Tormach unveils 15LX CNC Lathe machine tool for modern machining environments

US-based manufacturer of CNC machines and industrial robotics, Tormach, announced the release of the 15LX CNC Lathe, its next-generation machine tool that the company said delivers more horsepower, faster rapids and advanced EtherCAT-based control.

Tormach said these new features fit in a compact footprint designed for modern machining environments. 

Tormach expands machine tool portfolio

Tormach said the new 15LX, which builds on its 15L, delivers significant performance upgrades.

The spindle motor now provides 6 hp of continuous duty power and peaks up to 10 hp, giving machinists the torque needed for aggressive cuts in tough materials. Rapid feed rates have been increased from 60 inches per minute (IPM) to 360 IPM on both the X and Z axes, while Z-axis travel has been extended from 12 to 14 inches to accommodate a wider variety of parts.

The lathe also introduces 23-bit absolute encoder servos across all axes and the turret, which Tormach said ensures smoother motion, faster, more reliable tool changes and precise repeatability.

“The 15LX is an extremely capable lathe in a remarkably compact footprint,” said Tom Zelickman, product manager at Tormach. “It’s faster, more powerful and still easy to use.”

Tormach identified the following features of the 15LX:

• 6 hp continuous spindle power and up to 10 hp peak for heavy cuts
• EtherCAT-based control system with integrated spindle encoder
• Rapid speeds up to 360 IPM on X and Z axes
• Extended 14-inch Z travel for greater part flexibility
• Compact footprint with improved chip and coolant evacuation system
• Includes 21.5-inch operator console with built-in WIFI 

The 15LX comes standard with an enclosure, stand with chip tray, automatic oiler, turret and a redesigned flood coolant system featuring an external washdown hose. Additional upgrades, according to Tormach, include a single pulley ratio that eliminates manual gear changes and integrated load meters on both the axis and spindle for real-time performance monitoring.

“With this machine, we’ve doubled the spindle power, added absolute encoder servos across the platform and dramatically improved rapid speeds,” said Davie Froeschner, presales team lead at Tormach. “These upgrades make it far more powerful than the 15L, and I expect its performance will take people by surprise when they see it operate.”