Starrag underscores its commitment to international expansion and customer proximity with the first order of the new vertical lathe Dörries VT 28 at IMTEX in Bangalore – one of Asia's leading machine tool trade fairs. The order came from Thaai Casting Limited based in Chennai and marks an important milestone for Starrag's activities in India.
This order is a clear confirmation of our development efforts. The first Dörries VT 28 goes to a customer whose core focus perfectly aligns with the machine's capabilities – and in a price-sensitive market – this underscores the market-oriented features of the machine,” said Christopher Topp, Product Sales Manager in Starrag's Large Parts Machining Systems (LPMS) division.
Tailored to local requirements
The Dörries VT 28 ordered by Thaai Casting was specifically configured for the production of planet carriers. The machine allows complete machining in just two setups. This not only reduces lead times but also significantly increases precision – for example, when turning the outer contour and reaming the planet holes.
Precision technology for demanding applications
The machine's high precision is also due to the wear-free, hydrostatic guides, which are characterized by high damping properties and excellent temperature stability. The directly driven rotary table enables constant torque and peak performance of 98 kW, dynamic positioning, and economical high-performance turning. Components with a diameter of up to 2,800 mm, a height of 2,650 mm, and weighing up to 17 tons can thus be machined with the highest precision.
Digital strength for complex components
Image: Starrag
Technically, the Dörries VT 28 is state-of-the-art: It was developed from the outset for use with the latest generation of the Sinumerik One control system. The seamless integration not only allows for maximum planning security but also enables highly dynamic interpolation machining. Especially with complex workpieces like planet carriers, the control system, in combination with the precise machine, ensures exact, reproducible quality with the shortest processing times.
Ready for the future: Automation & Efficiency
The Dörries VT 28 is already equipped as standard with a robot-controlled tool magazine for 108 tools and different milling heads. For further automation, the machine can be equipped with a pallet changer. This makes the machine future-proof for industries like wind energy, where flexibility and scalability are crucial.
Future-oriented machine architecture
A special feature of the new series is the use of Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) in the table substructure. This material replaces the classic cast substructure and impresses with superior damping properties and thermal stability. Alongside the other structural elements made of steel, the forged RAM remains the centerpiece of the machine.
The design allows for a compact floor installation, where the foundation base is above ground and the column foot serves as an integral part of the foundation. This reduces foundation costs and increases stiffness. Gearboxes in the table and milling drive have been replaced by direct drives – with positive effects on dynamics, energy efficiency, and maintenance effort.
The Dörries VT 28 already meets all the requirements of our customers in its standard version – without additional modifications. It is inherently prepared for demanding geometries and high cutting performance, offering an excellent price-performance ratio – especially for high-growth markets like India,” emphasizes Christopher Topp.
Customer Highlight: Thaai Casting Limited
Thaai Casting Limited, based in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, has earned an excellent reputation in die casting and precision machining of ferrous and non-ferrous materials, including gas nitriding and induction hardening. Founded in 2011, the company now employs 370 people and supplies leading automotive and non-automotive manufacturers such as Hyundai, Kia, Maruti Suzuki, and many more.
The company is certified according to IATF 16949:2016 as well as TPG PRI, ISO 45001, and ISO 16001, thus underscoring its strong commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability. As part of its strategic diversification, Thaai Casting is now expanding into the wind energy sector and supplying one of the world's largest gearbox manufacturers with precision gearbox components. To support this next growth phase, a new, state-of-the-art, climate-controlled production facility is currently being built.
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