Scanning for ideas: Lathe handles large through-bore turning
The Tl-4 from Haas Automation Inc., Oxnard, Calif. (haascnc.com), is a twinchuck lathe with a top spindle speed of 500 rpm.
Maximum part swings are 35 in.
over the front apron and 16 in. over the
cross slide. Distance between centers
is 91 in., allowing a maximum cutting
length of 80 in. And X travel is 18 in. This
large work envelope lets it handle heavy
pipes and fittings, large couplers, and
long rollers, according to the company. A
55-hp drive powers the spindle through
two gearboxes for 4,000 lb-ft of torque in
low gear. Front and rear spindles accept a
variety of chucks up to 25 in. in diameter.
Other features include a 15-in. color LCD
monitor with a USB port and programming
that lets machinists handle full CNC
without knowing G-code. Options include
25-in. three or four-jawed manual chucks,
a belt-type chip conveyor, tool posts and
toolholders, and rigid tapping.