Mixed production
A different part can be machined at each station in the same cycle.
Multispindle Machining Center
PICCHI Chrono Machining Centers
Chrono 4-axis and 5-axis versions with R3, R4 and R5 automation
PICCHI Chrono is a multispindle machining center that links three or four horizontal machining centers through torque-motor stations. Loading happens in masked time at one station while the others keep machining.
Manufactured byPICCHI
3 or 4Horizontal machining centers
450-400-300X-Y-Z strokes, mm (Z 550 option)
1.5 sTool change time
54 to 120Available tools
60 m/minMax. linear axis speed
Overview
Several machining centers, one rotating cycle
Chrono combines three or four horizontal machining centers linked by four or five rotating stations driven by torque motors. One station loads and unloads in masked time while the others machine, so a different part can run at each station or one part can be split across the stations.
The 4-axis version has continuously rotating B axes with 0.001° resolution, central encoder feedback and hydraulic locking. In the 5-axis version the 4th and 5th axes sit in a normalized steel structure verified with FEM, with direct drive, absolute encoders and hydraulic brakes. Working in five axes avoids repositioning the part for a second operation, reduces clamping equipment and shortens re-tooling.
Each center has an HSK 63 A spindle chosen for the material and working conditions, X-Y-Z strokes of 450-400-300 mm (550 mm Z option), up to 60 m/min on the linear axes and a 1.5 s tool change. Magazines hold 54 tools as standard, up to 120 on the 4-axis and 90 on the 5-axis version, and external magazines can be added. An optional recess group adds a turning U axis up to 3000 rpm.
Automation cells complete the machine: Chrono R3 with a suspended robot, vision system, belts and drawer storage; Chrono R4 with a floor robot, vision system and belts; and Chrono R5 with a floor robot and pallet handling for raw and machined parts. All share one operator panel with dedicated sampling, filling and emptying cycles.
Applications
How Chrono is used
The official pages describe Chrono by the way it organises production rather than by sector.
Split-cycle machining
One part's cycle is divided across the stations to shorten the cycle time.
Multi-face parts in one clamping
The 5-axis version machines parts that would need repositioning on four axes.
Automated cells
R3, R4 and R5 cells load and unload from belts, drawers or pallets with vision support.
Features
Machine features
- 3 or 4 horizontal machining centers on torque-motor stations
- Loading and unloading in masked time
- Direct-drive 4th and 5th axes with 0.001° resolution
- HSK 63 A spindles chosen for the material
- Tool change in 1.5 s; external magazines possible
- Optional recess group with turning U axis
- Temperature control and high-pressure coolant through spindles
- R3, R4 and R5 robot cells with vision systems
Benefits
What it brings to production
No cycle time lost to loading
Higher part quality without repositioning on the 5-axis version
Faster lot changes with dedicated devices and access
One operator panel for machine, robot and vision system
Need a flexible multispindle cell?
Send us your parts and volumes, and our Machinery team will help you choose the Chrono version and automation cell.
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