Chevalier FBL-320SY

The Chevalier FBL-320SY is the big-bore model of the box-way Y-axis turning centers, with a sub-spindle. Its main spindle has an A2-8 nose, takes a 10 in or 12 in chuck and passes 3 in (77 mm) bar, at a top speed of 3,500 rpm. That is a heavier front end than the FBL-250SY, whose A2-6 ASA spindle runs to 4,500 rpm with 2.5 in (65 mm) bar.

The swing and work envelope do not change: 23.6 in (Ø600 mm) over the bed, an 18 in (Ø460 mm) maximum cutting diameter and 21.5 in (548 mm) of cutting length. What the larger spindle buys is grip and torque capacity for bigger chucked parts and thicker bar, at the cost of speed on small diameters.

The sub-spindle is the lighter of the two, as it should be for finishing operations. It is listed at 6,000 rpm with an A2-5 ASA nose and a 6 in (152 mm) chuck, and it moves 25.5 in (650 mm) on the B axis at 945 ipm (24 m/min). Both C axes have a 0.001° increment.

The turret row reads Power BMT60(55), with 12 (16) tools and a 0.2 sec index time. Feed rates are 945 / 394 / 945 ipm for X, Y and Z. Chevalier describes a dual 30-degree slant bed with box ways and a heavy-duty vibration-resistant frame. The machine weighs 14,550 lb (6,600 kg), against 12,787 lb (5,800 kg) for the FBL-250SY, on the same 119.1 in x 74.2 in x 75.3 in footprint. A Fanuc 0i-T controls it.