The USC four-axis turning machine is said to offer shorter cycle times and provide higher-quality components compared with a two-axis machine. Turning operations can be carried out in parallel, so both turrets machine simultaneously. The two cutting edges act as a two-way steady, minimizing deformation and producing a smooth surface.
The pipe end machining work on the turning centers comprises a number of turning operations on the connective sections, which allow the individual pipes to be screwed together into a pipeline. Once the pipe has been centered and clamped, the OD is rough-turned, the end face and ID are machined and the thread, sealing seat and shoulder are turned. The pipes are securely clamped in the jaws of front- and rear-end chucks.
When machining the thread, the cutting edge is positioned at an unfavorable angle to the workpiece. Thus, special chip breakers are fitted to the tool insert, and a high-pressure coolant jet is directed at the cutting point. According to the company, this ensures that the chips develop a certain shape that allows them to be flushed away successfully. The vertical machine base also has a positive effect on the chip flow. It allows for the chips to fall directly onto the conveyor that takes them out of the machine.