Sliding head machines

Sliding head machines provide unrivaled performance for small, high-volume components, thanks to their efficient machining. However, due to the compact nature of the machine, space for setting up and tool changing is limited, which can lead to increased set-up time.

Sliding head machine configuration

Sliding head machines offer several axes, front-end and back-end machining, turning tools, rotary tools and drilling tools. Optimized for productive machining, these machines offer precision components of up to 40 mm (1.5 inch) in diameter in large batches.

The material slides through a guide bushing and is rotated by a second spindle that also pushes the material through the guide bushing. The material movement functions as the Z-axis in the machine and the tools stay close to the guide bushing for maximum stability.

Principle of the sliding head machine

Oil is used as a coolant and has different effects on the metal-cutting action compared to emulsion cutting fluid, such as different chip flow, varied chip breaking and tool life.

Read more about small-part machining

Gang plate – External machining

Sliding head machines are equipped with gang tools for standard shank tool holders in sizes from 0808 up to 2020. The parting-off tool holder is used as the bar stop.

Because the tools are stacked close together, access for insert changing is very limited. Often, the tool needs to be removed for insert changing, which reduces machine utilization. The gang plates can be adapted for the quick change solution, which provides easy removal of the tool for insert indexing and fast and accurate return, to start running immediately, without the need for setting/measuring.

Tool post – Internal machining

For internal machining, sliding head machines are equipped with one or several tool posts. It is possible to use quick change tools for easy set-up and reduced insert changing time.

Boring adapter with flats

EasyFix sleeves for cylindrical boring bars

Quick change with QS™

Due to the compact nature of sliding head machines, space for tool changing is limited. Often, shank tools need to be removed to index the insert, which increases the set-up time compared to a conventional turning center.

Quick change with QS™ maximizes active production time in sliding head machines, compared to conventional shanks. The tool can be removed from the machine for insert indexing, and with a fast and accurate return, you can start running immediately, without the need for setting/measuring.

Read more about the QS™ holding system

Modular solutions in sliding head machines

The compact working area in sliding head machines makes tool changing and setting a challenge and restricts the machine utilization rate. The driven tools are time-consuming to change, but by using exchangeable heads, the tool change and set-up time can be reduced dramatically.

Read more about modular solutions