Chicago, Illinois, September 27, 2007 – Mori Seiki has announced the inclusion of a 20-station tool turret on two new models in its NL Series of CNC lathes. Available on the NL1500 and NL2000 machines, the 20- station turret allows the machining of more complex parts on the NL Series.

Since the new 20-station turret can hold up to 20 tools, it is perfectly suited for jobs with a high number of processes that made them impossible to complete with just 12 tools. By using the high-rigidity, compact tooling system found in Mori Seiki’s NT Series and NZ Series, the company has increased the machining ability and versatility of the NL Series to match those of machining centers.

Like all machines in the series, the new models of the NL1500 and NL2000 feature a milling motor inside the turret directly coupled to the milling tool. This patent-pending design drastically reduces the transmission losses and inherent vibration associated with competing designs, which use a series of gears and belts to provide a milling feature. When compared to conventional models, the direct-coupled milling motor reduces tool spindle acceleration time by 2/3 and diminishes vibration and noise by 1/2.

To further reduce vibration while cutting, machines in the NL Series employ a rigid triangle structure in the bed, spindle and tailstock. The box way construction further reduces vibration and increases rigidity, resulting in greater cutting depth and feed rates, and reducing cycle times by up to 50%.

The machines feature a digital tailstock in which a servo drive provides all movement. This allows position and thrust to be controlled from the operation screen rather than manually setting them. Additionally, by adjusting the tailstock from within the part program, setup time can be reduced by up to 50%.

The NL1500 and NL2000 further increase accuracy by minimizing the effects of heat on machining operations. Specially placed coverings isolate heat radiating from the oil controller and hydraulic unit, redirecting heat to the outside of the machine. Heat transfer devices also control the heat emanating from the headstock and servomotors. The design of the turret with a direct-coupled milling motor also reduces heat generation to 1/15 of the conventional model.

About Mori Seiki
Mori Seiki produces extremely reliable machine tools and distributes worldwide. The U.S. headquarters is in Chicago with offices in Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, and New Jersey. For more about Mori Seiki and the products in the Mori Seiki line, visit www.moriseiki.com or call (847) 593-5400.