How AT-361MY CNC Turning Center with TCSM Turret & FANUC OI-TF System Transforms Industrial Machining Efficiency

In the competitive landscape of precision machining—especially for automotive parts, mechanical components, and hardware accessories—manufacturers need equipment that balances speed, accuracy, and versatility. For a mid-sized industrial firm specializing in high-volume production of complex shafts and discs, these needs became a critical pain point until they adopted the AT-361MY CNC Turning Center. Equipped with a high-performance TCSM Turret and industry-leading FANUC OI-TF System, this machine redefined the firm’s production workflows, cut downtime, and elevated machining precision. This case study explores how the AT-361MY became a cornerstone of their operations and why it’s a top choice for manufacturers worldwide.

The industrial firm faced two major obstacles that limited its growth:First, its old CNC lathes relied on manual or low-speed turrets, which took 15–20 minutes to switch between tools for composite machining (turning, drilling, milling). With high-volume orders for parts requiring 5+ tool changes per unit, this downtime added up to 30% of daily production hours.Second, the outdated control systems struggled to maintain consistent precision—especially for complex procedures. The firm’s components required tight tolerances (down to 0.005mm), but frequent programming errors and slow system response led to a 7% product rejection rate, increasing material waste and customer complaints.

“We needed a turning center that could switch tools fast and hold tight tolerances, even when running 12-hour shifts," said the firm’s production director. “Our customers demand on-time delivery of high-precision parts, and our old machines couldn’t keep up."

The AT-361MY addressed every pain point with its purpose-built design, centered on two game-changing components:

• TCSM Power Turret (BMT55-12T Spec): This 12-tool turret eliminated manual tool changes, reducing switch time from 15–20 minutes to just 40–60 seconds per tool. With 12 dedicated stations, the turret supported simultaneous composite machining—turning a shaft, drilling holes, and milling grooves in one continuous cycle. Daily production output increased by 40% within the first month.
• FANUC OI-TF Control System: The industry-proven FANUC system simplified programming, reduced errors by 65%, and delivered real-time parameter adjustments. Its intuitive interface allowed operators (even those with basic training) to set up complex jobs in half the time, while its fast processing speed ensured smooth, consistent machining of intricate parts.
• All-Around Performance: Complementing the turret and control system, the AT-361MY’s 1100mm Z-axis travel handled long workpieces (up to 1100mm) in one go, eliminating the need for split processing. Its 3.0KW servo motors (X/Y/Z axes) and high-precision ball screws (R32/10 for X/Y, R40/10 for Z) achieved repeatability of 0.003mm (X-axis), 0.005mm (Y-axis), and 0.007mm (Z-axis)—cutting the rejection rate from 7% to 1.2%.

The TCSM Turret (BMT55-12T) is the AT-361MY’s workhorse, designed for high-volume, multi-task machining:

• 12 Tool Stations: Accommodates a full range of tools (turning inserts, drills, end mills) for complex parts, eliminating the need for multiple machines or manual tool swaps. For the firm’s shaft components (which require 6 tool changes), this meant completing each unit in 8 minutes instead of 15.
• 3.7KW Power Tool Motor: Delivers stable torque for heavy-duty cutting (e.g., milling steel components) and precise control for delicate tasks (e.g., drilling small holes in aluminum parts). The motor’s compatibility with various materials (steel, aluminum, alloys) made the AT-361MY a versatile solution for the firm’s diverse product line.
• Durable Design: The turret’s robust construction withstands 12-hour daily operation, with minimal maintenance required. After 6 months of use, the firm reported zero turret-related downtime— a stark contrast to their old machines, which needed monthly turret repairs.

The FANUC OI-TF Control System is the AT-361MY’s “brain," ensuring accuracy and efficiency at every step:

• Error Reduction: The system’s built-in diagnostic tools flag programming mistakes (e.g., incorrect tool offsets) before machining starts, preventing costly material waste. For the firm, this meant saving $12,000 monthly in scrap metal costs.
• Fast Setup: Pre-loaded machining templates for common parts (e.g., shafts, discs) cut setup time by 50%. Operators simply input part dimensions, and the system auto-generates the program—ideal for high-volume, repeat orders.
• Remote Monitoring: The FANUC system supports remote diagnostics, allowing the factory’s technical team to troubleshoot issues without stopping production. Once, a minor programming glitch was fixed in 10 minutes via remote access—avoiding a 2-hour shutdown.

The AT-361MY’s value extends beyond its turret and control system, with features tailored for industrial durability and performance:

• High-Power Spindle: A 11-15KW (Guangyu) spindle motor with 3000(2500)rpm speed handles both high-speed aluminum cutting and low-speed, heavy-load steel machining. The spindle’s A2-8 nose end and 92(106)mm through-hole diameter support large bar stock (up to 92mm), reducing material handling time.
• Programmable Tailstock: With an 80mm mandrel (MT5 taper), the tailstock provides stable support for long workpieces, minimizing vibration and improving surface finish. For the firm’s 1000mm-long shafts, this feature eliminated warping and ensured consistent diameter across the part.
• Space & Efficiency: Weighing 6400kg with a 355*177cm floor area, the machine fits easily in the firm’s workshop. Its 300-liter water tank keeps tools cool during long runs, extending tool life by 25% and reducing tool replacement costs.