Why RS Technology Is a Game Changer
RS Technology is a patented redesign of how a bar feeder connects to a Swiss-type lathe. Traditional bar feeders use a telescopic nose — a collapsible tube that bridges the gap between the feeder and the lathe spindle. As Swiss lathes have evolved with longer Z-axis strokes, that gap has widened, making the telescopic nose increasingly prone to the jump rope effect. RS Technology replaces it entirely with a different interface, representing the most significant mechanical change to bar feeder design in roughly two decades and currently available exclusively in North America through Edge Technologies.
How Does RS Technology Work?
Instead of the telescopic nose device that traditionally connects the machine tool and bar feeder, the bar feeder uses RS technology. A steady-rest mounts directly to the back of machine tool’s headstock, providing material support at the back of the spindle, while an extension tube or guide module (what could be considered a sliding spindle liner) is internal to the bar feeder. As raw material travels, the integrated and oiled sliding guide module and moving steady rest provide superior bar pusher and stock support in the transition zone between the bar feeder and lathe spindle.
How RS Works:
(1) Steady rest mounts to headstock
(2) Sliding guide module travels inside bar feeder
(3) Both components move in sync with the spindle stroke
(4) Bar is continuously supported through the transition zone with no unsupported gap
10 Reasons RS Technology Is a Game Changer
1. With the gap between bar feeder and lathe minimized, RS Technology reduces vibration and eliminates the jump rope effect.
Early performance indicators in Europe have shown 15% higher RPM, with some shops running ¾ bar stock at 10,000 RPM in non-guide-bushing mode.
2. RS Technology provides extra stability at the back of the spindle, where it is needed the most.
During one presentation, we saw an FMB Turbo RS 3-38 running 5/8 with no oil at 10,000 RPM, and the machine didn’t even vibrate enough to feel vibrations on the bar feeder hood.
3. With the gap eliminated, RS Technology can be installed closer to the back of the machine tool, requiring less floor space.
On a shop floor, every bit of available space counts. Without a telescopic nose, the RS Series saves about 12” to 18” in space.
In addition, on FMB’s Turbo RS 3-38 (the company’s flagship automatic magazine bar feeder, and first to roll out with RS Technology), a swing-out bar pusher bar system also reduces the total length of the loading magazine.
4. RS Technology spells bigger performance enhancements for bigger lathes while reducing the need for additional bar feeder accessories.
RS Technology reduces or eliminates the need for several gap-bridging accessories that Swiss lathe operators typically require — including MAVDs (vibration-dampening roller devices mounted between the bar feeder and lathe, also called anti-vibration devices or steady rollers depending on the manufacturer), pusher extensions, and axial shift devices. On larger lathes especially, where these accessories are most often required, the cost difference between a standard and RS-equipped model is largely offset by the accessories that are no longer needed.
5. RS Technology is especially useful for Swiss lathes with longer Z-axis strokes.
FMB’s RS technology eliminates the need for telescopic noses, extended pushers, and Z-axis axial track, all of which were accessories designed to minimize the gap between the bar feeder and lathe.
6. RS Technology simplifies the process for the end user.
With changeovers, you no longer need to take the steady rest off. Changeovers are as simple as pulling a pin for a guide channel and changing a tube to match the pusher.
7. RS Technology makes up the difference for any spindle weaknesses on a lathe.
Early performance indicators suggest 20% increase in tool life, especially on applications with big cuts, where the heat can be detrimental to the tool.
8. RS Technology works especially well for difficult materials, as well as profiled materials like hex stock.
Bent bar has been known to slip out of a pusher collet. What’s worse, if the pusher plane, AVD, and MAVD aren’t laser-lined on the same center, the pusher plane itself can cause the bar to arch. The RS outperforms all other machines with a wavy bar.
RS Technology is especially valuable for shops running difficult or out-of-spec material. Because the sliding guide module and moving steady rest continuously support the bar through the transition zone, bent or profiled stock — such as hex bar — is less likely to slip the pusher collet or cause the bar to arch.
9. RS Technology is especially useful for demanding applications such as non-guide bushing mode.
The series also outperforms traditional setups when running without a guide bushing (sometimes called chucker mode), eliminating the need for an axial shift device or pusher extension — accessories that extend the bar feeder’s reach but introduce additional alignment variables. For those who need a 42mm guide channel set, the FMB Turbo RS 4-45 enables you to run 1 1/2 and 1 5/8 in a Swiss machine.
10. The RS is built on the same tried-and-true platform of the original Turbo 3-38.
The Turbo 3-38 has always led the way in bar feeding rigidity, and the RS will only increase the ability of the 3-38 line.
Measured RS Performance Benchmarks:
- 15% higher RPM in European field trials
- 10,000 RPM on ¾” bar stock in non-guide-bushing mode
- 20% increase in tool life on heavy-cut applications
- 12″–18″ floor space savings versus telescopic-nose setups
Edge Technologies can guide you with RS Technology.
The FMB Turbo RS series builds on the proven platform of the original Turbo line — known for its extruded aluminum base and rigid construction — and adds RS Technology to address three specific limitations of telescopic-nose designs: vibration in the transition zone, floor space consumed by gap-bridging accessories, and spindle support at the back of the headstock where bars are most vulnerable to deflection.
The technology is currently available on the FMB Turbo RS 2-20, FMB Turbo RS 3-38 and FMB Turbo RS 4-45, revolutionizing Swiss-type lathes across a wide spectrum of bar stock sizes. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to giving you the tools and service you need so you can focus on high-quality products and exceptional service for your customers.
