The Mini Rhinobar bar loader.
Source: Lexair Inc. (all photos)
Lexair presents four of its products: the Mini Rhinobar bar loader, 3rd generation collet closers, the Unload Pro unloader and a Breuning IRCO Profimat bar loader with magazine.
The hydrodynamic Mini Rhinobar is suitable for both fixed and floating headstock lathes. It can minimize material waste by leaving only a bar scrap from a 12-foot piece of material and allows for quick changes between bar sizes. Available in 6- or 12-foot models, the Mini Rhinobar can feed 0.06-inch material and allows for maximum spindle speeds without bar damage thanks to its hydrodynamic bar support. This solution offers vibration-free performance, Z-axis retraction while maintaining centerline and a user-friendly interface for easy installation and operation, according to the company.
3rd generation collet closer.
Gen 3 collet closers are available in 42, 65, 80 and 100 mm sizes and feature a compact design that allows for placement on a fixture plate to maximize work table space. The ported design eliminates the need for external wiring and allows for conversions and maintenance to be performed from the top without disassembling the fixture. The bottom ported design makes it suitable for four and five axis applications.
The Unload Pro unloader.
The Unload Pro unloader is designed to quickly and gently unload round workpieces in a fully automated manner. It uses rapid unloading technology to create a continuous flow of material, allowing lathes to optimize their cycle times. Intended for medium to large batches, it can unload material with diameters up to 3.15″ (80 mm) and workpiece lengths up to 48″ (1200 mm). The machine is designed for gentle unloading through the counter spindle, has a large storage capacity, and is controlled by a 5.7″ graphic touch display. Easy replacement of spindle guide tubes is facilitated by the magazine’s radial slider. The Unload Pro was developed by Breuning IRCO in Germany and is manufactured in the USA by Lexair.
The Breuning IRCO Profimat bar magazine is designed for workshops with small to medium production runs. Equipped with up to eight guide channels, it enables quick material changes, reducing downtime by 60%. The company says its robust construction and the hydrodynamic effect within the guide channels ensure reliable and smooth bar feeding, enabling the bar magazine to operate smoothly. The Profimat bar magazine can handle material diameters of 5-130mm and lengths of 3,000mm, 4,000mm, 6,000mm and 8,000mm, with other lengths available on request.
The Breuning IRCO Profimat magazine bar feeder.
The Profimat is designed for continuous operation at maximum load capacity, has residual retraction, uses standard oil or coolant and allows easy replacement of the spindle guide tubes thanks to its axial movement slide. The guide channels are made of aluminum with bonded wear-resistant and vibration-damping material for durability and efficient performance. A bundle loader is available and operation is indicated by colored LED lights, controlled by a 5.7-inch graphic touch screen.
