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March 1st 2006

Dean, Smith & Grace has received the first order for one of its new breed of CNC shaft lathes - purpose-built for fully automated, high precision, internal and external machining of large shafts and pipes.

Designated SE (Special Equipment), the unit incorporates a 4000mm length bed, Fanuc 18i control, and fully automated chucking and steadying equipment for rapid loading and set-up.

Providing the quick loading and set-up is a fully automatic SMW KCNS 400 hydraulic, quick-release, chucking system complemented by an SMW type SLU-Z-4 three point roller steady with mechanical positioning. The roller steady can traverse the length of the bed under operator control or automatically to find the optimum position of support.