Since its market debut in 1991, the IEMCA BOSS bar feeder has set the standard for quality in the industry, particularly for machining on sliding or fixed headstock lathes with diameters ranging from 3 to 51 mm. Designed to improve efficiency and production autonomy, the BOSS meets the productivity, versatility, and user-friendliness demands of applications on both sliding and fixed headstock lathes.
The innovative Superfast Technology, integrated into the BOSS model, has further solidified its position as the ideal bar feeder for sliding headstock lathes. By employing faster work cycles and high-quality components, downtime caused by bar changes and synchronization between the bar feeder and lathe during collet opening and closing has been significantly reduced, boosting overall productivity.
The New Generation of Sliding Headstock
With over 30 years of history and more than 50,000 active installations worldwide, the IEMCA BOSS bar feeder range has evolved once again to offer advanced solutions for operators working with sliding or fixed headstock lathes.
The standard model now includes new features aimed at improving the ergonomics and user-friendliness of the bar feeder. Furthermore, the configuration with the Wizard Bundle (BOSS Superfast+) introduces a set of technologies to enhance performance, especially for sliding headstock lathes. The Wizard Bundle integrates automation and cycle time optimization, providing an even easier and more streamlined operator experience while maximizing production efficiency.
Ergonomics and Ease of Use for Sliding Headstock Lathes
The standard configuration of the BOSS bar feeder now includes new features designed to improve ergonomics and ease of operation. The need for operator intervention is minimized and simplified, ensuring that production stoppages are appropriately signaled, targeted, and less frequent. These enhancements positively impact workplace organization and daily workshop management.
1. Guide Channel with LED Lighting for Optimal Visibility
A low-energy LED light has been installed inside the upper guard of the bar feeder to improve visibility of the work cycle and facilitate retooling and maintenance operations.
In poorly lit work environments, the LED light directly illuminates the guide channel, allowing operators to more easily inspect the machine interior and perform tasks safely during open-guard operations.
2. Wider Window for Full Work Cycle Visibility
The improved visibility of the work cycle within the bar feeder is further supported by a new, larger plexiglass window. This opening in the upper guard allows the operator to easily monitor the number of bars in the single-rack magazine and verify the correct introduction of the bar into the feeder’s collet. Any necessary interventions can be carried out promptly, reducing machine downtime and ensuring a smooth and continuous workflow.
3. Ergonomic Closure of the Bar Feeder’s Upper Guarde
The BOSS bar feeder is now equipped with an ergonomic closure system for the upper guard. Using damped gas struts positioned at both ends, the closing motion is slowed and controlled, particularly at the end of the stroke. This prevents abrupt or accidental closures, protecting both the operator and the machine. This solution enhances the overall ergonomics of the bar feeder, reducing physical strain and improving operational safety.
Solutions for All Sliding Headstock Applications
IEMCA focuses not only on ergonomic aspects but continues to develop solutions for optimal bar guidance inside the lathe under all working conditions.
When required by the application, the BOSS model can be equipped with the BDC device as recommended by IEMCA technical department. This is a Controlled Diameter Bushing positioned between the lathe and the bar feeder, adding an extra guiding point to manage shaped or low-quality bars that are not perfectly straight, significantly reducing vibrations and noise during operation.
The IEMCA BOSS bar feeder is also available in the “Plus” variant, which includes all standard features (internal LED light, wider window, ergonomic guard closure) as well as the Wizard Bundle, specifically designed for users aiming to elevate the performance of their sliding headstock lathe through increased automation and production capabilities.
Contact us now for more information about the BOSS bar feeder for sliding or fixed headstock lathes. Discover the additional features of the Wizard Bundle, or configure the bar feeder with our experts according to your production needs.
