New definition of freedom:
the continuation
evolution is unstoppable ...

7 | Schütte ACX Series

Eight spindles andyour variants
Schütte is launching the second stage of its "Generation SCX" multi-spindle automatics,
which have already been successfully introduced to the market. The eight-spindle automatic ACX 36 with a max. machining diameter of 40 mm is a practical addition to theseries. The ACX 36 consistently unites the features of the tried-and-tested classic multispindle automatics with regard to: Quickness, rigidity, reliability and productivity.
The new ACX can always be adapted exactly to the requirements of the respective product range of the customer.
For complicated parts that require extensive machining, it allows significantly better separation of the work steps incomparison with a 6-spindle machine. The double 4-spindle operation is also an interesting feature. This means that
two identical parts that are less complex and thus only require 4 main spindles can be produced at the same time.
The machining cycle with two opposed spindles is provided for workpieces with extensive rear-side machining. Twomachine cycles are available for machining the part-off side of the workpiece. With its different operating modes,
the ACX provides the right solution for each workpiece.
Based on the SCX concept whereby flexible machine conversion is possible at any time, the different operating modesof the ACX can also be selected at any time. A mechanical conversion is not required. The developers consistently
omitted all guides and drives from the machining area in the ACX machine concept. Nor are there any coolant hoses,
lubrication lines and electrical cables inside the material removal area.

8-spindle operation
1 opposed spindle
45º indexing step
1x8+1

Finished part

Double 4-spindle operation
2 opposed spindles
90º indexing step
2x4+28-spindle operation
2 opposed spindles
45º indexing step
extended rear-side machining
1x8+2

Finished part1

Finished part1

Finished part 2

Finished part 2

2 | Schütte ACX Series

The new eight-spindle automatic
SICS – stands for: simple configuration,operation and programming
The configuration, operation and programming of the­machine are carried out with the help of the SICS userinterface developed by Schütte. It is optimally tuned to therange of functions of the multi-spindle automatic ACX.
Machine setters, operating and maintenance personnel canconcentrate on their real work because SICS provides
them with the respective predefined input and operating
menus for their tasks. The co-ordination and distribution of
the data to the individual control systems and channels run
in the background and are not visible to the user.

SICS and its optional modules*
for realisation of Industry 4.0:
• SICS.EnergyManager• SICS.Workstation• SICS.Connect• SICS.ToolManagement• SICS.Simulation• SICS.Cockpit (web application)* See our special publication on:
SICS modules for your Industry 4.0 implementation

Options that increase your value creation

3 | Schütte ACX Series

ACX 36
Stable machine structure
A characteristic of the multi-spindle automatics from
Schütte is the split arrangement of the machining units forlongitudinal and cross machining on two machine stands.
This design provides the machine with an extremely highlevel of stability, which is reflected not least in a high material
removal capacity and, for example, makes sophisticateddrilling operations possible.

Modular system for machining units
and attachmentsThe machining units form the basis of the modular system
which allows the machine to be flexibly extended, convertedor retrofitted with further functions, drives and axes. Eachmachining unit for cross and longitudinal machining can beequipped with a turret function. This makes it possible, forexample, to use sister or follow-on tools. A further equipment
option is a Y-axis that can also be used in each position.

Complete machining: i.e. workpiece front
and rear-side machining
The ACX machines are designed for complete machining, i.e.
the front and rear side of the workpiece are completed in asingle cycle. Of decisive importance are the simultaneously
active eight main spindles and up to two opposed spindles.
All spindles are equipped with liquid-cooled direct drives,
which permit freely selectable speeds independently of one
another. With a torque of 85 Nm, they have particularly highdynamics and traction.

4 | Schütte ACX Series

12Fig. 1, Image sequence at top, from left to right:
Free configuration of the tool heads in all spindle positions.
Fig. 2, Shift hobbing via Y-axis
Fig. 3, The programmable polygon turning attachment makes
the creation of a wide range of surfaces on a workpiece easy.
Fig. 4, The ACX is also flexible during workpiece removal.
Several pick-up systems from the longitudinal and cross axis areavailable for this purpose. The ACX concept also includes damagefree and accurately positioned discharge of workpieces.
Fig. 5, Workpiece parting off and takeoverby the opposed spindle
Fig. 6, High productivity through parallelism –two tools engaged at the same time
Fig. 7, Longitudinal machining module with stationary
tool and driven high-frequency spindle
Fig. 8, Two part-off slides provide an option forparallel extensive rear-side machining

The number of material removal steps is determined by theoperating mode of the ACX. Machining operations with one
or two spindles on the second workpiece side are includedin the machining portfolio.

• Cleared-up, free accessible machining area
• No drives, cross slides, lubrication and cooling lines
or cables within the machining area
• Free falling chips• Really simple retooling and tool retrofitting• Free speed selection• Enlargement of the machining range through extended
rear-side machining including C and Y-axis
Operation and programming of the ACX – made easy

5 | Schütte ACX Series

34

Modular cross machining units – the ideal equipment for your production••••

CNC compound slide units in all positions as standard
Rigid hydrostatic quill guidance with top damping properties
Optional Y-axis and turret function for follow-up and sister tools
Optional additional slides in positions 7 and 8, simultaneous pre-part-offof a follow-up workpiece during rear-side workpiece machining

Powerful on both sides• Longitudinal machining units with hydrostatic quill guidance in the separate
machine stand• Straight flow of force of the material-removal forces prevents bending
moments on the tool carriers•	Optional Y-axis and turret function for follow-up and sister tools• Machining of workpiece rear side with up to 2 fully-fledged spindles•	Same spindle output of main and opposed spindles for efficient material
removalThe best concept
•
•
•
•
•

F lexible configuration of stationary and driven tools of all machining units
Modular system provides retooling and retrofitting options
No drives, cables, etc. within the machining area
Optimised free-falling of chips even with materials that are difficult to cut
Excellent accessibility for setup activities and tool change

The right solution for each part• M odular, flexible configurable handling system for operation with 1 or 2
opposed spindles• Damage-free pick-up of finish-machined workpieces• Oriented depositing or transfer to a downstream handling system• Robot integration for palletising inside the machine is optional, pallet change
parallel to the main time• Optional cleaning and measuring stations with measured data return for
dimensional corrections5

6 | Schütte ACX Series

67

Machining area of the ACX – free of drives, slide guides,lubrication and coolant lines. Headstock with cross machining
units and drive housing with its longitudinal machining tools.

8Workpiece range
Clamping diameter, max. .....................................................................................................................
Material feed, max. .............................................................................................................................

mmmm

40125Nm
Nmrpm

31765500

X-axis path...........................................................................................................................................
mm
X-axis speed, max. . ............................................................................................................................. m/min
Z-axis path ..........................................................................................................................................
mm
Z-axis speed, max. ............................................................................................................................... m/min
optional:Y-axis path ..........................................................................................................................................
mmTool turret, no. of positions up to . ....................................................................................................... 		

110
30
15030

Main spindles
Rated torque .......................................................................................................................................
Torque, max. .......................................................................................................................................
Speed, max. ........................................................................................................................................

Machining units, cross (positions I to VIII)± 50
6Machining units, cross (optional additional slides in part-off positions VII and VIII)
X-axis path ..........................................................................................................................................
X-axis speed, max. . .............................................................................................................................

mm
m/min

8030

Z-axis path ..........................................................................................................................................
mm
Z-axis speed ........................................................................................................................................ m/min
optional:
X-axis path (turning tools) . ..................................................................................................................
mm
Y-axis path (driven tools).......................................................................................................................
mm
Tool turret, positions ........................................................................................................................... 		

280
30

Machining units, longitudinal (positions I to VII)25± 502Opposed spindles, (positions VII and VIII)
Number, max. ................................................................................................................................................ 		
Rated torque .......................................................................................................................................
NmTorque, max. .......................................................................................................................................
NmSpeed, max. ........................................................................................................................................
rpm

231847300

Tool drives
Rated torque .......................................................................................................................................
Torque, max. .......................................................................................................................................
Speed, max. ........................................................................................................................................

NmNmrpm

18518500

Tool interfaces
Stationary tools, optional . ................................................................................................................... 		 HSK / Capto
Driven tools, optional .......................................................................................................................... 		 HSK / Capto
Internal coolant supply, max. ...............................................................................................................
bar
100

Control system
CNC . .................................................................................................................................................. 		SIEMENS 840D SL
Teleservice, optional: Tool monitoring, OPC UA Server, workstation version

VersionsAC8-36
AC9-36
AC10-36

without opposed spindle
with 1 opposed spindle
with 2 opposed spindles

ACX Series – the new multi-spindle automatic
Subject to changes • Reprinting permitted subject to quoting source and prior agreement • KD 0817 • 500 • O 845 eng
Alfred H. Schütte • Alfred-Schütte-Allee 76 • 51105 Köln-Poll • Telephone 0221 8399-0 • schuette@schuette.de • www.schuette.de