Guide channel

The core component of a loading magazine (bar loading magazine) is the guide channel. In enclosed constructions this can be flushed with oil. In this case the rotary movement of the material bars that pass through causes turbulent currents, which help give stable, low-vibration guidance (hydrodynamic bearing effect). The guide channel usually consists of single segments made of plastic with damping properties. FMB Maschinenbau, based in Faulbach, Bavaria, is a market leader in this area, specialising in loading system and unload systems for CNC lathes.

FMB produces material flow systems for single-spindle lathes – both long-turning and short-turning – and for multi-spindle lathes. The main task of a loading magazine is bar guidance. Different types, such as the short bar loading magazine, optimise the material flow to the lathe. The steady is the guide device located between the loading magazine and the lathe. This is where the main spindle and, depending on the design, also the sub-spindle and the collet are to be found. A spindle reduction tube is used to adapt the internal diameter of the main spindle to that of the pusher, or in the case of a short bar loader, to that of the material bar, for better guidance.