Turning-milling machines have been part of INDEX's core competence for decades. They became shooting stars especially since 2018, when INDEX launched the first completely newly designed turning-milling centers of the G series. The range currently extends from machine types G200.3 / G220 with a spindle passage of 76 mm and a chuck diameter of 260 mm to G500 / G520 (120 mm spindle passage, 500 mm chuck diameter). 'These machines are based on a machine concept in which all components, such as guides, covers, tool changers, turret positions, etc., have been rethought and redesigned in recent years,' explains Ralf Stark, INDEX project manager for new developments in turning-milling machines.
INDEX distinguishes each G machine size into an 'X20' and an 'X00' variant. While in the former the upper tool holder is designed as a powerful motor milling spindle, in the latter there is a tool turret. In the INDEX G200.3, this was previously limited to travel paths in the linear axes X, Y, and Z. To also enable inclined drilling and milling operations, INDEX has now equipped its G200.3 with a swiveling upper tool turret. This means it now has a double-supported Y/B-axis of the latest generation, which is mounted on the Z-axis slide located above the turning axis.
Ralf Stark explains: 'This addresses all customers who need to perform a moderate number of inclined drilling or milling operations in addition to turning for the complete machining of medium-sized components. For these users, a milling spindle is often oversized. Moreover, their tool change times are much longer than the turret's switching time. In these cases, the new INDEX G200.3 impresses with shortened cycle times.'
Ralf Stark points out another strength of the new INDEX G200.3 with Y/B-axis: 'While we also offer an upper turret with Y/B-axis on the G200.2, it is optionally combined with an additional milling spindle. Since we have now dispensed with this, we were able to integrate the motor for the turret switching and the tool drive into the turret housing.' In the G200.2, the motor was placed outside, requiring a long shaft and two redirections of the power flow. The current, much shorter drive train makes the switching process more direct and precise, and the tool drive also benefits from more accurate control.
Information about the G200.3 from INDEX:
- Consistent workspace concept for turning lengths up to 1200 mm
- Small footprint
- Identical main and counter spindle with spindle passage of 76 mm
- Chuck max. Ø 260 mm
- Powerful upper tool turret with integrated motor
- Y/B-axis for inclined machining
- Two lower tool holders with 12 stations VDI30 or 15 stations VDI25 each
- High dynamics
- High thermal and mechanical stability
- Various automation options
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