Minimization of processing and contamination times through the use of modern CNC lathes in nuclear technology
With the transportable, CNC-controlled lathes, the company EFCO Maschinenbau GmbH from Düren is expanding the range of possibilities for the machining of face and inside machining of rotationally symmetrical components on site.
By automating the machining cycles using the latest CNC technology, the machining times are substantially reduced and the operator is noticeably relieved. This also includes the fact that the machines of the NC series continue to have an uncompromisingly robust design. This enables us to achieve the necessary machine rigidity, enable greater cutting depths, additionally shorten the machining time and minimize any contamination times," explains Dip. Jakob Wüst, technical manager at EFCO.
The machines are operated via a mobile control unit. This allows operation from a safe distance, e.g. when the machine is used in areas with radioactive radiation. Standard programs for frequently required machining cycles such as facing, taper turning, radius turning, bore turning and axial grooving are already included in the machine control. This means that the machine is ready for use after only a short preparation and can be operated without any previous knowledge of CNC programming. In addition, it is also possible to expand the program package with your own CNC programs specially tailored to the application.
Before starting the standard programs, the zero point for machining must be set by the operator (e.g. by touching the hole and face with the turning tool). The required parameters for the selected machining cycle are also entered by the operator. The program is then started and runs automatically. The required number of cuts is executed and the program stops the machine when machining is complete. During this period, no operator intervention is required, so when using the machine in radioactive environments, the operator can observe the machining process from a safe distance.
Jakob Wüst explains: "The production and machining of contours that were very difficult or impossible to produce manually is achieved without losing sight of the factors of user-friendliness and time savings.
By automating the machining cycles using the latest CNC technology, the machining times are substantially reduced and the operator is noticeably relieved. This also includes the fact that the machines of the NC series continue to have an uncompromisingly robust design. This enables us to achieve the necessary machine rigidity, enable greater cutting depths, additionally shorten the machining time and minimize any contamination times," explains Dip. Jakob Wüst, technical manager at EFCO.
The machines are operated via a mobile control unit. This allows operation from a safe distance, e.g. when the machine is used in areas with radioactive radiation. Standard programs for frequently required machining cycles such as facing, taper turning, radius turning, bore turning and axial grooving are already included in the machine control. This means that the machine is ready for use after only a short preparation and can be operated without any previous knowledge of CNC programming. In addition, it is also possible to expand the program package with your own CNC programs specially tailored to the application.
Before starting the standard programs, the zero point for machining must be set by the operator (e.g. by touching the hole and face with the turning tool). The required parameters for the selected machining cycle are also entered by the operator. The program is then started and runs automatically. The required number of cuts is executed and the program stops the machine when machining is complete. During this period, no operator intervention is required, so when using the machine in radioactive environments, the operator can observe the machining process from a safe distance.
Jakob Wüst explains: "The production and machining of contours that were very difficult or impossible to produce manually is achieved without losing sight of the factors of user-friendliness and time savings.
