Acme-Gridley RB-6
Key Specifications
number of spindles
max bar diameter
spindle speed range
main spindle drive
cross slides
end working slides
How much does the Acme-Gridley RB-6 cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a multi-spindle automatic in this class — not a quote from Acme-Gridley. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The Acme-Gridley RB-6 is a six-spindle bar automatic with a listed maximum bar diameter of 1-1/4 in (32 mm), depending on configuration, and a weight of approximately 14,000 kg (30,900 lb). Those two figures place it at the small end of the family: the RA-6 is listed at approximately 18,000 kg (40,000 lb).
A 32 mm bar limit points the machine at fittings, pins, bushings and similar small turned parts made in quantity. Six stations let the turning, drilling, forming and cut-off of such a part be spread around the machine, so that no single operation holds up the cycle.
How the motions are produced depends on the individual machine. The listed figures allow for a mechanical, cam-driven original, or for an AC servo spindle drive with CNC servo-driven cross slides and end-working slides after a retrofit. The same goes for the control, listed as Siemens, Fanuc or Allen-Bradley according to the retrofit, and for spindle speed, where no number is given, only that it varies with gearing and retrofit specification.
Bar arrives from a magazine or a hydrodynamic bar feed, and coolant is listed as flood, centralized. Small bar at high output uses stock quickly, so the type and capacity of the bar feed on a given machine deserves a close look.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Spindles | 6 |
| Max Bar Diameter | 1-1/4 in (32 mm) depending on configuration |
| Spindle Speed Range | Variable, dependent on gearing and retrofit specification |
| Main Spindle Drive | Mechanical (cam-driven original) or AC servo (CNC retrofit) |
| Cross Slides | Cam-driven or CNC servo-driven (retrofit) |
| End Working Slides | Cam-driven or CNC servo-driven (retrofit) |
| Bar Feed | Magazine or hydrodynamic bar feed |
| CNC Control | Siemens, Fanuc, or Allen-Bradley (retrofit-dependent) |
| Coolant System | Flood coolant, centralized |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 14,000 kg (30,900 lb) |
Specifications compiled from manufacturer literature and industry references. Not independently verified against a published spec sheet — confirm with the manufacturer or an authorised dealer before making a purchasing decision.
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Six spindles on a machine listed at approximately 14,000 kg (30,900 lb), lighter than the RA-6 at approximately 18,000 kg (40,000 lb)
- Sized for small work: bar up to 1-1/4 in (32 mm), depending on configuration
- Exists as a cam-driven original or, after a retrofit, with AC servo drive and CNC servo slides
- Bar loading by magazine or hydrodynamic bar feed
Limitations
- Bar diameter stops at 1-1/4 in (32 mm), depending on configuration
- No spindle speed figure is listed
- Drive type and control vary from machine to machine with the retrofit
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The listed maximum is 1-1/4 in (32 mm), depending on configuration. That is a ceiling and not a guarantee for every machine: the collets, feed fingers and bar feed fitted to a particular RB-6 decide which sizes it runs as delivered.
02
Six. The bars index through six stations, and the listed figures show both cross slides and end-working slides, so side and end operations can be done at the same station. Spindle speed is not given as a figure.
03
Only if it has been retrofitted. The original is mechanical and cam-driven. The listed figures also describe a CNC retrofit with an AC servo main spindle drive, servo-driven slides and a Siemens, Fanuc or Allen-Bradley control.
04
Approximately 14,000 kg (30,900 lb). For comparison within the brand, the RA-6 is listed at approximately 18,000 kg (40,000 lb) and the RB-8 at 33,800 Lbs.
Videos
Graff Machine Tools, LLC
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