SMEC SL 2500SY: How Combined Turning and Milling Reduces the Production Cycle
SMEC SL 2500SY: How Combined Turning and Milling Reduces the Production Cycle
Modern manufacturing requires high precision, flexibility, and shorter production times. One of the solutions is CNC turning centers equipped with driven tools and additional axes, allowing multiple machining operations to be performed on a single machine.
One such solution is the SMEC SL 2500SY CNC Turning Center — a CNC turning center with a Y-axis, driven tools, and a sub-spindle that enables machining a part in a single setup.
This significantly reduces production cycle time and increases manufacturing efficiency.
Combined machining: turning and milling in one machine
In traditional manufacturing, several machines are often required:
a turning machine
a milling machine
a drilling center
As a result, the workpiece must be re-clamped multiple times, increasing machining time and the risk of errors.
Turn-mill centers solve this problem.
With this type of equipment, it is possible to perform:
turning
drilling
milling
threading
machining of the back side of the part
The machine uses a turret with driven tools, allowing various operations to be performed without additional setups.
Advantages of the Y-axis and driven tools
One of the key advantages is the Y-axis, which significantly expands machining capabilities.
1. Off-center milling
The Y-axis allows machining features that are not located on the central axis of the part:
grooves
pockets
flat surfaces
offset holes
This is especially important for complex mechanical components.
2. Driven tools
The machine is equipped with rotating driven tools that allow:
drilling
milling
thread cutting
The tool rotation speed can reach approximately 5000 rpm, ensuring efficient and precise machining.
3. Reduced machining time
The combination of the Y-axis and driven tools helps to:
reduce the number of operations
shorten setup time
minimize positioning errors.
Machining a part in a single setup
One of the main advantages of modern CNC turning centers is single-setup machining.
The machine is equipped with a sub-spindle, which allows the workpiece to be automatically transferred for machining the second side.
The process typically works as follows:
turning of the first side
drilling and milling
transferring the part to the sub-spindle
machining the second side
As a result:
no re-clamping of the workpiece is required
machining accuracy increases
production time decreases.
Examples of parts that can be machined
Turn-mill centers of this class are widely used in various industries.
Flanges
Typical operations include:
turning the outer diameter
drilling bolt holes in a circular pattern
milling grooves
Housing components
These parts often require:
turning
drilling side holes
milling mounting surfaces
Shafts
For these parts, typical operations include:
turning
drilling end holes
milling keyways.
Technical capabilities of the machine
Some of the machine’s main specifications include:
maximum machining diameter — approximately 360 mm
Y-axis travel — 100 mm
up to 12 (24) tool positions in the turret
CNC control system Fanuc or Siemens
These parameters make the machine a versatile solution for both serial and small-batch production.
Learn more about the machine
If you are planning to modernize your production or are looking for a CNC turning center with combined machining capabilities, you can find more information here:
SMEC SL 2500SYSpecialists will help you choose the most suitable equipment configuration for your metalworking tasks.