The INDEX booth (Hall 17, D03) is a cornucopia of innovation and information that no machinist should miss. Focusing on a wide range of solutions, visitors will be able to see live a manufacturing system that turns and mills complex components—fully automated with a wide range of tools for the milling spindle and including a quality assurance closed loop process. The fast, high-precision production of scroll compressors on a multi-spindle automatic lathe is another highlight at the INDEX booth. The latest machine and technology developments will also be on show, as well as advances in the INDEX iXworld cloud platform.
The G-series turn-mill centers are currently among the most popular INDEX machines. No wonder, as they are the ideal basis for flexible, highly productive machining. Using the G320 turn-mill center as an example, INDEX demonstrates what a fully automated manufacturing solution can look like. For this purpose, the machining experts have placed an iXcenter robot cell on the machine, which can be expanded with various modules from two sides: In addition to the robot, the automation solution at the trade show also includes a measuring and inspection station, which contributes to automated process control with appropriate measuring software and the INDEX Closed Loop interface.
The INDEX G320 is complemented by the new INDEX iXtools additional tool magazine, which can also be retrofitted at a later date depending on the configuration of the G machine. iXtools is a fully-fledged extension of the machine-integrated tool magazine and offers unrestricted access to up to 396 tools.
Increased productivity with INDEX multi-spindle automatic lathes
When it comes to economical volume and variant machining, manufacturing solutions based on multi-spindle automatic lathes should definitely be considered. At EMO, INDEX will be presenting the INDEX MS24-6 CNC multi-spindle automatic lathe. An important component of the six-spindle machine: Two tool slides per spindle position ensure maximum productivity and flexibility. The patented W-serration on the cross slides reduces setup times and ensures maximum process reliability.
The INDEX MS40-8 multi-spindle automatic lathe is likely to be a visitor magnet—not only because of its new design, but above all because of the manufacturing solution presented for highly efficient scroll production. Over the past few months, the INDEX multi-spindle team has developed a process that makes it possible to produce the two spiral-shaped functional components with the highest precision and very short cycle times, making it extremely competitive.
Innovation in all areas
As machines are the basis of any machining solution, INDEX will of course be presenting its latest developments across the entire product portfolio. This includes the TRAUB TNX200 turning center, which stands for efficient complete machining. Also the INDEX B500 universal lathe in the long version with 18 tool stations and a turning length of up to 1200 mm. And the INDEX ABC with Y axis and INDEX C200 production lathes, which are now also available with Fanuc control.
Compact, precise, fast—these are the characteristics of the TRAUB sliding/fixed headstock automatic lathes. New to the range is the TRAUB TNL32 compact, which combines the small footprint of the TRAUB TNL20 with a bar clearance of 32 mm. The TRAUB TNL12 sliding headstock automatic lathe has been equipped with new features since 2022. Like its larger siblings, it can now be easily converted to a fixed headstock lathe.
iXworld offers attractive software solutions
Practical solutions are also the dominant theme in the digital INDEX iXworld. Numerous iX4.0 apps will be presented at the booth, demonstrating how the iX4.0 IoT platform ensures transparency and productivity throughout the entire machining process chain. The INDEX digitization experts will also be showing how efficiently and easily the iXshop can be used for the procurement of spare parts and other tools, as well as the advantages of iXservices in after-sales service.
INDEX’s application and technology specialists also promise practical solutions in the fields of aerospace, e-mobility, and medical technology. They will be on hand throughout the show to answer questions about what INDEX machines can do in these areas.
Partnerships and investments
Because lone fighters have no chance in the increasingly complex world of manufacturing, INDEX maintains a number of partnerships. For example, One Click Metal GmbH, in which INDEX is the majority shareholder, will be present at the booth. With a workforce of about 20 employees, OCM develops comprehensive solutions in the field of metal 3D printing for small and medium-sized components.
The carbide tool manufacturer Paul Horn will also be represented at the INDEX booth. The two companies are linked by a technology partnership aimed at improving processes for high-speed whirling, Power Skiving, bevel gear cutting, groove turning, and polylobe turning. A TRAUB TNX220 turn-mill center will also be installed at the Paul Horn booth (Hall 8, A54).
INDEX has also recently entered into a worldwide sales cooperation with the Japanese premium machine tool manufacturer Makino, which is why the latest Makino a40 SE 5-axis horizontal machining center can be found at the INDEX booth. The machine is specially designed to meet the requirements of die-cast machining.