EMAG USC 11/21: High-Precision Four‑Axis Oil Pipe Turning Machine

EMAG’s USC 11/USC 21 series offers users a machine platform for the flexible machining of tubular components. The machine concept is characterized by the design of its “rotating tube,” which allows for complete machining of the external and internal connective sections of the oil pipes and minimizes the effort required for setup, the company says.

The USC four-axis turning machine is said to offer shorter cycle times and provide higher-quality components compared with a two-axis machine. Turning operations can be carried out in parallel, so both turrets machine simultaneously. The two cutting edges act as a two-way steady, minimizing deformation and producing a smooth surface.

The pipe end machining work on the turning centers comprises a number of turning operations on the connective sections, which allow the individual pipes to be screwed together into a pipeline. Once the pipe has been centered and clamped, the OD is rough-turned, the end face and ID are machined and the thread, sealing seat and shoulder are turned. The pipes are securely clamped in the jaws of front- and rear-end chucks.

When machining the thread, the cutting edge is positioned at an unfavorable angle to the workpiece. Thus, special chip breakers are fitted to the tool insert, and a high-pressure coolant jet is directed at the cutting point. According to the company, this ensures that the chips develop a certain shape that allows them to be flushed away successfully. The vertical machine base also has a positive effect on the chip flow. It allows for the chips to fall directly onto the conveyor that takes them out of the machine.