Cycle lathes from WEILER – the market leader

Cycle-controlled lathes offer economy and efficiency in single-part and small-batch production. They are as simple as a conventional precision lathe and at the same time as versatile as a CNC lathe.

Cycle lathes are used in a wide range of applications:

  • Toolmaking and mechanical engineering
  • Fixture and mould construction
  • Energy and environmental sector
  • Medical technology
  • Conveying industry
  • Maintenance and servicing
  • Training and further education

 

The advantages of cycle lathes:

  • Fast realisation from the drawing to the finished workpiece
  • Optimum ergonomics and accessibility for the operator
  • Shortest set-up times
  • Generously dimensioned workspaces with minimal space requirements
  • Toolmaking accuracy according to DIN 8605

Cycle lathes are all-rounders

In the production of individual parts and small batches of workpieces, lathes often have to be able to machine a wide range of components. However, many of them quickly reach their limits when it comes to long, large and complex components and complete machining.

This is where versatile cycle lathes come into their own. Numerous options such as additional C and Y axes, driven tools as well as drilling, milling, sawing and grinding equipment ensure great flexibility.

Cycle lathes can be configured for a wide range of applications and quickly retooled. They are the first choice as all-rounders for small series production and component repairs.

In addition to the usual models with a two-track bed, models with a four-track bed and cycle control are used for particularly long and slim workpieces. With these, the slide can travel over the fixed steady rests and tailstock so that the component can usually be machined in a single clamping operation.

WEILER is the market leader for cycle turning machines in German-speaking countries

You will find our cycle turning machines in the E series. This comprises a total of twelve versatile standard types with swing diameters over the bed of up to 2,000 mm and turning lengths of up to 15,000 mm.

Workpieces weighing up to 16,000 kg can be easily processed with the upper class models from 1,500 mm orbital diameter.

The cycle-controlled lathes provide a matching solution

  • Drive power up to 65 kW,
  • Torques of maximum 12,000 Nm
  • and spindle bores from 165 to 450 mm.

This allows you to turn workpieces with large diameters highly productively and with low unit costs. Our cycle turning machines are also suitable for the end machining of long components: The material can be fed through the main spindle from the rear.

Cycle lathes: precise, flexible, efficient

Cycle-controlled lathes are used for machining workpieces with complex shapes and surfaces. They work according to a programmed sequence that is repeated in a specific cycle. This cycle includes several processes such as grinding, drilling, tapping and milling, which are carried out in a specific sequence.

High precision

As each process in the cycle is precisely defined and controlled, cycle turning machines are very precise. This results in consistent quality of the machined parts.

Complex machining

Cycle-controlled lathes can also be used to machine workpieces with complex shapes and surfaces that are difficult or impossible to machine with conventional machine tools.

Efficiency

Another advantage of cycle turning machines is their efficiency. As the process cycle is carried out automatically, production time can be significantly reduced. This is particularly important when machining parts with longer processing times.

Equipped for any eventuality thanks to extensive additional equipment

Cycle lathes can be configured according to individual requirements and prepared for a wide range of applications with the help of an extensive range of accessories. In addition to fixed and travelling, self-centring, hydraulically actuated steady rests up to 1,500 mm in diameter, various face plates, numerous chucks and collets are available. NC-controlled, travelling tailstocks with automatic clamping facilitate high-precision machining of even difficult workpieces, for example the end-face machining of long parts without retooling.

Short set-up times and quick change of tool clamping systems

Different tool systems can be changed quickly using zero-point clamping systems. In addition to manual tools, head and disc turrets, disc turrets with driven tools as well as drilling, milling and grinding units can be mounted quickly and easily. Certain geometries and applications, such as eccentric drilling or milling, can also be easily realised with an optional C-axis. An additional drill stand, which supports the tool, ensures high precision during internal boring.

Driven tools

Another equipment option is the additional Y-axis. The NC-controlled unit can be installed in just a few minutes using a zero-point clamping system and drives drilling and milling tools at speeds of up to 3,000 rpm. This makes it possible to machine workpieces radially and axially in a single clamping operation. For example, spanner flats and keyways can be milled circularly without any problems and bolt circles can be drilled easily. Even thread milling is possible – thanks to the high precision and the interpolation of the three linear axes without a rotary C-axis.

Customised solutions for special requirements

WEILER develops customised solutions for special requirements. “Our aim is to supply the customer with a highly productive machine that is precisely tailored to their needs,” emphasises Franz Rechberger, Head of Design and Development.

Sensitive manual turning despite cycle control

As workpieces and machining processes in single-part and small-batch production are constantly changing, the operating components and ergonomics of the machine must be designed to be extremely flexible. Only then can the operator work comfortably at all times.

In our models, this includes, for example, swivelling, travelling control panels that are connected to the bed slide. If these are also equipped with handwheels, the cycle-controlled machine can be turned manually with the same sensitivity as a ‘conventional’ machine.

Easy to operate with the WEILER one1 control unit

The WEILER one1 user interface ensures that complex individual parts and small batches can be programmed quickly and easily – even without extensive software knowledge. The clearly structured, self-explanatory screen mask on the 22″ TFT touchscreen allows cycles to be programmed quickly and easily, even for complex workpieces. Operation of the dialogue-guided on-screen menu using swipe and tap technology is almost intuitive. It is based on the experience of more than 6,000 lathes of this type in operation.

With the help of numerous cycles, which are automatically executed individually or in series, particularly short production times are possible when turning small batches and workpiece variants. Comprehensive and powerful cycles for cutting and grooving, thread turning, rethreading and drilling through to cycles for driven tools are already pre-programmed. The user interface is intuitive and all specifications can be quickly and easily adapted to the respective workpieces.

Many functions make work easier:

  • Numerous cycles are pre-programmed.
  • DIN/ISO programmes can be imported from CAD/CAM systems.
  • Drawing data in “dxf” format for generating cut-off contours can be imported.
  • Extensions such as C and Y axes as well as all milling and grinding operations are supported by one1.
  • The tool management is generously dimensioned: Up to 300 tools can be stored together with the respective geometry and technology values.

Resource efficiency

In addition to user-friendly handling, resource efficiency also plays an important role. At WEILER, the term “e-TIM” refers to software for an electronic energy-saving system. This includes functions such as timer-controlled emergency stop operation, intelligent drive management with energy recovery and machine status energy management of the auxiliary units. Together, they ensure that the power consumption of cycle machines in standby mode is reduced by up to 85 per cent.

Made in Germany: Precise and reliable for decades

A wide variety of models, high flexibility of use, great user-friendliness and numerous customisation options are important for many users. However, our customers particularly praise the decades of precision and reliability.

That’s no wonder,

  • because we attach particular importance to a solid machine bed, a stable carriage structure and robustly dimensioned, precision-ground guideways.
  • All spindles and drive components are also designed to be highly dynamic and precisely mounted.
  • As a result, we ensure high contour accuracy, the best workpiece surfaces and can guarantee the long-term precision and smooth running of our machines across the entire speed range – for many years to come.