Acme-Gridley Type RA Multi-Spindle Bar Machine
Key Specifications
spindle configurations
bar capacity range
drive type
typical cycle time
cam drum speed
cross slide capacity
How much does the Acme-Gridley Type RA Multi-Spindle Bar Machine 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 Type RA Multi-Spindle Bar Machine is a family of cam-driven bar automatics listed in 6 or 8 spindle configurations, with bar capacity from 13 mm to 76 mm depending on the model. This page covers the family, so the figures are ranges, and the size of a particular machine has to be read from its own plate.
The machines are mechanical throughout. Spindle speeds are multiple presets selected through the gear train, and the speed of the cam drum, which sets the pace of the cycle, is adjusted by a gear change. The listed typical cycle time is 2-8 seconds per part. That pace is what makes the type worthwhile on parts ordered in very large quantities, and what makes it a poor fit for short runs, where setting cams and gears can take longer than the run itself.
Choosing between 6 and 8 spindles is choosing how many stations a part can be spread across. More stations allow more operations on a part, or shorter individual cuts on the same part.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Spindle Configurations | 6 or 8 spindle |
| Bar Capacity Range | 13 mm to 76 mm (model-dependent) |
| Drive Type | Cam-driven (mechanical) |
| Typical Cycle Time | 2-8 seconds per part |
| CAM Drum Speed | Adjustable via gear change |
| Cross Slide Capacity | 6 per spindle position |
| End Work Tools | Up to 8 per end |
| Spindle Speeds | Multiple preset via gear train |
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
- Listed in 6 or 8 spindle configurations
- Bar capacity from 13 mm to 76 mm across the family (model-dependent)
- Typical cycle time of 2-8 seconds per part
Limitations
- Cam-driven: a new part means new cams and gear changes
- Spindle speeds are presets from the gear train, not continuously variable
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The listed bar capacity range is 13 mm to 76 mm, and it is model-dependent: no single machine covers the whole range. The family is listed in 6 or 8 spindle configurations, so check both the bar size and the spindle count of the machine in question.
02
Mechanically. Spindle speeds are multiple presets from the gear train, and cam drum speed is adjustable by a gear change. The listed typical cycle time is 2-8 seconds per part, and where a job falls in that span depends on the part and on the gearing chosen.
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