This document discusses multi-axis turning machine configurations and capabilities. It describes 3-axis, 4-axis, and 6-axis machines that allow for additional rotary axes. The benefits of programmable tailstocks and C-axes are outlined. Different machine types like the TMM and MY/MYS are compared. Programming for axial versus radial tool orientations is covered. Tooling considerations like tool holder styles, clearance, and balancing are addressed.

1. Multi-Axis Turning
Getting back to basics…

2. Machine Configurations
TMM 3-axis (X, Z, C) TMXMY 4-axis or TMXMYS 6-axis
(X, Y, Z, C) or (X, Y, Z, W, C, C3)

3. TMX 2-axis ( X, Z, W )
Programmable Tailstock Z-Axis
X-Axis
Programmable
Tailstock

4. Programmable C-Axis
TMM & MY/MYS
 Fully programmable
C-Axis
rotary axis for
contouring
operations
 Can be clamped in
place for more
rigidity when
necessary

5. MY / MYS Machine
Y-Axis Configuration
2-Axis Wedge Design
• X-Axis
• Used to compensate for clearance
of the moving Y-axis
• Y-Axis
• Programmed as perpendicular
plane to the X-axis.
C3-Axis
(sub-spindle)

6. Visualize Movement
Click for Video
Y-Axis Perpendicular to X-axis

7. C-Axis Milling Y-Axis Milling
(always points to center) (allowed to move laterally)

8. C-Axis Drilling Y-Axis Drilling
(always points to center) (allowed to move laterally)

9. Let’s Talk Parts
Examples…

10. TMM Parts
 All features on centerline
 C-axis & X-axis correlation for axial
milling of flats
Click for Video

11. TMM Parts
 C-axis & X-axis correlation for
axial milling off center circles
Click for Video

12. MY/MYS Parts
 Features can be off-centerline of the
workpiece
 Flats can be milled using the Y-axis
Click for Video

13. Real-World Example
Show me the money…

14. 2 - Axis Lathe
Operation Setup Time Cycle Time Description
Face, Turn OD Profile, Groove
1 1 hr 5:35 OD, Thread, Drill, Bore ID,
Cutoff
Face OAL, Turn OD Profile, Bore
2 30 min 1:27
ID
Total 1.5 hours 7:02
3-Axis Mill
Operation Setup Time Cycle Time Description
1 30 min 1:03 Mill Hex
2 30 min 1:17 Mill Slot
Total 1 hour 2:20
Grand
2.5 Hours 9:22
Total

15. Multi-Axis Lathe
Operation Setup Time Cycle Time Description
Face, Turn OD Profile, Groove
1 30 min 6:57 OD, Thread, Drill, Bore ID, Mill
Slot, Cutoff
Face OAL, Turn OD Profile, Bore
2 30 min 1:38
ID, Mill Hex
Total 1 hour 8:35
Grand
1 Hour 8:35
Total
Total Time Savings
1.5 Hours :47
Saving Time …while the mill runs other work

16. Multiple Operations
Conserving Turret Stations

17. The Dilemma… Tools Needed
12 Stations Available - 14 tools 1. Rough Turn
needed! 2. Finish Turn
3. Groove
4. Thread
5. Radial Endmill
6. Spot Drill
7. Lg. Drill
8. Boring Bar
9. Cut-off Tool
10.Rough Turn (Sub Spindle)
11.Finish Turn (Sub Spindle)
12.Axial Endmill (Sub Spindle)
Oops…
13.Cross Hole?
14.Face Groove?

18. The Solution…
Multi-Tool Holders
Dual 1” shank Dual ER 32
turning main and Collets main and
sub sub
Quad turning
Dual turning (Y axis required)
(Y axis required)

19. The Solution…
Multi-Tool Holders
Dual Axial Live Dual Radial Live
Tool Tool
(Y axis required) (Y axis required)
Dual Boring Bar Blade Cutoff Holder
(Y axis required) Extra Clearance

20. More Creative Examples

21. Tool Holder Orientation
Axial vs. Radial

22. Axial Tool
Radial Tool
Radial Tool
Axial Tool

23. Radial Tool TMM Turret
Axial Tool
Tools Mount to Turret Face

24. TMXMY / MYS Turret
Axial Tool Radial Tool
Tools Mount to Outside Edge of Turret

25. Tool Holder Clearance
Be Careful

26. Radial Clearance
 Limited clearance for long tools –
especially on the TMM (pictured)
 Measure before indexing turret
 Use offset toolholders when
possible

27. Axial Clearance
 Limited clearance for long tools
 Clearance issues on both front and back
side of turret (main & sub-spindle)

28. Balancing the Weight

29. Turret Balance
 Space toolholders to evenly distribute weight – unbalanced weight
could cause premature turret damage and wear

30. Tool Holder Styles
VDI vs. BMT

31. VDI Turrets
 Must indicate holders due to allowable
play in mounting
 Some holders have adjustment dials
built-in to the holder

32. VDI Advantages
 Quick change-over
 More availability of flexible tool
holder options than BMT
 Versatility – can be used on
different turret styles (TMM or
MY/MYS)
 Typically has higher quality
bearings than BMT
 Can be adjusted for increased
accuracy

33. BMT Turrets
 No need to indicate
 Locating keys present on turret

34. BMT Advantages
 More rigid setup
 Keyed for quick alignment – but
also has no ability for fine
adjustment
 Can be DIY if needed – make
your own

35. Workholding Choices
3-Jaw vs. Collet

36. Advantages
3-Jaw Chuck  No part pull-back when closing
 Flexible – wide range of sizes
 Can clamp out-of-round or
irregular shaped parts
Disadvantages
 Must grease daily
 Not as accurate as collets
 Difficult to change stock sizes
 Serrations can damage part
surface

37. Collet Chuck Advantages
 Easy change-over
 Chuck diameter is smaller –
providing less interference
 Increased accuracy
 Low maintenance – no grease
Disadvantages
 More expensive
 Separate collet needed for each
clamping diameter – requires
storage of many collets
 Part can pull-back when closing

38. 3-Jaw Interference

39. Programming
The Hurco Advantage

40. Tool Setup
Axial Tool Radial Tool
Axial or Radial controlled by orientation

41. Tool Setup
Axial or Radial controlled by orientation

42. Programming
Select from menu

43. Programming
Axial Programming Radial Programming
(Part Face) (Part OD)

44. Programming
Axial Milling
Process Tab Geometry Tab

45. Programming
Axial Coordinates
Turning Tool
pictured for
reference only
Looking toward chuck

46. Programming
Axial Coordinates
X+ Turret
Chuck
Z- Z+
Chuck
X- Looking straight down

47. Programming
Radial Milling
Process Tab Geometry Tab

48. Programming
Radial Coordinates
Looking toward chuck

49. Programming
Radial Coordinates
Y+
Chuck
X’- X’+
Chuck
Y-
View from turret – looking down tool

50. Programming
Part Transfer