Put More Tools On Your Turret (Video)

Most turrets can only handle 1 tool per station, and this can lead to extra operations when you have a job that requires more tools. This limitation comes into play because most CNC machines can only perform stops at 30-degree increments. An Okuma, however, can do stops in 15-degree increments and this allows us to provide a functionality called the Mid-Turret Index function (also called “Middle Index Function”), which helps eliminate extra operations due to insufficient tooling capacity.

Get As Many As 18 Tools On Your 12-Station Turret

Check out this video and see how the Mid-Turret Index function works on an Okuma LB3000 EX horizontal CNC lathe.

• A 12-station turret can normally only handle 12 tools, positioned at 30-degree increments
• But, because an Okuma CNC machine can perform stops in 15-degree increments (Mid-Turret Index Function), your turret can be loaded up with more tools
• This allows you to transform a 12-station turret into one that handles 16 or even 18 tools – providing a big advantage

The Okuma Mid-Turret Index function provides enhanced functionality, versatility and flexibility, enabling increased productivity. View this video for a detailed cutting demonstration on an LB3000 EX using tool holders made by Partners in THINC member Velocity/SU-matic.

What do you do when your part requires more than 12 tools? Feel free to comment below, or contact us, or your local distributor, to learn more about using the Mid-Turret Index function. And send us your ideas for future video blogs – we’re here to help!

Jeff Estes is Director of Partners in THINC, Okuma America Corporation.