Special machine LX 021 from Starrag for complete turbine blade cutting in a single clamping; 5-axis machining centre for high precision, efficient simultaneous machining of titanium and nickel based alloys as gas or high pressure steam turbine blades.
Based on a proven machining center
A machine that celebrated its premiere at the „Airfoil Technology Days 2014“ is based on a proven and successful product. It is the LX 021, which is a special machine for complete blade machining and combines the expertise of Starrag and Bumotec.
Designed for complex geometries and difficult materials
It is rare for Günter Leitold, Product Manager for Automation at Rorschacherberg (Switzerland) based Starrag AG, to get so worked up about machines. But he made an exception for the new Starrag LX 021 , which he presented to blade production specialists at the „Airfoil Technology Days 2014“. „The new machine is designed for complete machining of blades up to 200 mm in a single clamping“, Leitold explains. Previously, there were hardly any machines for high precision complete machining on the market, because the blades required tended to have simple geometric shapes, which are normally made from forged or cast unmachined parts. However, there has been an upturn in demand for blades with more complex geometry made of very demanding, difficult to cut materials with extremely low ridigity and poor damping.
Machining turbine blades in flexible manufacturing system (FMS) also in a single clamping
These challenges are now being met head on by a 5-axis machining centre from Bumotec, which Starrag has adapted for the tough requirements of hard to work materials such as titanium and nickel based alloys. The LX 021 rounds off the LX series, specially developed for high precision, efficient simultaneous 5-axis machining of turbine blades. „Blade producers can now enjoy solid and high precision machine technology that Bumotec originally developed for the clock and jewellery industry“, Leitold confirms. The machine is generally suitable for all kinds of turbine blades up to a finished length of 200 mm – such as the blades for gas or high pressure steam turbines. From 2015, the machine will also offer the option of attaching an automatic bar loader. When asked to name the major benefits, the Product Manager cites the retaking unit with integrated revolver unit, which can hold up to three different active clamping elements. This stylish solution gives the user the ability to carry out machining on all sides, a key requirement for cutting in a single clamping. However, the LX 021 can not only be used as a stand-alone machine, thanks to a feed station (automatic pallet changer) it can be integrated into a flexible manufacturing system (FMS).
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The Starrag Group is a world technological leader in the manufacture of precision machine tools for milling, turning, drilling and grinding small, mid-sized and large workpieces in metal and composite materials. Its customers include international corporations operating in the aerospace, transport, industrial and energy markets. Its portfolio of machine tools is supplemented by technical and customer services, which substantially add to customers“ productivity.
Its products are marketed under the following strategic brands: Berthiez, Bumotec, Dörries, Droop+Rein, Heckert, Scharmann, SIP, Starrag, TTL, WMW. The group of companies, with its headquarters in Rorschacherberg, Switzerland, operates production sites in Switzerland, Germany France, the United Kingdom and India, along with sales and servicing companies in many other countries.
The Starrag Group is quoted on the SWX – Swiss Exchange (STGN).
Starrag AG
Dipl.-Ing. Michael Schedler
Seebleichstraße 61
9404 Rorschacherberg
+41 (0) 71 858 8111
info@starrag.com
http://www.starrag.com
rgt redaktionsbüro gerd trommer
Gerd Trommer
Johannishofweg 7
D-64579 Gernsheim
06258 932010
presse@rgt-gg.de
http://www.rgt-gg.de