Product philosophy

Our manufacturing process

Customized formulation and design

From drawing to drafting machine to 3D modeling.
Each project starts by providing a customer solution that satisfies regulations and measurement systems from around the world.
The engineering department is the linchpin of the system, supporting sales using both standard models as well as completely new and innovative solutions. Our strength lies in flexibility and customization. Our work has a dual nature—while industrialized and technological, it is also very artisan.

From raw material to finished product

Nova Sidera has always produced exclusively to specification while applying lean manufacturing principles and has developed, over the years, its own organizational and production system consistent with Transition Plan 4.0 guidelines. Every phase of the order’s life cycle is overseen with management software, and the production process is organized by production orders and company Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for control and progress monitoring throughout each production phase.

The process also includes a connection with the management software of the sawing machine, work center, and milling cutter for production control and remote programming via Computer-Aided Drafting (CAM), as well as the automated warehouse.

Where a lathe is born for Nova Sidera

At least 80% of machining operations are carried out in-house specifically for the vital parts of the machine, while the processing of electro-welded components and any heat or surface treatments are contracted out to qualified suppliers. Thanks to the use of a 5-axis DMG work center, we can process machine components of up to 2 meters in length. Both this work center and the other CN cutter available on site can be programmed quickly and precisely using the latest-generation CAM.
This approach allows us to specifically train our staff, especially those involved in testing and after-sales service. Technicians can learn the details of each production phase of the machinery, greatly reducing response times and facilitating the troubleshooting of each structural unit of our spinning lathes while gaining a deeper understanding of the reasons behind the technical choices made.

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The difference is in the raw material.

Every machine starts with the most precise and meticulous choice of material depending on its intended use, as the quality of the material determines the service life of the components and reliability of the spinning lathe itself.
From hardened steels to super rapid steels, alloy steels and even aerospace aluminum alloys and carbon alloys, Nova Sidera capitalizes on specific material characteristics to improve and optimize the performance of its machines.

The machining department comprises the following areas:
  • Welding area
  • Raw material cutting area with automatic sawing machine and Nova Sidera circle cutters
  • Removal turning area with CN lathe and manual lathes
  • Milling area with a 5-axis DMG work center (Model DMF260) and DEBER CN milling cutter (refurbished by Nova Sidera)
  • Adjusting area with column drills, grinder

Other processing

Proper alignment is essential in order to fully harness the machine’s power. The primary assembly phase of our spinning lathes is alignment of the components. The mechanical department performs the alignment following precise procedures with the aid of a 2-meter measuring arm and precision mechanical instruments guaranteeing tolerances of up to 0.02 mm.

The machine assembly tolerances are recorded in a report to be analyzed and subsequently filed with the job order.

Taste is subjective, quality is not.
We measure quality.

Technical filing.

Archiving the technical file of each individual order is another essential step in facilitating the efficiency and effectiveness of the service department. A unique job order number is associated with each machine. This number is registered in the company management software and matched with the buyer, indicating the specific machine equipment in order to guarantee both documentary and technical traceability of the individual product. In the event an issue arises, this traceability allows for quick and proper identification of the broken or defective component and ensures its replacement with minimal machine downtime. Moreover, it is also important to have record of the state of the art at the time of any retrofit, verification of compatibility with accessories requested and installed later, or the creation of compatibility kits for older machines.

The appeal of machining.

Accuracy and exactness in the machining of precision mechanical parts, in addition to quality and reliability, lead to enhanced aesthetics of the machinery.
Thanks to precise milling and grinding with 0.01-mm tolerances, our spindle supports are the foothold of the entire machine structure for both sheet spinning and even machining of the molds, finished directly in the spinning lathe. This provides a significant advantage as it creates the tool directly in the machine, making it practically perfect for production with the chosen machinery.

It all starts with solid bases

Our bases will never be too small and light or too big and heavy. They will only be properly sized. Steel is a precious asset and should be used correctly at the right points, with proportions commensurate with the actual size of the machine.

Each base consists of a normalized electro-welded steel structure with, depending on the model, internal passages or arrangements of struts and folders designed to allow proper passage of electric cables and hydraulic hoses.

Base tailstock and headstock: the importance of alignment

The assembly mechanic uses an internal procedure, with the aid of specific measuring instruments such as the measuring arm, to perform a pre-alignment of the individual unfinished components for verification of nominal dimensions before painting. Later, during assembly of the units, the center of the spindle axis is aligned with the center of the tailstock axis with a maximum tolerance of 3-4 hundredths.

In the lathes with the Nova Sidera Easy Spinning playback system, the layout of the machine is the same as that used since 1990. The machine is structured with two opposite operating areas. One part is identified by the playback joystick where the first piece is programmed while the other is the operational part for loading and unloading the pieces during production. This machine configuration allows the operator complete visibility of the work area during any self-learning programming, without the roller and mold obstructing the view, thereby benefiting from hand-eye coordination while programming the part being spun.

Spindle and turret: the winning combination

Sheet spinning deforms a metal disk or blank, transforming it into a drawn piece shaped by the mold previously mounted on the spindle. Both the spindle and turret are actively involved in the deformation process through their proper sizing and configuration.

Spindle.

The spindle supports the flange that anchors the mold. The mold replicates the desired finished shape, rotating at different speeds during the progressive deformation of the sheet metal. The spindle is located in the headstock opposite the tailstock.
Made of Fe430 steel, it encompasses high design standards through the Finite Element Method (FEM) to meet both technical and ergonomic needs.

Turret.

The turret is the component on which the material deformation rollers, trimming rollers and trim accessories are mounted. Depending on the spinning lathe model, the number of tool seats and their layout (horizontal or vertical), as well as the constructive configuration (with toolbar pass or not, fixed or with tool holder backing pad), can vary. Tool turrets allow for more demanding processing with rapid and precise tool changes.
The iteration between spindle and turret, spindle RPM, and the speed of roller passages all play an important role in the successful production of precise, high-quality lathe-turned parts. Their respective positioning provides for effortless servicing and maintenance by facilitating operator access.

Focused on energy savings since 1990

Plug and play wherever you are.

The spindle design allows for worldwide availability of spare parts and complete disassembly of the entire unit for revision. The spindle unit is designed to be “plug and play” (except for the Eureka, Vega 800/1000 and Zeus models). The customer can remove the whole spindle unit independently and send it to our service department for repair. The customer will receive the entire repaired unit ready for independent assembly on the machinery.
This approach significantly reduces machine downtime and simplifies repairs worldwide.

Just the right balance between standardization and craftsmanship.

All our spindles have a standard DIN 55027 connector, and each machine model has its own spindle size (ASA) which will be the same worldwide. This allows for interchangeability of flanges among different spinning lathe models and even different brands.

Expulsion of the piece.

Depending on the requested application, all our models can be accompanied by an ejector and/or vacuum. The expulsion of the piece can therefore be pneumatic, hydraulic or a combination of the two.
The extraction stroke varies depending on the machine model on which it is installed.

The electrical panel, a true nerve center

Built internally by design, the electrical panel is the brain of our machines. It contains components from leading international manufacturers to deliver reliable performance over time and guarantee the availability of spare parts, even after many years of service, ensuring continuity in the service life of the machine.
Even the electrical cabinet, the push-button panel arm and the entire electrical system are assembled internally by Nova Sidera. Over 2,500 meters of individually numbered and signed electrical cables make troubleshooting simple, even remotely.

Aesthetics and so much substance.

The electrical system and cabinet have been connected to Siemens numerical controls since 1990 and FANUC numerical controls since 2019. Depending on the model, the interface is full touch screen or industrial with a QWERTY keyboard.
The choice to assemble numerical controls produced exclusively by leading suppliers, rather than industrial PCs or dedicated software, guarantees easy access to service worldwide, regardless of the machine manufacturer. It also allows the customer to have a spinning lathe with machining capabilities and greater flexibility in the event of interpolation of multiple axes simultaneously using robot or Cartesian interlocking.

Artful packaging

Choosing the best packaging and transport with well-established carriers guarantees optimal arrival of your spinning lathe. Our machines travel by land (on rail or road), sea and air. Depending on the delivery method, the packaging will consist of a protective bag with drying salts, fumigated wood pallet or crate and container. Packaging instructions and anchoring photos travel with the machine to facilitate handling operations and unloading upon arrival at destination.

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The investment in a new production tool is always exciting but also a source of concern for the customer, as it undoubtedly requires the internal reorganization of both company processes and dedicated staff.
We believe it is critical to work side by side with our customers to provide support and make the new project as stress-free as possible.
In addition to the product line of spinning lathes and special sheet-forming machines, Nova Sidera also offers a complete range of services to its customers worldwide. All models, with the exception of the larger Vega and Zeus models, are designed to travel fully assembled for quick on-site commissioning at the customer’s factory.

The machinery is tested by reading specific measurements, parameters and temperatures when the machine is initially switched on and during an uninterrupted 8-hour work cycle, first carried out empty and then with a part to verify the dimensional and force limits of the machine. Once the technical testing is finished, the quality of the external appearance of the machine is verified, the CE certificate is issued and the CE plate is attached to the machine. Testing operations are coordinated between two technicians who verify each other’s results and provide cross-checks to guarantee the highest testing standards. After testing is completed, the customer is notified in order to organize training and transport.
Choosing the best packaging and transport with well-established carriers guarantees optimal arrival of your spinning lathe. Our machines travel by land (on rail or road), sea and air. Depending on the delivery method, the packaging will consist of a protective bag with drying salts, fumigated wood pallet or crate and container. Packaging instructions and anchoring photos travel with the machine to facilitate handling operations and unloading upon arrival at destination.
Proper management and operation of the machine is essential for correct and profitable use of our machinery. When the machine is ready for delivery to the customer, our service department coordinates training at our office before the machinery is shipped. At this stage, an overview of the user manual is provided for correct management of the machine, and the customer has an opportunity to become more familiar with the machine by using some of its molds.
Once the machinery arrives at the customer’s site, it is commissioned. Commissioning consists of correct positioning of the machinery in the designated work area, general inspection of the machine after the long journey, start-up and a short operational test of the main functions. Another day of customer training is provided, including a useful review of the previous training. Nova Sidera has always invested in training, as we consider it the keystone of our customer support strategy.

After sale

Our work does not end with the production of the machine; production is actually just the beginning of a long and rewarding relationship with our customers. We support our customers with on-site and remote technical service, training and updating courses, and consulting.
The year 2020 has demonstrated how important remote support is when there is little to no opportunity for travel, but it has also shown us how the proper use of well-known and widely available technology can save time and resources. Nova Sidera has been keenly aware of these tools since the early 1990s.

Updating courses and consulting. We can offer our customers updating courses, specific courses on sheet spinning and consultancy on specific projects, such as spinning and the proper use of rollers, accessories and lubricants as well as the correct machine parameter settings in order to achieve the customer’s goals.
Our service department has amplified this service delivery through the use of different technological tools alongside the traditional phone and email options. Teleservice in particular, thanks to the Transition 4.0 plan, has proven to be a useful tool for remote diagnosis and resolution of many problems or machine downtimes. Using special hardware and software installed on the machinery, technicians can connect directly to the spinning lathe as if they were on site and check machine alarms, settings, and parameters. Teleservice is also useful for support during programming to identify any errors in the processing program script. The hardware and software used is selected to ensure the highest safety standards in terms of cyber security.
Our specific experience allows us to assist our customers with the production of feasibility and process samples. Everything is managed with utmost confidentiality, reinforced through signed confidentiality agreements, to protect mutual industrial properties.
Maintenance packages and routine service. Proper annual maintenance is essential in order to reduce machine downtime and limit drops in performance of the machinery. Our service department offers support for both repairs and troubleshooting, as well as routine and special maintenance and remote service. Several packages are available to meet the wide-ranging needs of our customers.
Rollers, accessories and consumables. When it comes to high performance, the details make the difference. For a race car, the choice of tires is essential; likewise, the choice of rollers and accessories is fundamental for metal spinning. Nova Sidera can offer accessories of various shapes and materials thanks to its long history of research into the finishing needs and ergonomics of the sheet spinning sector. We can supply customized accessories and rollers by request as well. Proper lubrication of the rollers is also very important. Different types of lubrication are necessary depending on the material being formed and the rollers used. The lubricant facilitates processing and protects against wear of the materials by balancing the right amount of oils and avoiding waste. Nova Sidera can provide recommendations in this area as well.