lathe is suitable for turning, drilling, boring, milling and grinding.

Constructed with a single-column design that optimises static and dynamic rigidity while guaranteeing compact on-floor installation, the Dörries VT 28’s column base is cast above ground to minimise foundation costs — the column base forms part of the machine foundations, while minimising installation costs and machine footprint.

Class-leading torque
From a dimensional perspective, the Dörries VT 28 offers a 2.8m swing diameter and a 2.5m table diameter that permits the machining of exceptionally large components. As expected with a Starrag Dörries machine, the VT 28 offers class-leading torque of 11kNm with 98kW on the main S1 drive and a speed range of 250U/min. This enables end users to wield vast depths of cut at high machining parameters while ensuring maximum stability, rigidity, performance and surface finishes.

The Dörries VT 28 also features wear-free hydrostatic guides in all linear axes that maximise the vibration-damping performance and reacts with minimum fluctuation to temperature deviations and changes in viscosity, providing the end user with unsurpassed precision and repeatability.

From a flexibility standpoint, the Dörries VT 28 has a ‘master head’ concept that enables the de-coupling of the milling drive and tool interface to provide additional protection against collisions. Its flexibility also allows end users to integrate gear-driven spindles, motorised spindles, and fork-type heads and undertake grinding operations. Meanwhile, from an operational perspective, the Dörries VT 28 has been designed with a central layout that offers easy access for the users and service personnel.

This design supports automation with flexible robotic tool handling that is available to expand the machine’s potential. Furthermore, tool life and performance are maximised by the Dörries VT 28 with its 350bar high-pressure coolant system that easily breaks chips and evacuates them from the work envelope.