Expertise
Mill-turning is a manufacturing process that combines both turning and milling on a single machine.
In turning, the workpiece is rotated around its own axis while a stationary tool machines the surface of the workpiece.
In milling, the tool rotates and removes material from a stationary workpiece.
Milling is a machining process where the tool rotates and removes material from a stationary workpiece.
Single-spindle machining center
A single-spindle machining center is a milling machine that uses a spindle to produce workpieces by cutting away material.
Twin-spindle machining center
A twin-spindle machining center is a milling machine that uses two spindles at the same time to produce workpieces by cutting away material.
A swivel head is a rotating spindle head that can turn the spindle to different angle positions to enable flexible machining.
Fixed table
The machine has a fixed table on which parts can be clamped for machining by using certain fixtures.
Workpiece changer
The workpiece changing device is a two-sided table variant where the machine can process the parts on one side while the parts can be loaded and unloaded on the opposite side.
A pallet changer is a device that automatically replaces one pallet with another in order to reduce setup times and increase the productivity of a machine.
Wheel is a special table variant for machining rims on a machine.
The machine is equipped with either a long, rigid table or a special 4-axis rotary table configuration. This rigid table can be divided into two separate work areas by installing a center divider.
With this setup, the machine can machine a workpiece in one work area while a new workpiece is being loaded in the other — and vice versa.
This alternating operation between the two work areas is known as the pendulum process.
Longbed is a table variant for very large parts.
Within the 715 series, the suffix “One” indicates that only one main turning spindle is available.
Within the 715 series, the suffix “Two” indicates that, in addition to the main turning spindle, there is also a tool revolver available for further turning operations.
Within the 715 series, the suffix “One+” indicates that, in addition to the main turning spindle a counter turning spindle is also available.
Within the 715 series, the suffix “Two+” indicates that, in addition to the main turning spindle and the additional tool revolver, a counter turning spindle is also available.
A basket tool changer is a tool changer in which the tools are arranged in a basket-shaped magazine around the spindle and reduce the chip-to-chip time.
The chain tool changer is a circulating chain in which all tools are stored.
Precision+ indicates a machine with increased precision.
This higher precision is achieved through the use of linear motors, which generate axis movement via magnetic fields (similar to a maglev train). As a result, there is no mechanical connection between components. In contrast, machines equipped with ball screws rely on a mechanical connection. This connection introduces tolerances, and the steel ball screws are subject to thermal expansion and contraction, which can affect accuracy.
Speed+ indicates that the machine has a increased rapid feeds.
The baseline series are standardized, fully-fledged, and cost-effective machining centers that combine the most proven top technology from the CHIRON Group and are available for especially fast delivery.
The Variocell UNO is a compact unit consisting of a tool storage system and a changing device. It offers a high degree of autonomy and combines an integrated automation unit in a compact format.
The Variocell MOVE is a compact robot cell with an inclined pallet system that enables intelligent workpiece handling.
The Variocell PALLET has a rotary indexing table and can hold up to ten pallets with raw parts. The system feeds in the raw parts one by one and removes the workpieces together with the pallet after the machining process has been completed successfully.
The Variocell SYSTEM offers maximum flexibility in design and includes numerous modules such as handling systems, gantry or articulated arm loaders, workpiece storage for raw and finished parts, double grippers, pallet storage, supply and removal devices, and peripheral units for cleaning, marking, testing, and measuring.
Variocell PICK&PLACE is an automation solution that uses linear guides to load raw workpieces and unload finished parts.
The key advantage of this system is that the automation can be programmed directly via the machine’s NC control. This means the operator can set up and adjust the automation independently, without requiring any robot programming knowledge.
Turnkey is the complete process from the analysis of your workpiece to the finished machining process. That includes ready-to-use machining centers with tools, clamping devices, and automation—as an individual and intelligent manufacturing solution, ready for production and designed for optimal interaction. On request, we integrate upstream and downstream process steps and always supplement them with coordinated services throughout the entire life cycle.
The SmartLine consists of six individually combinable and scalable digital systems. Each of these systems adds value in a specific area, thereby increasing efficiency, availability, and productivity.
SmartServices are digital services that are always with you and help you identify the potential of your production and translate it into higher profitability.
ConditionLine continuously monitors and analyzes the condition of the machine and detects irregularities in operation at an early stage.
EfficiencyServices enable optimized reactive maintenance with shorter downtimes.
DataLine collects and analyzes machine and process data in real time.
ConditionServices focuses on perfectly tailored maintenance management.
ProcessLine enables the entire machining process to be developed, simulated, and optimized in advance.
ProductivityServices analyze manufacturing, automation, process times, and setup times, reveal untapped potential, and tap into it through appropriate measures, such as SmartLine modules.
ProtectLine provides preventive and reliable protection for your machining centers against collisions in every operating mode.
RemoteLine enables remote diagnosis and remote maintenance, thereby increasing the availability of your machining centers.
TouchLine simplifies the operation of machining centers by providing context-sensitive information, secure user guidance, and intuitive, mobile device-like operation.
LifetimeSolutions ensure the right services at the right time. They enable targeted action throughout the entire machine life cycle and offer a customized complete package with exactly the services and digital SmartServices that suit the machine, the production environment, and the specifications.
Retrofit is a service offered by the CHIRON Group, providing customers with the option to upgrade their existing machines with additional features or functions that were not originally installed.
Examples include:
A customer requires an additional clamping circuit for a new fixture that needs extra hydraulic clamping.
A customer begins machining parts with higher accuracy requirements and therefore needs a measuring option, such as a probe, to increase precision.
A customer wishes to add automation, and we can supply either the automation interface or the complete automation solution.
Refurbishment involves overhauling or modernizing your existing machine, replacing all components and parts as previously agreed with you. In addition, the CHIRON Group offers a comprehensive range of used machines in three refurbishment categories – functionally tested, partially refurbished, or completely refurbished. On request, the experts will add exactly the options to each used machine that make it your perfect manufacturing solution.
Refurbishment means that the customer owns a used machine that needs to be overhauled. The CHIRON Group offers the possibility to recondition specific areas of the machine or to perform a complete overhaul, depending on the customer’s needs.
Refurbishment can also refer to cases where the CHIRON Group purchases used machines, overhauls them, and then resells them on the market.
Technologies
A 3-Axis machining center moves in three linear directions (X, Y, Z), enabling the machining of flat and 2.5D geometries, with the workpiece fixed in position.
In a 4-Axis machining center, a fourth rotary axis (often referred to as the A-axis) is added to the standard 3 axes (X, Y, Z). This additional axis allows the workpiece to be rotated during machining, enabling more complex shapes to be produced in a single setup without having to re-clamp the workpiece.
A 5-Axis machining center moves simultaneously along three linear axes (X, Y, Z) and two additional rotary axes (e.g., A and B or B and C or A and C). This capability allows complex components to be machined from different angles without repositioning the workpiece.
In AC - Rotation, the “A” axis rotates around the X axis and the “C” axis rotates around the Z axis in the coordinate system.
In BC - Rotation, the “B” axis rotates around the Y axis and the “C” axis rotates around the Z axis in the coordinate system.
In AB - Rotation, the “A” axis rotates around the X axis and the “B” axis rotates around the Y axis in the coordinate system.
A fixed double spindle enables simultaneous machining on two spindles to increase efficiency and reduce cycle time.
Independent spindles mean that each spindle can operate autonomously and perform different machining operations simultaneously or at different times.
Multi-profile machining centers refer to the ability to machine workpieces with different profiles and geometries in a single setup and a continuous process. This technology enables complex machining of all six sides of a workpiece through integrated functions such as swivel heads, rotary spindles, and counter spindles.
A bar feeder guides the profiles precisely between two synchronized NC rotary axes, positions them accurately, and clamps them securely.
The sawing unit is a seperate tool which enables automatic cutting of the finished workpiece directly in the machining cycle.
Vertical Mill-turning machining centers enable mill-turning operations in a single setup, without having to transfer the workpiece to another machine.
Vertical and Horizontal Mill-turning operations allows the workpiece to be machined on multiple sides without having to be removed or re-clamped.
Gear Skiving is the most productive machining process for producing internal and external gears with a short runout. It is used in the manufacture of spur gears and is based on the mapping principle of a spur gear. The gear-like tool is called a skiving cutter and is positioned at an angle to the workpiece axis. The tool and workpiece rotate at a synchronized speed ratio. The tool is then moved parallel to the workpiece axis, creating the gear teeth.
Gear Skiving on CHIRON Group machining centers enables maximum flexibility with the shortest throughput times and high productivity.
For maximum productivity, Gear Skiving technology is also available for double spindle CHIRON Group machining centers.
Gear Hobbing is the most productive machining process for producing external gear teeth and is used in particular in the manufacture of spur gears. The imaging principle is based on a worm gear. The helical hob rotates and moves axially along the workpiece, while the workpiece rotates at a speed synchronized with the hob. This creates the tooth shape through a continuous rolling motion.
Gear Hobbing on CHIRON Group machining centers enables maximum flexibility with the shortest throughput times and high productivity.
For maximum productivity, Gear Hobbing technology is also available for double spindle CHIRON Group machining centers.
Impact Gear Milling is a gear cutting process with a wide range of applications. It can be used to produce flat gears, longitudinal gears, and secondary operations on gears, such as chamfering, undercutting, and deburring, in a continuous process. The gear cutting tool is positioned in a specific orientation and performs a rotary movement while the workpiece rotates at a speed synchronized with the gear cutting tool. The tooth shape is formed by the tool contour and an interpolated movement of the NC axes.
Impact Gear Milling on CHIRON Group machining centers enables maximum flexibility in a wide range of applications with the shortest throughput times and low investment costs.
Gear Broaching is one of the most flexible gear cutting processes for producing straight-toothed internal and external gears with very short runout on spur gears. The single- or multi-cutting tool is positioned in a location-oriented manner and creates the tooth shape step by step through linear stroke movements along the workpiece axis.
Gear Broaching on CHIRON Group machining centers enables maximum flexibility with the shortest throughput times and very low investment costs.
Friction Stir Welding is used when joining two different materials, for example aluminum and steel, aluminum and brass, or brass and steel. A typical application is when cooling channels are milled into a workpiece and then sealed with a cover plate. The milling machine first creates the channels, after which the cover plate is positioned on top. The machine then performs the friction stir welding process, which mixes the materials together in an airtight bond.
Series products
The Micro5 is a machine with a traveling column design on which parts with a diameter up to 70 X 50 mm can be manufactured.
The Micro5 XL is a machine with a traveling column design on which parts with a diameter up to 120 X 120 mm can be manufactured.
The 08 Series is a machine with a traveling column design on which parts with a diameter up to 250 X 250 mm can be manufactured.
The 12 Series is a machine with a traveling column design on which parts with a diameter up to 680 X 450 mm can be manufactured.
The 15 Series is a machine with a traveling column design on which parts with a diameter up to 500 X 300 mm can be manufactured.
The 16 Series is a machine with a traveling gantry design on which parts with a diameter up to 700 X 525 mm can be manufactured.
The 18 Series is a machine with a traveling column design on which parts with a diameter up to 800 X 500 mm can be manufactured.
The 19 Series is a machine with a gantry travel portal design on which parts with a diameter up to 900 X 820 mm can be manufactured.
The 22 Series is a machine with a traveling gantry design on which parts with a diameter up to 599 X 580 mm can be manufactured.
The 25 Series is a machine with a portal design on which parts with a diameter up to 1600 X 800 mm can be manufactured.
The MILL Series is a machine with a traveling column design on which parts with a diameter from 880 X 600 mm up to 9100 X 600 mm can be manufactured.
The 715 Series is a machine with a traveling column design on which bars with a diameter up to 102 mm can be manufactured.
The 831 Series is a machine with a traveling column design on which parts up to 599 X 580 mm can be manufactured.
The aerospace industry encompasses the development, production, and maintenance of aircraft, spacecraft, and their systems, as well as research into aerospace technologies.
The medical technology industry develops, manufactures, and distributes medical devices, diagnostic systems, and technologies for the treatment, monitoring, and prevention of diseases.
The automotive industry encompasses the development, production, and marketing of motor vehicles and their components, technologies, and services.
The precision engineering industry develops and manufactures high-precision machines, tools, and systems for applications that require extremely accurate measurements, manufacturing, or control.
The tool manufactures industry and distributes tools, machines, and accessories for the production, processing, and shaping of materials in manufacturing.
The mechanical engineering industry develops, designs, and manufactures machines, equipment, and mechanical systems for industrial, technical, and everyday applications.
The defense industry develops, manufactures, and maintains weapons, military equipment, and security technologies for national defense and military operations.
The renewable energy industry includes wind and water turbines that convert kinetic energy from wind and water into clean electricity. It relies on technologies that efficiently use natural resources to provide sustainable energy.
The off-highway industry deals with agricultural machinery and construction machinery.
Other terms
A work area refers to the space around or inside a machine where workpieces are processed and where the tool or machine can move safely.
The loading area is the part of a machine where workpieces or pallets are loaded onto or unloaded from the machine.